1. Program Definition and Services
Adult Companion Services in Alaska are non-medical services designed to provide supervision, socialization, and emotional support to individuals aged 18 or older. These services aim to:
- Facilitate independence and community inclusion.
- Prevent isolation by encouraging engagement in social and recreational activities.
- Support therapeutic or habilitation goals outlined in the individual’s support plan.
- Companions may assist with tasks such as:
- Light housekeeping
- Meal preparation
- Shopping (as part of skill-building activities like budgeting)
- Laundry (if incidental to care and supervision)
These services are not purely diversional but are tied to therapeutic or habilitation goals, such as promoting mental and emotional health or maintaining functional abilities.
2. Regulations
Adult Companion Services are governed by:
- Alaska Administrative Code (AAC) 7 AAC 130.260 (for habilitative services)
- Section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act for Medicaid Home and Community-Based Waiver Services
3. Licensing or Certification
Certification is required to provide Adult Companion Services in Alaska. Providers must meet the standards outlined by the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS).
4. Responsible State Agency
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Senior and Disabilities Services, oversees certification and regulation of Adult Companion Service provider.
5. Application Process
The application process involves submitting a completed Provider Certification Application to the Division of Senior and Disabilities Services. Applications can be submitted online or by mail, depending on the department's requirements.
6. Required Documentation
The following documents are typically required for certification:
- Completed Provider Certification Application (Cert 01 form)
- Current State of Alaska business license
- Proof of staff training specific to Adult Companion Services
- Policies and procedures for service delivery, including safety protocols
- Background check results for all staff providing direct services
- Documentation demonstrating compliance with Medicaid waiver requirements
7. Timeline for Approval
The timeline for approval is not explicitly stated but generally depends on the completeness of the application and the department's review process. Providers should expect several weeks for processing.
8. Pre-Application Process
No specific pre-application process is mentioned; however, providers are encouraged to ensure all documentation is complete prior to submission.
9. Pre-Application Training
Although no formal pre-application training is mandated, providers must ensure that staff receive adequate training in:
- Non-medical care and supervision
- Socialization techniques
- Supporting therapeutic or habilitation goals
Ongoing training may also be required as part of compliance with state regulations.
10. Additional Notes
Service Limitations: Adult Companion Services cannot include hands-on personal care tasks such as bathing, toileting, or medical assistance.
Remote Support: A portion of services may be delivered remotely if justified in the recipient’s support plan.
Billing: The service is billed at a state-established rate, typically in 15-minute increments.
Therapeutic Focus: All activities must align with therapeutic, or community integration goals outlined in the individual’s support plan.
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