DELIVERING 24/7 SUPPORT IN A COMMUNITY-BASED SETTING FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Group Home Services in Alaska provide structured, 24-hour residential care in a licensed setting for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who require ongoing support. Offered under Alaska’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waiver programs, group homes ensure safety, personal development, and community integration in a shared-living environment that promotes choice, independence, and person-centered care.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Alaska Department of Health – Division of Senior and Disabilities Services (SDS)
Role: Licenses and monitors group homes, ensures service quality, and enforces compliance with HCBS and residential care regulations

Agency: Alaska Medicaid (under the Department of Health)
Role: Administers Medicaid provider enrollment and reimbursement for Group Home Services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal oversight to ensure services meet HCBS person-centered, community-based care requirements

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2. GROUP HOME SERVICE OVERVIEW

Group Home Services offer supervised residential care and support for individuals who need assistance with daily living tasks, behavior support, and health monitoring in a community-based, licensed group setting. Services focus on helping residents reach their highest level of independence while being part of a shared home.

Approved providers may deliver:

• 24/7 supervision and assistance with ADLs (bathing, dressing, grooming)
• Medication administration and health-related services
• Behavior management and individualized skill-building
• Meal preparation and dietary accommodations
• Household cleaning and laundry assistance
• Social, recreational, and community engagement activities
• Documentation of daily progress and incidents

Group Homes must comply with environmental, staffing, and health & safety standards set by SDS and state licensing authorities.

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3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Apply for and obtain a Residential Assisted Living License through the Division of Health Care Services
• Maintain adequate insurance (general liability, workers’ comp, vehicle if applicable)
• Ensure group home meets local fire, health, and safety codes
• Establish systems for scheduling, supervision, documentation, and staff training

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4. SDS PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Contact SDS to request the Group Home Services Provider Application Packet
• Attend SDS residential services orientation or training (recommended)

Application and Program Review:

• Submit a complete business and program plan, including house operations, staffing, and individualized support models
• Include floor plans, fire inspection approvals, and zoning verification
• Provide staff job descriptions, emergency procedures, and behavior support policies

Readiness Inspection:

• SDS and licensing authorities conduct a physical inspection of the group home
• Staff credentialing, background checks, and first aid/CPR verification
• Review of compliance with training standards and individualized support documentation

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

• Once SDS and licensing approval is granted, enroll through Alaska MMIS as a Medicaid Group Home Services provider
• Select appropriate billing codes under the relevant HCBS Waivers
• Finalize Medicaid provider agreement and electronic claims access

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5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License
• IRS EIN Letter
• NPI confirmation
• Residential Assisted Living Home License
• Proof of home location (lease, deed) and fire safety inspection

SDS-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:

• Admission, intake, and discharge procedures
• Staff-to-resident ratio policies and supervision schedules
• ADL support, health monitoring, and medication administration protocols
• Emergency and fire evacuation plans
• Participant rights, privacy, and personal choice protocols
• Behavior support planning and incident reporting systems
• Daily documentation, progress notes, and staff training logs
• Transportation, meal planning, and community engagement policies

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6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: House Manager / Program Supervisor
Requirements: Experience managing residential programs, knowledge of HCBS standards, supervisory experience

Role: Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Requirements: High school diploma or GED, training in personal care, CPR/First Aid certification, background clearance

All staff must complete:

• SDS orientation and waiver program training
• Medication administration and ADL support protocols
• Behavior support and crisis intervention training
• Documentation and confidentiality standards
• Ongoing annual training in ethics, safety, and quality assurance

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7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

The following Alaska Medicaid Waivers authorize Group Home Services:

• Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Waiver
• Adults with Physical and Developmental Disabilities (APDD) Waiver
• Children with Complex Medical Conditions (CCMC) Waiver (for licensed group homes serving minors)

Approved providers may deliver:

• 24/7 habilitative support in a licensed group home
• Individualized service plans and behavior support implementation
• Daily activity support, medication monitoring, and health documentation
• Community integration and meaningful engagement

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8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Licensing Prep
Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: SDS and Residential Licensing Application Review
Timeline: 60–120 days

Phase: Staff Hiring, Training, and Readiness Checks
Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment and MMIS Setup
Timeline: 45–60 days

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9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Alaska Department of Health – Division of Senior and Disabilities Services (SDS)
Email: dsdsprovider@alaska.gov
Phone: (907) 269-3666
Website: https://dhss.alaska.gov/dsds

Assisted Living Licensing – Division of Health Care Services
Phone: (907) 334-2400
Website: https://health.alaska.gov/dhcs

Alaska Medicaid Provider Enrollment – Conduent MMIS
Website: https://medicaidalaska.com

10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business registration (LLC, EIN, NPI)
• Assisted Living License application support
• SDS provider application and home inspection readiness
• Development of Group Home Policy & Procedure Manual
• Staff job descriptions, training logs, and daily documentation templates
• Medicaid enrollment and MMIS billing setup
• WEBSITE, DOMAIN, AND EMAIL SETUP
• CLIENT INTAKE AND INDIVIDUALIZED SERVICE PLAN PACKET
• MARKETING AND REFERRAL MATERIALS FOR CASE MANAGERS
• INCIDENT TRACKING, FIRE SAFETY, AND EMERGENCY READINESS TOOLS
• STAFF RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION STRATEGIES
• RESIDENT REFERRAL SUPPORT AND COMMUNITY INTEGRATION PLANS