1. GOVERNING AGENCIES
Agency: Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Role: Oversees disability services and community-based programs
Agency: Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS)
Role: Administers Section 21 and 29 Waivers and defines service standards
Agency: Office of MaineCare Services (OMS)
Role: Manages Medicaid billing and provider enrollment systems
Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Ensures services meet federal HCBS regulations and person-centered care standards
 

2. COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICE OVERVIEW
Community Support Services help individuals:

• Develop and maintain daily living skills
• Engage in social and recreational activities
• Access community resources and employment readiness programs
• Receive support with transportation, communication, and self-advocacy
• Build personal relationships and meaningful routines

These services must be aligned with the person’s Person-Centered Plan (PCP) and are typically provided one-on-one or in small groups by Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
Prerequisites:

• Register your business with the Maine Secretary of State
• Obtain an EIN and Type 2 NPI
• Apply to become a MaineCare provider under Section 21 and/or Section 29
• Submit program descriptions, staff credentials, and required documentation to OADS
• Adhere to regulations on documentation, billing, and individual rights

No separate facility license is required unless services are delivered in a licensed site-based setting.
 

4. MAINECARE ENROLLMENT & SERVICE APPROVAL
Step 1: Prepare Program Materials

• Description of services, mission, and community engagement goals
• Staff roles, training plans, and supervision structure

Step 2: Enroll as a MaineCare Provider

• Apply through the Health PAS Online portal
• Select the Community Support services under Section 21 or 29

Step 3: Approval by OADS

• Submit service design, staff resumes, and policy materials
• Meet any additional requirements based on the population you plan to serve

Step 4: Begin Accepting Referrals

• Connect with case managers and service coordinators for client referrals
• Deliver support based on the approved Person-Centered Plan

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or LLC documents
• IRS EIN and NPI confirmation
• Provider approval under Section 21 or 29

Policy & procedure manual including:

• Person-centered service delivery and ISP documentation
• Client rights and grievance procedures
• Daily service notes and progress logs
• Risk assessment protocols and incident reporting
• Transportation safety policies (if applicable)
• Staff supervision, evaluations, and training records

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6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS
Role: Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Requirements: Minimum age 18, high school diploma or GED, background check, DSP certification or training within 6 months of hire
Role: Community Support Coordinator or Supervisor
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (preferred) or equivalent experience, oversight of DSPs and compliance
Training Requirements for All Staff:

• Person-Centered Thinking (PCT) and Planning
• Medication administration (if applicable)
• First Aid/CPR
• Client rights, abuse prevention, and Mandated Reporting
• Confidentiality and HIPAA
• Annual continuing education

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7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES
Community Support Services are primarily offered under:

• Section 21 – Comprehensive Waiver for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism
• Section 29 – Support Waiver for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism
• Self-directed service options may also be available under both sections

Authorized services include:

• Skill-building and life skills development
• Transportation and community access
• Recreation and leisure support
• Support for communication and relationship development
• Documentation of goals and progress within ISP

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8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH
Phase: Business Formation
Timeline: 1–2 weeks
Phase: Policy Development & Staff Hiring
Timeline: 2–4 weeks
Phase: MaineCare Enrollment and OADS Approval
Timeline: 4–8 weeks
Phase: Staff Training and Onboarding
Timeline: 1–3 weeks
Phase: Begin Services and Documentation
Timeline: Ongoing

9. CONTACT INFORMATION
Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS)
Website: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads
MaineCare Provider Enrollment – Health PAS Online
Website: https://mainecare.maine.gov
Maine Direct Support Professional (DSP) Training
Website: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads/provider/training
Background Check & Employment Eligibility Verification
Website: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs

10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business registration (LLC, EIN, NPI)
• Enrollment as Section 21 or 29 provider through MaineCare
• Policy & procedure manual for person-centered service delivery
• Templates for daily progress notes, risk assessments, and ISPs
• Staff onboarding packets, training trackers, and supervision logs
• Website, domain, and email setup
• Referral networking with case managers, families, and day programs
• Audit-readiness tools and quality assurance guides