Residential Habilitation Services in Louisiana offer individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) structured, 24-hour care and supervision in licensed residential homes. These services help participants develop daily living skills, maintain health and safety, and engage in meaningful community life, while living outside of institutional settings.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) — Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD)
Role: Oversees residential habilitation services under HCBS waivers, including provider approval, licensing, and quality monitoring

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal oversight to ensure compliance with 1915(c) HCBS waiver standards and the HCBS Settings Rule

Agency: Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS) / Molina Medicaid Solutions
Role: Manages provider enrollment and reimbursement for residential services

2. RESIDENTIAL HABILITATION SERVICE OVERVIEW

Residential Habilitation provides 24-hour support in a supervised home for individuals with I/DD who need assistance with:

• Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)
• Medication administration and health monitoring
• Meal preparation, grooming, bathing, and toileting
• Social and communication skills development
• Community integration and recreation
• Behavioral support and supervision

Services are delivered in OCDD-licensed residential settings such as group homes, supervised apartments, or family-based care settings. The services are person-centered and tailored to each individual’s Individualized Service Plan (ISP).

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register your business with the Louisiana Secretary of State
• Obtain IRS EIN and Type 2 NPI
• Apply for OCDD Residential Habilitation Program Licensure
• Enroll with Louisiana Medicaid via the Provider Enrollment Portal
• Maintain liability, workers’ compensation, and property insurance
• Ensure homes meet OCDD licensure standards (space, fire safety, ADA access, etc.)
• Employ qualified Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and supervisory staff
• Develop a Residential Habilitation Policy & Procedure Manual
• Ensure HIPAA-compliant documentation and incident reporting systems

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Business and Medicaid Enrollment

• Apply at https://www.lamedicaid.com as a Residential Habilitation provider

Step 2: OCDD Licensure Process

• Submit residential facility application and participate in inspections
• Provide staff training plans, health and safety policies, and program outlines

Step 3: Medicaid Waiver Approval

• Credential under the appropriate waiver program(s)
• Align services with ISP goals and billing requirements

Step 4: Service Launch and Participant Placement

• Receive participant referrals from case managers
• Begin service delivery with daily documentation and oversight

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or sole proprietorship filing
• IRS EIN and NPI confirmation
• OCDD Residential Licensure approval
• Proof of insurance (liability, workers’ comp, property)

Residential Habilitation Policy & Procedure Manual, including:

• ISP-aligned daily log sheets and progress notes
• Medication administration records (MARs)
• Participant rights and consent forms
• Emergency evacuation plans and health protocols
• Staff orientation, training logs, and supervision checklists
• Critical incident reporting and abuse prevention policies
• Facility maintenance logs and home safety checklists
• Medicaid billing forms and audit-ready documentation

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Requirements: High school diploma or GED, background check, CPR/First Aid certified, trained in ADL support, documentation, and behavioral management

Role: House Manager / Residential Supervisor
Requirements: Supervisory experience in disability services, responsible for scheduling, compliance, and incident reporting

Role: Program Director / Clinical Oversight (for larger agencies)
Requirements: Licensed social worker, nurse, or administrator with HCBS experience

Training Requirements for All Staff:

• HIPAA and confidentiality
• Abuse and neglect prevention (mandated reporter training)
• Medication administration and health documentation
• Behavior management and de-escalation techniques
• Infection control and fire safety procedures
• Person-centered service planning and ISP documentation

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Residential Habilitation is reimbursed under:

• Residential Options Waiver (ROW)
• New Opportunities Waiver (NOW)
• Supports Waiver (for limited residential transition support)
• Children’s Choice Waiver (limited overnight support in some cases)
• Money Follows the Person (MFP) for transitions from nursing facilities

Services include:

• 24-hour supervision and personal care
• Skill-building activities aligned with the ISP
• Coordination with healthcare providers and behavioral support teams
• Community integration outings and social participation
• Crisis and emergency support

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Facility Prep
Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: OCDD Licensing and Medicaid Enrollment
Timeline: 90–120 days

Phase: Staff Hiring, Training, and Policy Development
Timeline: 4–6 weeks

Phase: Participant Placement and Program Launch
Timeline: Rolling, based on referrals and capacity

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Louisiana Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal
Website: https://www.lamedicaid.com

​Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD)
Website: https://ldh.la.gov/page/121

​LDH Health Standards Section (Licensing)
Website: https://ldh.la.gov/page/282

​Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Website: https://www.medicaid.gov

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10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business registration, Medicaid enrollment, and OCDD licensure assistance
• Residential Habilitation Policy & Procedure Manual creation
• Facility compliance checklists and safety protocol development
• Staff onboarding, training logs, and supervision templates
• Daily documentation forms, ISP alignment tools, and MAR logs
• Emergency preparedness and incident response systems
• Referral development strategies and community integration planning