Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) – Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS)

Role: Approves providers, authorizes services, and oversees implementation under the CES Waiver

Arkansas Medicaid / Division of Medical Services (DMS)

Role: Administers Medicaid reimbursement and provider enrollment for AT services

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight of Medicaid and HCBS waiver compliance

2. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICE OVERVIEW 

Assistive Technology Services involve the evaluation, selection, acquisition, customization, and maintenance of devices that assist individuals in achieving greater independence. Devices may be low-tech or high-tech and must be medically necessary and included in the person's Individualized Service Plan (ISP).

Approved providers may deliver: 

• AT assessments and evaluations
• Procurement and setup of approved devices and equipment
• Device customization and configuration
• Training for individuals, caregivers, and staff
• Maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of AT devices
• Documentation of service delivery and impact on ISP goals

Examples of covered equipment may include

• Communication devices (AAC)
• Mobility aids (e.g., walkers, electronic lifts)
• Environmental controls (e.g., smart switches, alarms)
• Sensory integration tools
• Modified utensils or adaptive computer accessories

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 through the DDS CES Waiver Provider Application
• Complete Medicaid provider enrollment via the Arkansas Medicaid Portal
• Maintain liability insurance and device tracking systems
• Hire staff or consultants with experience in occupational therapy, rehab technology, or AT delivery

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Medicaid Enrollment

• Apply through the Arkansas Medicaid Provider Portal
• Select AT under CES Waiver services
• Submit organizational documents, staff credentials, and EFT setup

Step 2: DDS CES Waiver Provider Application

• Submit service delivery model, staff qualifications, and equipment procurement policies
• Include documentation templates for device installation and consumer training

Step 3: Approval and ISP Coordination

Once approved, begin receiving referrals from support coordinators for ISP-authorized services

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License
• IRS EIN Letter
• NPI confirmation
• Medicaid provider enrollment confirmation
• DDS CES Waiver provider approval

Policy & procedure manual including: AT assessment and procurement workflows

• Inventory and delivery tracking logs
• Device training protocols for clients and caregivers
• Warranty and repair management procedures
• Documentation and billing templates
• Consent, rights, and HIPAA compliance policies
• Incident reporting and quality assurance measures

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Assistive Technology Specialist / Coordinator Requirements: Experience in rehabilitation, occupational therapy, or assistive technology; certification preferred

Role: Technician / Delivery & Setup Staff Requirements

• Knowledge of AT devices and basic customization
• Clean background check and understanding of client safety
• Comfort with client interaction and in-home services

Training Requirements for All Staff

• AT device safety and sanitation
• Client privacy and HIPAA standards
• Documentation and equipment tracking
• Annual updates on emerging technologies and compliance

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Assistive Technology Services are available under: 

• Community and Employment Supports (CES) Waiver
• ARChoices in Homecare Waiver (limited use, as authorized)

Approved providers may deliver: 

• AT device selection, purchase, and installation
• Client and caregiver training
• Maintenance and troubleshooting
• Documentation aligned with ISP outcomes

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase 1: Business Formation Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase 2:  Medicaid Enrollment & CES Waiver Provider Application Timeline: 45–90 days

Phase 3:  Staff Hiring and Equipment Sourcing Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase 4: Service Readiness and Referral Coordination Timeline: 2–4 weeks

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Arkansas Department of Human Services – Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) Email: ddsproviderinfo@dhs.arkansas.gov Phone: (501) 683-5687 Website: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/about-dhs/dms/dds

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

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — ARKANSAS ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES PROVIDER

We help organizations launch Medicaid-compliant Assistive Technology Services in Arkansas, from provider setup to service delivery and documentation.

SCOPE OF WORK (i.e. What Waiver Consulting Group (WCG) Does)

Our Client Portal offers a wealth of resources that you can explore related to various programs and state requirements. Getting Started