Adult Day Health Services in Arkansas provide a safe, structured environment during daytime hours for individuals who need health monitoring, personal care, and social activities but do not require 24-hour institutional care. These services are offered under the Arkansas Medicaid Waiver Programs, helping individuals maintain independence and remain in their homes while providing relief to family caregivers.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) – Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services
Role: Regulates Adult Day Health programs and ensures compliance with service delivery standards

Agency: Arkansas Medicaid / Division of Medical Services (DMS)
Role: Administers Medicaid funding, reimbursement, and enrollment for adult day health providers

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal oversight for HCBS waiver services, including adult day health care

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2. ADULT DAY HEALTH SERVICE OVERVIEW

Adult Day Health Services provide comprehensive daytime care, offering a mix of health supervision, personal assistance, therapeutic activities, and nutrition services in a group setting. The services promote mental, physical, and social well-being.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Nursing care and health monitoring by licensed staff
• Medication administration and vital sign checks
• Assistance with ADLs, including toileting, eating, and mobility
• Nutritional meals and snacks, with dietary modifications
• Recreational and social activities
• Physical, occupational, or speech therapies (if applicable)
• Transportation coordination (if provided or arranged)
• Daily documentation of care and progress

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3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register your business with the Arkansas Secretary of State
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Apply for Adult Day Health program licensure through DHS
• Comply with state fire marshal and health inspections
• Complete Arkansas Medicaid provider enrollment
• Hire qualified nursing and direct care staff
• Develop structured daily schedules and care protocols

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4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: DHS Adult Day Health Licensure

• Submit program application, staffing model, and policies
• Prepare for onsite inspection covering safety, nutrition, staffing, and medical protocols
• Receive license approval and service authorization

Step 2: Medicaid Provider Enrollment

• Apply through the Arkansas Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal
• Submit facility license, NPI, staffing details, and EFT info
• Receive Medicaid provider number and billing setup instructions

Step 3: Referral Partnerships

• Coordinate with case managers, hospitals, and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) to begin accepting clients

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License
• IRS EIN Letter
• NPI confirmation
• Adult Day Health program license
• Medicaid enrollment confirmation

Policy & procedure manual including:

• Participant intake and care plan development
• Medication administration and health monitoring protocols
• Emergency response plans and safety drills
• Daily activity schedules and staff-to-participant ratios
• Infection control and food safety procedures
• Client rights, consent forms, and grievance policies
• Transportation logs (if applicable)
• Billing, attendance tracking, and service documentation

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Program Director / Administrator
Requirements: Experience managing adult day services or healthcare programs

Role: Registered Nurse (RN) / Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Requirements: Valid Arkansas license, CPR certification, experience in geriatrics or disability care

Role: Direct Care Worker / Program Aide
Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED
• Completion of caregiver or CNA training
• Background check and adult/child maltreatment clearance

Training Requirements for All Staff:

• ADL assistance, fall prevention, and elder care techniques
• Medication handling and infection control
• Documentation and client interaction protocols
• Annual skills reviews and emergency preparedness drills

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7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Adult Day Health Services are authorized under:

• ARChoices in Homecare Waiver
• Living Choices Assisted Living Waiver
• Independent Choices Program (for respite referrals)
• State Plan Personal Care (if coordinated with day services)

Approved providers may deliver:

• Full-day or part-day structured care
• Health and social support services in a center-based setting
• Care plan updates and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Transportation assistance as part of the daily plan (if applicable)

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8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation
Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Program License Application & Site Approval
Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment & Claims Setup
Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Staff Hiring, Training & Program Scheduling
Timeline: 30–45 days

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9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Arkansas Department of Human Services – Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services
Phone: (501) 686-9164
Website: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/about-dhs/daabhs

Arkansas Department of Health – Facility Services & Licensing
Phone: (501) 661-2201
Website: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov

Arkansas Medicaid Provider Enrollment
Website: https://portal.mmis.arkansas.gov

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10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business registration (LLC, EIN, NPI)
• Adult Day Health program licensure and inspection prep
• Medicaid enrollment and billing setup
• Policy & procedure manual for nursing, ADLs, and activity programming
• Templates for care plans, medication logs, and staff checklists
• Website, domain, and email setup
• Staff credentialing trackers and supervision logs
• Client intake packet, consent forms, and behavior plans
• Incident reporting systems and audit preparation tools
• Referral networking with AAAs, hospitals, and community case managers