Residential Care Services in Michigan are designed to support individuals with disabilities, mental health needs, or chronic conditions by offering supervised, supportive living environments. These services are authorized under the Michigan Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waivers and must follow protocols set by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
Role: Oversees provider enrollment, service authorization, and Medicaid compliance.

Agency: Michigan Medicaid Agency
Role: Handles Medicaid provider enrollment and reimbursement for Residential Care Services.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures compliance with HCBS waiver rules.

2. SERVICE OVERVIEW

Residential Care Services provide individuals with a safe, structured living environment that supports their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Services include assistance with daily living, health monitoring, and access to community resources.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Supervised living arrangements (group homes or individual apartments)
• Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and mobility
• Meal preparation and nutrition management
• Medication administration and health monitoring
• Community integration and social skill development
• Documentation of care and progress notes

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Maintain a physical residential care facility in Michigan
• Acquire proper licensure for residential care from MDHHS
• Hire staff trained in caregiving, health monitoring, and resident support
• Develop safety, emergency, and hygiene protocols for residential settings

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Request the Residential Care Provider Application Packet from MDHHS
• Submit a comprehensive business and residential care plan outlining supervision, care protocols, and resident safety
• Include policies for medication management, daily living support, and emergency response

Background & Credentialing:

• Background checks for all caregiving and administrative staff
• Verification of qualifications in healthcare, caregiving, or social services
• Proof of ongoing training in client care and residential support

Program Readiness Review:

• Demonstrate readiness for daily care provision and safety management
• Establish protocols for resident intake, care planning, and incident reporting

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or LLC Certificate
• IRS EIN Letter
• NPI confirmation
• Lease or proof of residential care facility in Michigan

MDHHS-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:

• Resident care plans and supervision guidelines
• Emergency and safety protocols
• Health monitoring and medication administration procedures
• Financial tracking and residential maintenance logs

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Residential Program Director
Requirements: Experience in managing residential care, healthcare administration, or social services

Role: Direct Care Worker
Requirements: Certification in caregiving, CPR, and first aid

Role: Residential Care Coordinator
Requirements: Experience in community living support and care coordination

All staff must complete:

• MDHHS orientation and HCBS Waiver training
• Annual training on caregiving best practices and safety protocols
• Confidentiality, ethics, and client rights training

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Michigan Medicaid Waivers that authorize Residential Care Services include:

• MI Choice Waiver
• Habilitation Supports Waiver
• Children’s Waiver Program

Approved providers may deliver:

• Supervised residential care
• Daily living assistance
• Health and medication management

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation
Timeline: 0–1 week

Phase: MDHHS Application Review
Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Facility Setup and Licensing
Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment
Timeline: 60–90 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) – Division of Long-Term Care Services
Email: ltcprovider@michigan.gov
Phone: (517) 335-1980
Website: MDHHS Website

Michigan Medicaid Agency – Waiver Services
Website: Michigan Medicaid

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10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business formation (LLC, EIN, NPI)
• MDHHS provider application and compliance guidance
• Policy & Procedure Manual development
• Residential facility setup and safety protocol training
• Medicaid enrollment and billing setup
• Website, domain, and email setup
• Client admission packet
• Marketing and advertising materials
• Operational training
• Compliance and regulatory support
• Quality assurance programs
• Marketing and client acquisition strategies