Assistive Technology Services in Mississippi focus on providing adaptive devices and technological solutions that enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. These services, offered through Mississippi’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers, aim to improve mobility, communication, and daily living skills through customized technology solutions.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS)

Role: Administers vocational rehabilitation and assistive technology programs

Agency: Mississippi Division of Medicaid (DOM)

Role: Administers Medicaid and HCBS Waiver programs, including funding for assistive technology services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures waiver compliance

2. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICE OVERVIEW

Assistive Technology Services provide individuals with the tools and equipment needed to overcome physical, sensory, or cognitive limitations. Services are customized based on the Individual Service Plan (ISP) or Person-Centered Plan (PCP) and may include:

• Mobility aids (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers)
• Communication devices (e.g., speech-generating devices)
• Environmental control units (e.g., smart home adaptations)
• Sensory and adaptive devices (e.g., vision or hearing aids)
• Technology training and support
• Maintenance and repair services

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the Mississippi Secretary of State
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Enroll as a Medicaid provider with the Mississippi Division of Medicaid
• Obtain Assistive Technology Certification if required
• Maintain liability insurance and documentation of staff qualifications

4. MEDICAID PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Pre-Application Contact

• Contact the Mississippi Division of Medicaid to understand provider requirements for assistive technology

Step 2: Application Submission

• Submit business registration, certification, liability insurance, and service descriptions

Step 3: License Verification

• Obtain and verify Assistive Technology Certification (if applicable)

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
• Assistive Technology Certification (if applicable)
• Liability insurance certificate

Policy & procedure manual including:

• Client assessment and technology recommendation protocols
• Installation and maintenance guidelines
• Training and user support procedures
• Documentation of equipment distribution and maintenance logs
• Risk management and safety protocols

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Assistive Technology Program Manager

Requirements: Experience in rehabilitation technology or assistive device management

Role: Assistive Technology Specialist

Requirements:

• Background in occupational therapy, physical therapy, or rehabilitation
• Certification in assistive technology (e.g., ATP)
• CPR/First Aid certification

Training Requirements:

• Device setup and maintenance
• User training and client education
• Accessibility standards and safety measures
• Documentation and equipment tracking

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Assistive Technology Services in Mississippi are available through:

• 1915(c) HCBS Waiver for the Elderly and Disabled
• Independent Living Waiver
• Technology-Assisted Care Waiver

Approved providers may deliver:

• Assessment and customization of assistive devices
• Training and ongoing support
• Maintenance and repair of adaptive equipment

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: Technology Setup and Equipment Sourcing

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Mississippi Division of Medicaid (DOM)

Website: https://medicaid.ms.gov

Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS)

Website: https://www.mdrs.ms.gov

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10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business registration and licensing assistance
• Medicaid provider enrollment
• Policy & procedure manual for assistive technology operations
• Templates for device assessment and maintenance logs
• Website, domain, and email setup
• Staff credentialing and training documentation
• Client intake packet and device assessment forms
• Risk management and safety protocols
• Referral networking with healthcare professionals and community agencies