1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS)

Role: Administers behavioral support programs through HCBS Waivers

Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)

Role: Licenses behavioral health and support service providers

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures waiver compliance

2. BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT SERVICE OVERVIEW

Behavioral Support Services focus on helping individuals develop the skills needed to manage behaviors effectively. Services are personalized according to the Individual Service Plan (ISP) or Person-Centered Plan (PCP) and may include:

• Behavioral assessments and intervention planning
• Development of positive behavior support strategies
• Crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques
• Social skills training and coping strategies
• Individual and group therapy sessions
• Family training and support

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the Minnesota Secretary of State
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Enroll as a Medicaid provider with the Minnesota Department of Human Services
• Obtain a Behavioral Health Services License from the Minnesota Department of Health
• Maintain liability insurance and documentation of clinical staff qualifications

4. MEDICAID PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Pre-Application Contact

• Contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services to understand behavioral support provider requirements

Step 2: Application Submission

• Submit business registration, behavioral health license, liability insurance, and service descriptions

Step 3: License Verification

• Obtain and verify the Behavioral Health Services License

Step 4: Approval and Medicaid Number Assignment

• Once approved, receive a Medicaid provider number and authorization to deliver services

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business Name Registration
• IRS EIN Letter
• NPI confirmation
• Behavioral Health Services License
• Liability insurance certificate

Policy & procedure manual including:

• Behavioral assessment and support planning protocols
• Crisis management and safety guidelines
• Documentation of interventions and progress tracking
• Confidentiality and HIPAA compliance procedures
• Staff training and supervision logs

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Behavioral Support Program Manager

Requirements: Licensed mental health professional (e.g., LCSW, LPC, BCBA)

Role: Behavioral Support Specialist / Counselor

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field
• State licensure (LPC, LCSW, BCBA, or equivalent)
• Background check and TB clearance

Training Requirements:

• Crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques
• Behavioral assessment and support planning
• Client rights, HIPAA compliance, and safety protocols
• Documentation and client progress monitoring

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Behavioral Support Services in Minnesota are available through:

• 1915(c) HCBS Waiver for the Elderly and Disabled
• Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) Waiver
• Brain Injury (BI) Waiver

Approved providers may deliver:

• Behavioral assessments and individualized support planning
• Crisis management and intervention
• Social skills training and coping strategies

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Medicaid Provider Enrollment

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Hiring and Training

Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Facility and Program Setup

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS)

Website: https://mn.gov/dhs

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)

Website: https://www.health.state.mn.us

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10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business registration and licensing assistance
• Medicaid provider enrollment
• Policy & procedure manual for behavioral support operations
• Templates for behavior plans and progress monitoring
• Website, domain, and email setup
• Staff credentialing and training documentation
• Client intake packet and assessment forms
• Risk management and safety protocols
• Referral networking with mental health professionals and community organizations

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — MINNESOTA BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDER

We support agencies and entrepreneurs in launching compliant Behavioral Support Services across Minnesota under the HCBS Waiver models.

To get started, click the link to request portal access