Family Support Services in Maryland are designed to strengthen families caring for individuals with developmental disabilities or autism. These supports offer relief, training, and resources to caregivers, ensuring individuals can remain at home while their families receive the help they need to reduce burnout and promote family stability. Services are authorized and funded under the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) through the Family Supports Waiver, and in some cases through the Community Supports and Community Pathways Waivers.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Maryland Department of Health (MDH)
Role: Oversees statewide Medicaid and waiver-funded family services

Agency: Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
Role: Administers the Family Supports Waiver and regulates provider eligibility and quality

Agency: Office of Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS Maryland)
Role: Manages waiver billing and service documentation

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Approves waiver programs and ensures HCBS compliance and family-centered approaches

2. FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICE OVERVIEW

Family Support Services are individualized supports provided to families of children or adults with developmental disabilities. They may include:

In-home respite care

• Caregiver training and consultation
• Family navigation and advocacy services
• Sibling support and recreational programming
• Support during transitions (e.g., school to adult services)
• Home-based behavioral coaching and educational guidance

Services must be documented in the participant’s Person-Centered Plan (PCP) and are designed to enhance the natural support system and avoid institutional placement.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT)
• Obtain EIN and Type 2 NPI
• Apply as a DDA-approved provider for Family Support Services
• Submit staff qualifications, program model, and emergency protocols
• Maintain general liability insurance and HIPAA-compliant records
• Comply with conflict-free case management rules if offering advocacy

Note: No separate facility licensure is required unless respite is provided in a structured out-of-home setting.

4. DDA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT & SERVICE APPROVAL

Step 1: Prepare Your Program Model

• Define services offered (e.g., respite, caregiver training, support navigation)
• Create intake forms and individualized service plans

Step 2: Submit DDA Provider Application

• Select “Family and Peer Support Services” or “Respite” under the Family Supports Waiver
• Upload staff resumes, training plans, and documentation templates

Step 3: Approval and Referral Activation

• Upon DDA approval, coordinate with Coordination of Community Services (CCS) providers to begin serving families
• Enter data and track services through LTSS Maryland

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or LLC paperwork (via SDAT)
• IRS EIN and Type 2 NPI documentation
• DDA provider approval

Policy & procedure manual including:

• Family intake and emergency contact forms
• Training consent and feedback logs
• Respite scheduling and caregiver shift logs
• Advocacy and navigation request forms
• Incident reporting and complaint resolution procedures
• Cultural competency and person-centered communication guidelines
• Staff training records and supervision plans
• Confidentiality and HIPAA compliance policies

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Family Support Specialist / Peer Support Worker
Requirements: Experience with disability services or caregiving, background check, person-centered planning training

Role: Respite Worker (if applicable)
Requirements: High school diploma or GED, CPR/First Aid certification, background check

Role: Trainer or Advocate
Requirements: Experience with behavioral or family support models, familiarity with state services and school systems

Training Requirements for All Staff:

• DDA Core Competencies and orientation
• HIPAA and mandated reporting
• Trauma-informed care and behavioral de-escalation
• Documentation, emergency preparedness, and confidentiality
• Cultural sensitivity and family dynamics

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Family Support Services are covered under:

• Family Supports Waiver – For children under age 21 with intellectual/developmental disabilities
• Community Supports Waiver – For adults with mild/moderate needs
• Community Pathways Waiver – For adults with more intensive support needs
• Self-Directed Services (optional) – Families may self-hire for respite and coaching

Authorized services include:

• In-home or remote caregiver support
• Short-term respite for family relief
• Coaching on behavior, communication, or life transitions
• Crisis support planning and implementation
• Empowerment and skill-building for family units

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and EIN/NPI Setup
Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Policy Manual and Program Development
Timeline: 2–3 weeks

Phase: DDA Provider Application and Approval
Timeline: 6–10 weeks

Phase: Referral Intake and Family Onboarding
Timeline: Ongoing

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9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
Website: https://dda.health.maryland.gov
Email: dda.providerapps@maryland.gov

​Maryland Medicaid Provider Enrollment (ePREP)
Website: https://eprep.health.maryland.gov

​LTSS Maryland (for billing and documentation)
Website: https://ltss.health.maryland.gov

​Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT)
Website: https://egov.maryland.gov/BusinessExpress

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10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business registration (LLC, EIN, NPI)
• DDA provider application for Family Support and Respite services
• Policy & procedure manual tailored to family-focused programming
• Templates for caregiver logs, training forms, and navigation tools
• Staff credentialing and documentation systems
• Referral networking tools with CCS agencies and schools
• HIPAA-compliant intake packets and communication templates
• Website, secure email setup, and audit preparation tools

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