1. Program Definition and Services

Meal and Nutrition Services in North Dakota provide short-term support to children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities and chronic conditions. The program aims to help maintain individuals with disabilities in the community, averting the need for long-term services and supports. Services include:

• In-Home Personal Care: Individual support in the individual/family home or community (Meal Preparation, Meal Delivery, Dietary Planning, Nutritional Counseling, and Special Diet Meals)
• Residential Personal Care: Supervision and care in a licensed residential, community-based setting (Food Safety Education, Shopping Assistance, Group Meal Programs, Diet Monitoring, and Documentation)

2. Regulations

The program is governed by the following regulations:

• North Dakota Administrative Code, Title 75, Article 75-03 (Chapter 75-03-23 Provision of Home and Community-Based Services Under the Service Payments for Elderly and Disabled Program and the Medicaid Waiver)
• North Dakota Administrative Code, Title 75, Article 75-04 (Developmental Disabilities Operational Rules)
• North Dakota Administrative Code, Title 33, Article 33-33 (Food Establishment Rules, for commercial meal prep/delivery facilities)

3. Licensing or Certification

Providers must be certified by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services as a Qualified Service Provider (QSP) and follow all Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) requirements. Local health department food service permits are required if operating a centralized preparation facility.

4. Responsible State Agency

The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), specifically the Medical Services Division and the Division of Aging Services, is responsible for reviewing applications, verifying Qualified Service Provider (QSP) enrollment, and monitoring meal and nutrition service operations.

5. Application Process

The application process is conducted through the electronic North Dakota Medicaid Portal. Providers must submit forms online to initiate the application and complete the mandatory Department-approved QSP orientation.

6. Required Documentation

While specific documentation requirements vary based on the target waiver, providers typically need to submit:

• Proof of compliance with state safety, hygiene, and kitchen operational rules
• Agency food safety, handling, and dietary planning policies
• Staff qualifications (such as Registered Dietitian licenses or Food Handler certificates) and training records
• Proof of general and professional liability insurance

7. Timeline for Approval

The exact timeline for approval fluctuates based on agency capacity. Providers should contact their regional office for detailed information on current processing timeframes.

8. Pre-Application Process

Prospective providers must complete specific foundation tasks before applying. They must establish their business entity and secure necessary federal identification numbers (such as an EIN and a Type 2 NPI).

9. Pre-Application Training

The state hosts mandatory administrative and compliance training sessions online, including the required QSP orientation. Access details are sent to qualified applicants once preliminary paperwork is reviewed.

10. Additional Notes

• Providers must ensure that intensive care settings, kitchens, and meal distribution hubs meet all state accessibility and environmental safety guidelines
• In-Home Personal Care must be provided directly by the certified agency's employed personnel
• All direct care and delivery staff must conduct mandatory background clearances and fingerprinting screenings
• Providers must maintain detailed records of face-to-face services, delivery logs, and dietary plans for Medicaid documentation and billing

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