Personal Care Services in Missouri provide essential assistance to individuals who require help with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) due to disabilities, chronic conditions, or aging. These services help individuals maintain independence and quality of life within their home environments. Personal Care Services are available under Missouri’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS)

Role: Administers Medicaid and HCBS Waiver programs, including personal care services

Agency: Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS)

Role: Oversees Medicaid provider enrollment and service authorization

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures waiver compliance

2. PERSONAL CARE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Personal Care Services help individuals with essential daily activities to ensure safety and comfort. Services are tailored according to the Individual Service Plan (ISP) or Person-Centered Plan (PCP) and may include:

• Assistance with personal hygiene (bathing, grooming, dressing)
• Mobility support and transfer assistance
• Meal preparation and feeding support
• Medication reminders (no medication administration)
• Light housekeeping and laundry
• Escort services to medical appointments

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the Missouri Secretary of State
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Enroll as a Medicaid provider with the Missouri Department of Social Services
• Obtain a Personal Care Services License from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
• Maintain liability insurance and staff qualification documentation

4. MEDICAID PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Pre-Application Contact

• Contact the Missouri Department of Social Services for provider requirements

Step 2: Application Submission

• Submit business registration, personal care license, liability insurance, and service descriptions

Step 3: License Verification

• Obtain and verify the Personal Care Services License

Step 4: Approval and Medicaid Number Assignment

• Once approved, receive a Medicaid provider number and authorization to deliver services

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business Name Registration
• IRS EIN Letter
• NPI confirmation
• Personal Care Services License
• Liability insurance certificate

Policy & procedure manual including:

• Client intake and assessment procedures
• Personal care service planning and scheduling
• Safety and hygiene protocols
• Documentation and service logs
• Staff training and supervision records

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Personal Care Services Administrator

Requirements: Experience in healthcare administration or personal care management

Role: Personal Care Aide (PCA)

Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• CPR/First Aid certification
• Background check and TB clearance

Training Requirements:

• Personal care techniques and safety protocols
• Infection control and hygiene practices
• Client communication and support strategies
• Emergency response and first aid

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Personal Care Services in Missouri are available through:

• Aged and Disabled Waiver (ADW)
• Independent Living Waiver
• Medically Fragile Adult Waiver

Approved providers may deliver:

• Personal care assistance at home
• Support with daily living activities
• Mobility and safety monitoring

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Medicaid Provider Enrollment

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Hiring and Training

Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Facility Setup and Compliance Review

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS)

Website: https://health.mo.gov

Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS)

Website: https://mydss.mo.gov

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10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business registration and licensing assistance
• Medicaid provider enrollment
• Policy & procedure manual for personal care operations
• Templates for client care plans and service logs
• Website, domain, and email setup
• Staff credentialing and training documentation
• Client intake packet and service assessment forms
• Risk management and safety protocols
• Referral networking with healthcare providers and community organizations