SUPPORTING INDEPENDENCE, SKILL DEVELOPMENT, AND MEANINGFUL COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION

Community Integration and Habilitation Services in Louisiana help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), acquired brain injuries, and other support needs develop life skills and actively participate in their communities. These services are available through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers and are structured to promote independence, community belonging, and reduced reliance on institutional care.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) — Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD)
Role: Administers waiver programs and sets standards for habilitation, community access, and individualized services

Agency: Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS) / Molina Medicaid Solutions
Role: Processes provider enrollment, billing, and Medicaid reimbursement

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Ensures federal compliance with HCBS rules, person-centered planning, and community integration mandates

Agency: Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) (for those enrolled in Bayou Health)
Role: Authorizes services in the participant’s Plan of Care (POC) and coordinates billing and service delivery

2. SERVICE OVERVIEW

Community Integration and Habilitation Services are individualized, goal-driven supports that promote:

• Participation in community activities (e.g., volunteering, recreation, social engagement)
• Development of adaptive and daily living skills
• Increased autonomy in communication, transportation, budgeting, and socialization
• Support for behavioral needs in real-world settings
• Training in safety awareness, health management, and community navigation
• Access to natural supports and peer relationships

Services must be outlined in a Person-Centered Service Plan (PCSP) and reflect the participant’s personal interests, goals, and support needs.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the Louisiana Secretary of State
• Obtain IRS EIN and Type 2 NPI
• Enroll as a Medicaid provider through the Louisiana Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal
• Apply to serve specific HCBS waivers (e.g., ROW, NOW, Supports Waiver)
• Maintain general liability and workers’ compensation insurance
• Employ or contract with Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) or habilitation specialists
• Develop a Community Integration & Habilitation Policy & Procedure Manual
• Ensure HIPAA compliance and implement participant progress documentation systems

4. LOUISIANA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Medicaid Enrollment

• Apply through the Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal for the selected waiver service categories (e.g., Community Integration, Habilitation, Day Supports)

Step 2: Credentialing and Documentation Submission

• Provide business license, staff background checks, training certifications, and policy manual

Step 3: MCO or Support Coordination Alignment

• Collaborate with waiver support coordinators to receive referrals and ensure PCSP goals are addressed

Step 4: Service Implementation

• Begin community-based support activities and document progress for each participant
• Submit claims for authorized hours or sessions as outlined in the waiver guidance

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or business license
• IRS EIN and NPI documentation
• Liability insurance and proof of staff credentialing

Community Integration & Habilitation Policy & Procedure Manual, including:

• Intake and functional assessment forms
• Goal-setting and PCSP alignment templates
• Daily progress note logs and monthly summaries
• Community activity logs and incident reporting forms
• HIPAA compliance procedures and consent documentation
• Participant rights, emergency protocols, and supervision policies
• Billing logs and quality assurance reports for audits

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Direct Support Professional (DSP) / Habilitation Specialist
Requirements: High school diploma or GED, experience with individuals with I/DD or behavioral support needs; cleared background check, CPR/First Aid training preferred

Role: Community Access Facilitator / Program Coordinator
Requirements: Familiarity with HCBS waivers, person-centered practices, and community mapping

All staff must complete:

• HIPAA and confidentiality training
• Participant rights and abuse prevention training
• Safety and emergency response procedures
• Annual continuing education in habilitation and disability support
• Documentation and PCSP implementation best practices

7. MEDICAID PROGRAMS & HCBS WAIVERS

Community Integration and Habilitation Services are covered under:

• Residential Options Waiver (ROW)
• New Opportunities Waiver (NOW)
• Supports Waiver
• Children’s Choice Waiver (for habilitation and family training supports)

Service delivery settings include:

• Community-based locations (e.g., libraries, gyms, volunteer sites)
• Participant’s home (for skill-building and personal development)
• Day program locations (when approved and non-institutional)

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Manual Development
Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment and Credentialing
Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Hiring and Community Planning
Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Participant Referrals and Service Activation
Timeline: Rolling, based on support coordinator and waiver team approvals

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

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

​Louisiana Department of Health (LDH)
Website: https://ldh.la.gov

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

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10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Medicaid enrollment and waiver credentialing
• Development of Policy & Procedure Manual
• Goal tracking templates, community activity logs, and daily progress note systems
• Staff onboarding materials and DSP training logs
• HIPAA-compliant documentation and billing support
• Outreach strategies to build referral relationships with support coordinators and waiver teams

To get started, click the link to request portal access