1. Program Definition and Services 

Residential Habilitation provides ongoing services and supports to participants in a provider-operated residential setting. The services are designed to assist participants in acquiring, maintaining, or improving the skills necessary to live in a community setting. Services include: 

• Daily staff intervention 

• Care and supervision 

• Skills training in activities of daily living 

• Home management 

• Community integration 

• 24-hour staffing 

• Medical and health-care services integral to meeting daily needs 

2. Regulations 

Residential Habilitation in Massachusetts is governed by: 

• 130 CMR 630.426: Residential Habilitation 

• 130 CMR 630.000: Home and Community-Based Services Waiver Services 

3. Licensing or Certification 

Providers must be certified by MassHealth to participate as a Residential Habilitation provider. Certification ensures compliance with state and federal regulations specific to Medicaid-funded programs. 

4. Responsible State Agency 

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is responsible for payment to providers for residential habilitation 

5. Application Process 

The application process is conducted online through the MassHealth Provider Online Service Center. Providers must complete the MassHealth provider application and agreement. 

6. Required Documentation 

To become a Residential Habilitation provider, an entity must provide: 

• Completed MassHealth provider application 

• Proof of experience in providing residential habilitation services 

• Evidence of compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations 

• Policies and procedures manual outlining compliance with HCBS waiver requirements 

• Staff qualifications and training records 

• Proof of liability insurance coverage 

• Tax identification number (TIN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN) 

7. Timeline for Approval 

The approval process timeline is not specified in the available information. Providers should contact MassHealth directly for more details on the approval process timeline. 

8. Pre-Application Process 

There is no specific pre-application process mentioned in the available information. 

9. Pre-Application Training 

While no specific pre-application training is mentioned, providers must demonstrate the ability to meet the service requirements and regulations governing residential habilitation. 

• Residential habilitation is not covered for participants who live with their immediate family unless the family members are also eligible for residential habilitation 

• The following waiver services are not available to participants receiving residential habilitation: assisted living, shared living - 24 hour supports 

• Providers must comply with the Home and Community-Based Settings Rule (42 CFR 441.301(c)(4))  

• Massachusetts has been working on transitioning its HCBS services to comply with federal regulations, which may impact residential habilitation services  

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