1. Program Definition and Services

Assistive Technology (AT) Services in South Carolina provide specialized tools, automated devices, and engineering services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, autism, or traumatic brain injuries. The program increases communication capacity and environmental control, reducing reliance on physical care interventions to ensure safe community living. Services include:

• In-Home Personal Care: Client-centered evaluations and training completed inside the participant's primary residence (Individualized Functional Appraisals, Communication Device Setup, Environment Smart-Home Syncing, and Interactive Caregiver Device Coaching)
• Residential Personal Care: Equipment fulfillment and mechanical oversight managed from a physical hardware lab or vendor facility (Device Engineering and Programming, Product Warranty Tracking, Adaptive Switch Customization, and Specialized Hardware Repairs)

2. Regulations

The program is governed by the following regulations:

• South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (SCDDSN) Assistive Technology Standards
• SCDDSN Directive 567-01-DD (Employee Onboarding and Competency Training)
• SCDDSN Directive 406-04-DD (Criminal Record Background Disqualifications)
• Federal 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver Frameworks

3. Licensing or Certification

Providers delivering specialized assistive technology must secure formal Provider Qualification from the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (SCDDSN). Per state mandates, evaluating staff must maintain verified credentials as an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) through RESNA, or hold a valid SC Clinical Therapy License.

4. Responsible State Agency

The South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (SCDDSN) and Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) are responsible for reviewing applications and certifying adult health providers. SCDHHS retains final authority over global Medicaid provider numbers, enrollment verification systems, and the disbursement of automated billing codes.

5. Application Process

The application process is conducted through a multi-stage sequence, beginning with an entry-level qualification application uploaded to the SCDDSN Application Portal. Once an official programmatic qualification approval letter is issued, the provider submits a subsequent enrollment package through the electronic SCDHHS portal to activate billing codes.

6. Required Documentation

To achieve approved enrollment status, assistive technology providers must submit:

• State Business Registration and Articles of Organization from the SC Secretary of State
• Verification of active professional credentials (RESNA ATP Certification or State OT/PT/SLP License)
• Assistive Technology Operations Policy & Procedure Manual (covering procurement protocols, product safety, and training tracking)
• Certified South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) background clearances for all technicians and consultants
• Certificates of commercial general liability, professional malpractice, and product liability insurance policies

7. Timeline for Approval

The exact timeline for approval fluctuates based on agency capacity. Providers should contact their regional CLTC office or waiver administrator for detailed information on current processing timeframes, which generally take 2 to 4 months.

8. Pre-Application Process

Prospective providers must complete specific foundation tasks before applying. They must establish their business entity structure with the SC Secretary of State and secure an IRS EIN alongside an Organizational Type 2 NPI. An inventory space or coordination office must be secured to adequately process, sanitize, and configure medical equipment and adaptive hardware devices.

9. Pre-Application Training

The state hosts mandatory administrative and compliance training sessions online. Access details are sent to qualified applicants or made available via state learning management platforms (such as the Therapy or SCDDSN frameworks) once preliminary organizational paperwork is established.

10. Additional Notes

• Providers must ensure that configured smart-home applications or environmental control units meet all state electrical and client accessibility safety guidelines
• In-Home Personal Care and device programming strategies must be provided directly by the certified agency's background-cleared, employed personnel
• All direct care and clinical staff must undergo mandatory background screenings, including a pre-employment SLED check and a federal OIG exclusion registry evaluation
• Providers must maintain detailed records of item specifications, signed device delivery receipts, and localized training logs for Medicaid documentation and billing verification

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