
PROMOTING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, HEALTH MONITORING, AND DAILY SUPPORT FOR ADULTS IN A STRUCTURED SETTING
Adult Day Health Services (ADHS) in Kentucky provide structured, facility-based programs that offer health monitoring, social interaction, and assistance with daily activities to adults with disabilities, chronic health conditions, or age-related needs. These services are designed to prevent institutionalization and provide caregiver relief while enhancing participant well-being. ADHS is reimbursable under select Kentucky Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers.
1. GOVERNING AGENCIES
Agency: Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) — Department for Medicaid Services (DMS)
Role: Administers Medicaid reimbursement and enrollment for Adult Day Health providers
Agency: Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL)
Role: Establishes licensing and operational standards for adult day health programs
Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Ensures federal compliance with Medicaid community-based service requirements
Agency: Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) under Kentucky Medicaid
Role: Authorize ADHS in participant care plans, credential providers, and process claims
2. SERVICE OVERVIEW
Adult Day Health Services provide participants with daytime supervision, socialization, and health-related support in a licensed facility.
Authorized services may include:
Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): toileting, grooming, mobility, eating
- Medication administration and health monitoring by a licensed nurse
- Therapeutic activities (music, exercise, memory support)
- Social, recreational, and educational programs
- Nutritionally balanced meals and snacks
- Transportation to and from the center (if approved)
- Care coordination with family caregivers and medical teams
- Behavioral and emotional support
- Fall prevention and safety monitoring
Services are outlined in each participant’s Person-Centered Service Plan (PCSP) and tailored to their functional and medical needs.
3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
Prerequisites:
- Register your business with the Kentucky Secretary of State
- Obtain IRS EIN and Type 2 NPI
- Enroll with Kentucky Medicaid through the Medicaid Partner Portal Application (MPPA)
- Obtain Adult Day Health Center certification or licensure from DAIL
- Pass site inspections for safety, staffing, and ADA compliance
- Maintain general liability, facility, and workers’ compensation insurance
- Hire qualified staff, including RNs or LPNs for health services
- Develop an Adult Day Health Services Policy & Procedure Manual
- Implement HIPAA-compliant documentation systems and emergency protocols
4. KENTUCKY PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS
Step 1: Licensure & Facility Setup
- Apply for Adult Day Health Center licensure or certification with DAIL
- Pass inspections for fire safety, health, and sanitation
Step 2: Medicaid Enrollment
- Apply as an ADHS provider via MPPA
- Complete MCO credentialing and network contracting
Step 3: Documentation Submission
- Submit policies, staffing plans, insurance, licenses, and inspection reports
Step 4: Service Authorization & Program Launch
- Coordinate with case managers to align ADHS with participant PCSPs
- Obtain MCO authorization and begin services
- Submit claims using approved HCPCS codes
5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
- Kentucky Articles of Incorporation or business license
- IRS EIN and NPI confirmation
- DAIL license/certification for Adult Day Health Center
- Facility safety inspection reports and zoning compliance
- General liability and workers’ compensation insurance
Adult Day Health Services Policy & Procedure Manual, including:
- Participant intake forms and health assessments
- ADL assistance and medication administration logs
- Staff training and supervision records
- Daily attendance logs and activity schedules
- Emergency response and evacuation plans
- Participant rights and grievance procedures
- HIPAA compliance policies and audit documentation templates
6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS
Role: Direct Support Staff / Program Aide
Requirements: Experience in elder or disability services, CPR/First Aid certified, background check
Role: Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Requirements: Licensed in Kentucky, responsible for medication administration and health monitoring
Role (optional): Activity Coordinator, Social Worker, or Transportation Staff
Requirements: Relevant certifications or training preferred, must complete orientation and annual continuing education
All staff must complete:
- HCBS participant rights and HIPAA training
- Emergency drills and infection control procedures
- Abuse and neglect prevention training
- Continuing education as required by DAIL and waiver-specific rules
7. MEDICAID PROGRAMS & HCBS WAIVERS
Adult Day Health Services are available under:
- Home and Community Based (HCB) Waiver
- Acquired Brain Injury (ABI and ABI-LTC) Waivers
- Model II Waiver (MIIW)
- Supports for Community Living (SCL) Waiver (day services category)
Service delivery must occur in:
- A licensed adult day health center
- A non-residential setting approved by DAIL and meeting federal HCBS settings criteria
8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH
Phase: Facility Licensing and Safety Certification
Timeline: 2–3 months
Phase: Medicaid Enrollment and MCO Credentialing
Timeline: 2–3 months
Phase: Staff Hiring and Program Readiness
Timeline: 1–2 months
Phase: Participant Enrollment and Service Launch
Timeline: 30–60 days
9. CONTACT INFORMATION
Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services (DMS)
Website: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dms
Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL)
Website: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dail
Medicaid Provider Enrollment (MPPA): https://mppa.ky.gov
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS)
Website: https://chfs.ky.gov
10. SCOPE OF WORK
- Facility planning, licensing preparation, and fire inspection guidance
- MPPA enrollment and MCO credentialing assistance
- Policy & Procedure Manual for adult day services
- Staffing model design and training protocols
- Participant intake packets, attendance logs, and billing templates
- Emergency and incident response systems
- Branding, website, and outreach materials for hospital, family, and case manager referrals
Waiver Consulting Group supports adult day programs, home health agencies, and community-based nonprofits in launching Medicaid-compliant Adult Day Health Services across Kentucky.
To get started, click the link to request portal access