Residential Support Services in Minnesota offer stable and supportive housing solutions for individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or those transitioning from institutional care. These services are designed to promote independence, community integration, and a high quality of life. Residential Support Services are available under Minnesota’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers.

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1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS)

Role: Administers Medicaid programs, including residential support under HCBS Waivers

Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)

Role: Licenses and regulates residential facilities and group homes

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures waiver compliance

2. RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT SERVICE OVERVIEW

Residential Support Services focus on providing safe and structured living environments with personalized support. Services are tailored according to the Individual Service Plan (ISP) or Person-Centered Plan (PCP) and may include:

• 24/7 residential supervision and personal care
• Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)
• Health monitoring and medication administration
• Meal planning and nutritional support
• Community engagement and recreational activities
• Skills training for independent living

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the Minnesota Secretary of State
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Enroll as a Medicaid provider with the Minnesota Department of Human Services
• Obtain a Comprehensive Home Care License from the Minnesota Department of Health
• Maintain liability insurance and documentation of staff qualifications

4. MEDICAID PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Pre-Application Contact

• Contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services to understand residential support provider requirements

Step 2: Application Submission

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

Step 3: License Verification

• Obtain and verify the Comprehensive Home Care 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
• Comprehensive Home Care License
• Liability insurance certificate
• Policy & procedure manual including:
• Client intake and care planning protocols
• Safety and supervision guidelines
• Health monitoring and medication administration procedures
• Documentation of daily activities and incident reports
• Staff training and supervision logs

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Residential Program Manager

Requirements: Experience in residential care, social services, or healthcare administration

Role: Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Requirements:

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

Training Requirements:

• Client safety and crisis intervention
• Personal care and health monitoring techniques
• Documentation and record-keeping
• Cultural competence and client interaction

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Residential Support Services in Minnesota are available through:

• 1915(c) HCBS Waiver for Individuals with Disabilities
• Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) Waiver
• Brain Injury (BI) Waiver

Approved providers may deliver:

• Round-the-clock care and supervision
• Support for ADLs and independent living skills
• Community integration and social activities

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 Licensing and Setup

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

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9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS)

Website: https://mn.gov/dhs

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)

Website: https://www.health.state.mn.us

10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business registration and licensing assistance
• Medicaid provider enrollment
• Policy & procedure manual for residential care operations
• Templates for client care plans and daily activity logs
• Website, domain, and email setup
• Staff credentialing and training documentation
• Client intake packet and health monitoring forms
• Risk management and incident reporting systems
• Referral networking with healthcare providers and community organizations