Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)Oversees Medicaid reimbursement and provider compliance for community-based services

Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) – Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)Authorizes and monitors providers of community integration services for individuals with developmental disabilities

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)Enforces HCBS Final Rule standards for community integration, inclusion, and person-centered practices

2. COMMUNITY INTEGRATION SERVICE OVERVIEW 

Community Integration Services promote inclusion and participation in everyday community life. Services are individualized, goal-oriented, and provided in non-institutional settings. They support individuals in building skills, confidence, and social networks.

Approved providers may deliver: 

• Support to attend recreational, cultural, and educational events
• Volunteer or community engagement coordination
• Social skill-building in real-world settings
• Assistance navigating public spaces, transportation, and community resources
• One-on-one or group-based community support
• Documentation of progress aligned with the individual's person-centered service plan

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Register business with the Arizona Corporation Commission
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Apply through the Qualified Vendor Application and Directory System (QVADS) (if serving DDD members)
• Carry general liability and auto insurance (if transporting clients)
• Hire staff with community support experience
• Develop clear documentation and person-centered planning procedures

4. DDD QUALIFIED VENDOR ENROLLMENT PROCESS 

Step 1: Orientation and Application Prep

• Attend a required DDD Qualified Vendor orientation
• Prepare documents outlining your approach to community inclusion and individualized supports

Step 2: Submit QVADS Application

Include: Service delivery plans and documentation templates

• Staffing plan and training protocols
• Sample activity calendars and community outing plans
• Safety protocols and emergency response procedures

Step 3: Review and Contract Finalization

• Upon approval, sign the Qualified Vendor Agreement
• Services are listed in the public directory for case manager referrals

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION 

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License
• IRS EIN Letter
• NPI confirmation
• QVADS registration confirmation

Policy & procedure manual including: Intake procedures and service planning

• Community activity guidelines and tracking logs
• Staff training and supervision structure
• Transportation policies and risk management
• Emergency preparedness and incident reporting
• Documentation of participation, goals, and outcomes
• Participant rights, informed consent, and grievance procedures

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS 

Role: Community Integration Coordinator Requirements: Experience in disability support services, case management, or community outreach

Role: Community Support Specialist / Direct Support Staff Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED
• CPR/First Aid and Article 9 training (required for DDD)
• Background check clearance
• Knowledge of community resources and social coaching

Training Requirements for All Staff:

• Person-centered planning and activity support
• Community safety and transportation supervision
• Documentation and progress tracking
• Ethics, confidentiality, and participant rights

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES 

Community Integration Services are authorized under

ALTCS – Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Waiver

ALTCS – Elderly and Physically Disabled (EPD) Waiver (in limited cases)

Approved providers may deliver:

• One-on-one or small-group support in community settings
• Life enrichment and socialization activities
• Goal-based coaching and confidence-building
• Documentation of services and progress toward ISP outcomes

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH 

Phase Business Formation Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase QVADS Application and Policy Submission Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase Staff Hiring and Training Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase AHCCCS Medicaid Enrollment and Billing Setup Timeline: 45–60 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION 

Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) – Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Email: DDDProviderRegistration@azdes.gov Phone: (602) 542-6874 Website: https://des.az.gov/services/disabilities/developmental-disabilities

Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) Email: ProviderRegistration@azahcccs.gov Website: https://www.azahcccs.gov

Qualified Vendor Application Portal (QVADS): https://vendorhub.azdes.gov

10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business registration (LLC, EIN, NPI)

• QVADS application and documentation support

• Policy & procedure manual for community integration

• Templates for daily logs, activity calendars, and outcome reporting

• AHCCCS enrollment and billing setup

• Website, domain, and email setup

• Staff credentialing trackers and supervision logs

• Client intake packet, consent forms, and behavior plans

• Incident reporting systems and audit preparation tools

• Referral networking with support coordinators, centers, and advocacy groups