SUPPORTING INDEPENDENCE THROUGH HANDS-ON ASSISTANCE WITH DAILY LIVING ACTIVITIES IN HOME AND COMMUNITY SETTINGS

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD)
Role: Administers Personal Assistance Services for individuals under the NOW and COMP waivers

Agency: Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH)
Role: Oversees Medicaid enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement for Personal Assistance Services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal oversight ensuring Personal Assistance Services meet Medicaid HCBS standards

2. PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Personal Assistance Services offer hands-on support with daily activities to help participants maintain independence and full participation in community life.

Approved providers may deliver assistance with:

• Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, eating, and mobility
• Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) such as shopping, meal preparation, laundry, light housekeeping, and medication reminders
• Assistance with community outings and transportation coordination (non-medical)
• Monitoring health and well-being and reporting changes to care teams
• Support with communication, social interaction, and basic safety monitoring
• Emergency response support

All services must align with the participant’s Individual Service Plan (ISP) and promote self-direction, independence, and dignity.

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3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the Georgia Secretary of State
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Enroll as a Medicaid provider through the Georgia Medicaid Management Information System (GAMMIS)
• Complete DBHDD Provider Enrollment for Personal Assistance Services
• Maintain general liability insurance
• Develop policies for participant intake, service delivery, emergency response, and participant rights protection

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4. DBHDD/DCH PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Submit a Letter of Intent to DBHDD to provide Personal Assistance Services
• Complete a pre-qualification checklist including business registration, insurance, and staffing plans

Application and Documentation Submission:

• Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, operational policies, and participant intake forms
• Provide staff training documentation and sample daily service logs

Program Readiness Review:

• DBHDD reviews provider readiness including participant protection protocols, staffing plans, and service delivery systems

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

• Upon DBHDD approval, complete Medicaid enrollment through GAMMIS
• Configure billing codes specific to Personal Assistance Services

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5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License (Georgia Secretary of State)
• IRS EIN confirmation
• NPI confirmation
• Proof of general liability insurance

DBHDD-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:

• Participant intake, needs assessment, and service planning procedures
• ADL and IADL assistance protocols
• Health monitoring and emergency response procedures
• Daily documentation and incident tracking systems
• Client rights, HIPAA confidentiality, and grievance handling procedures
• Staff credentialing, background screening, and training records
• Medicaid billing, service authorization tracking, and audit readiness documentation

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Personal Assistance Services Program Manager / Supervisor
Requirements: Experience in personal care, disability services, or community support management preferred; background screening clearance

Role: Personal Care Aides / Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)
Requirements: High school diploma or GED; CPR/First Aid certification; background screening clearance

All staff must complete:

• Person-centered service delivery and participant rights training
• HIPAA confidentiality and abuse prevention training
• Emergency preparedness, CPR/First Aid, and incident response training
• Annual continuing education on direct support best practices and Medicaid service documentation

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

The following Georgia Medicaid Waivers authorize Personal Assistance Services:

• Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program (COMP)
• New Options Waiver Program (NOW)
• Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program (EDWP)

Approved providers may deliver:

• Direct assistance with ADLs and IADLs in home and community settings
• Community access support services
• Health and safety monitoring to maintain participant well-being
• Emergency backup assistance when needed

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8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Initial Setup
Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: DBHDD Provider Application and Readiness Review
Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Hiring, Credentialing, and Service System Setup
Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment and Billing System Configuration
Timeline: 45–60 days

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9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD)
Website: https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/

Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH)
Website: https://dch.georgia.gov/

Georgia Medicaid Management Information System (GAMMIS)
Website: https://www.mmis.georgia.gov/

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10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business registration and EIN/NPI setup
• DBHDD and Medicaid provider enrollment support
• Development of Personal Assistance Services Policy & Procedure Manual
• Staff credentialing templates and participant intake documentation
• Medicaid billing system setup and claims management
• Website, domain, and email setup
• Participant intake, daily service documentation, and incident tracking templates
• Emergency preparedness and health monitoring procedures
• Quality assurance programs for service delivery monitoring
• Community networking and referral partnership strategies

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — GEORGIA PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES PROVIDER

We support direct support agencies, caregiving organizations, and personal care providers in launching Medicaid-compliant Personal Assistance Services under Georgia’s HCBS waiver programs

To get started, click the link to request portal access.