Specialized Therapies Services in Michigan are designed to support individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions by providing targeted therapeutic interventions to improve their physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. These services are authorized under the Michigan Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waivers and must follow protocols set by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

​

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
Role: Oversees provider enrollment, service authorization, and Medicaid compliance

Agency: Michigan Medicaid Agency
Role: Handles Medicaid provider enrollment and reimbursement for Specialized Therapies Services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures compliance with HCBS waiver rules

2. SERVICE OVERVIEW

Specialized Therapies Services offer a range of therapeutic interventions aimed at promoting the physical, mental, and emotional health of individuals. Services are tailored to individual care plans and may include physical, occupational, speech, and behavioral therapies.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Physical therapy for mobility and strength enhancement
• Occupational therapy to improve daily living skills
• Speech therapy for communication and swallowing issues
• Behavioral therapy to support emotional and behavioral health
• Therapeutic assessments and progress tracking
• Documentation of therapy sessions and outcomes

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Maintain a physical therapy office or service location in Michigan
• Demonstrate expertise in providing therapy services relevant to waiver recipients
• Hire licensed therapists in physical, occupational, speech, or behavioral therapy
• Establish protocols for therapy documentation and progress tracking

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Request the Specialized Therapies Provider Application Packet from MDHHS
• Submit a service plan detailing types of therapies offered and client support procedure
• Include policies for therapist credentialing, service delivery, and client safety

Background & Credentialing:

• Background checks for therapists and staff involved in direct client care
• Verification of professional licenses and certifications
• Proof of continuing education and skills maintenance

Program Readiness Review:

• Demonstrate readiness to provide therapy services tailored to individual care plans
• Establish protocols for client assessments and progress documentation

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or LLC Certificate
• IRS EIN Letter
• NPI confirmation
• Lease or proof of therapy office location in Michigan

MDHHS-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:

• Therapy assessment and care planning procedures
• Documentation of therapy sessions and client progress
• Safety and client interaction protocols
• Financial tracking and billing practices

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Therapy Program Manager
Requirements: Licensed therapist with experience in HCBS services and program management

Role: Licensed Therapist (Physical, Occupational, Speech, Behavioral)
Requirements: State licensure and experience in providing person-centered therapeutic care

All staff must complete:

• MDHHS orientation and HCBS Waiver training
• Annual training on therapy best practices and client interaction
• Confidentiality, ethics, and client rights training

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Michigan Medicaid Waivers that authorize Specialized Therapies Services include:

• MI Choice Waiver
• Habilitation Supports Waiver
• Children’s Waiver Program

Approved providers may deliver:

• Therapeutic assessments
• Individual and group therapy sessions
• Progress monitoring and documentation

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation
Timeline: 0–1 week

Phase: MDHHS Application Review
Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Hiring and Credentialing of Therapists
Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment
Timeline: 60–90 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) – Division of Long-Term Care Services
Email: ltcprovider@michigan.gov
Phone: (517) 335-1980
Website: MDHHS Website

Michigan Medicaid Agency – Waiver Services
Website: Michigan Medicaid

​

10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business formation (LLC, EIN, NPI)
• MDHHS provider application and compliance guidance
• Policy & Procedure Manual development
• Therapist recruitment and credentialing
• Medicaid enrollment and billing setup
• Website, domain, and email setup
• Client admission packet
• Marketing and advertising materials
• Operational training
• Compliance and regulatory support
• Quality assurance programs
• Marketing and client acquisition strategies