1. Program Definition and Services

Behavior Support Services in South Dakota help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) develop positive behavioral skills and reduce challenging behaviors. The program delivers professional evaluation, design, and execution of therapeutic strategies to improve stability, safety, and community integration. Services include:

• In-Home Support: Conducting Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), creating individualized Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), and providing direct behavior coaching or data tracking inside the participant's family or private home
• Residential & Facility Support: Training site personnel, executing crisis de-escalation protocols, and conducting structured clinical monitoring across licensed community-based residential environments or habilitation settings

2. Regulations

The program is governed by the following regulations:

• Administrative Rules of South Dakota (ARSD) Section 46:11:05:05.02 (Behavior Support Plan Policy and Analysis Prerequisites)
• Administrative Rules of South Dakota (ARSD) Section 46:11:05:12 (Behavior Support Committee Review Guidelines)
• South Dakota Codified Laws (SDCL) Chapter 27B-8 (Protection of Rights of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities)
• Federal Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Settings Final Rule (Title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 441.301)

3. Licensing or Certification

Providers must be formally approved as waiver-based service vendors or integrated Community Support Providers (CSPs) recognized by the South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS). The organization must maintain an active provider agreement under the CHOICES or Family Support 360 Waiver and fulfill state Human Rights Committee (HRC) validation standards.

4. Responsible State Agency

The South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), is responsible for processing agency registrations, verifying professional behavioral credentials, monitoring restrictive procedures, and enforcing HCBS quality metrics.

5. Application Process

The application process is conducted through the electronic South Dakota Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal, alongside supplemental credential reviews managed directly by the DHS-DDD. Agencies must submit specialized service frameworks, clinician registries, and organizational safeguards online to secure active status.

6. Required Documentation

While specific documentation requirements vary based on the target waiver, providers typically need to submit:

• Proof of compliance with state safety, behavioral restriction, and FBA criteria
• Agency-specific Behavior Support Services Policy & Procedure Manual
• Verified clinical credentials ( active BCBA certifications or master's level licenses) for all supervisory staff
• Proof of comprehensive general liability and professional malpractice insurance

7. Timeline for Approval

The exact timeline for approval fluctuates based on agency capacity. Providers should contact the DHS Division of Developmental Disabilities for detailed information on current clinical application processing timeframes.

8. Pre-Application Process

Prospective providers must complete specific foundation tasks before applying. They must establish their business entity with the South Dakota Secretary of State, secure a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN), and obtain an agency Type 2 National Provider Identifier (NPI).

9. Pre-Application Training

The state hosts mandatory administrative, clinical documentation, and program compliance onboarding modules online. Access details are distributed to qualified organizations once their baseline provider portal forms and professional qualifications are vetted.

10. Additional Notes

• Any behavior plan that incorporates highly restrictive interventions or chemical/physical restraints must be approved by an authorized Behavior Support Committee (BSC) prior to implementation
• All primary behavior specialists must complete the formal DHS-administered Functional Behavior Analysis and Behavior Support Plan training modules
• Direct support professionals and intervention technicians must pass mandatory state fingerprint-based criminal clearances and child/adult abuse registry checks
• Providers must keep detailed baseline files containing initial assessments, daily objective tracking charts, and quarterly progress summaries for Medicaid compliance reviews

Why Choose Waiver Consulting Group?

Starting or expanding your Medicaid waiver-funded agency can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. At Waiver Consulting Group, we simplify the process by guiding you through licensing, compliance, provider enrollment, policies & procedures, and regulatory approvals in any state.

With proven expertise, a structured process, and ongoing support, we take the guesswork out of launching your healthcare business. Whether you're a first-time entrepreneur or an established provider looking to expand, our team ensures you stay compliant, competitive, and fully operational.

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