Adult Day Services in Minnesota offer structured care and activities for adults who need assistance or supervision during daytime hours. These services support individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or age-related challenges by providing a safe and engaging environment. Adult Day Services are available under Minnesota’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS)

Role: Administers Medicaid programs, including adult day services under HCBS Waivers

Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)

Role: Licenses and regulates adult day service centers

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures waiver compliance

2. ADULT DAY SERVICE OVERVIEW

Adult Day Services are designed to provide daytime supervision, support, and social interaction. Services are individualized based on the Person-Centered Plan (PCP) or Individual Service Plan (ISP) and may include:

• Social and recreational activities
• Personal care assistance (e.g., bathing, grooming)
• Health monitoring and medication reminders
• Nutritious meals and snacks
• Physical and cognitive stimulation activities
• Transportation to and from the center

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 an Adult Day Services License from the Minnesota Department of Health
• Maintain liability insurance and documentation of staff qualifications

4. MEDICAID PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Pre-Application Contact

• Contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services to understand adult day service provider requirements

Step 2: Application Submission

• Submit business registration, liability insurance, and service descriptions

Step 3: License Verification

• Obtain and verify the Adult Day Services License

Step 4: Approval and Medicaid Number Assignment

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

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

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

Policy & procedure manual including:

• Client intake and assessment protocols
• Safety and health monitoring procedures
• Activity planning and client engagement guidelines
• Documentation of attendance and progress notes
• Staff training and supervision records

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Adult Day Program Director

Requirements: Experience in social work, healthcare administration, or a related field

Role: Adult Day Care Staff / Direct Support Worker

Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• CPR/First Aid certification
• Background check and TB clearance

Training Requirements:

• Safety and emergency response
• Client rights and person-centered care
• Health monitoring and personal care assistance
• Documentation and client interaction techniques

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Adult Day 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:

• Daytime supervision and social activities
• Health monitoring and medication reminders
• Personal care and support during program hours

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 Licensing and 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

10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business registration and licensing assistance
• Medicaid provider enrollment
• Policy & procedure manual for adult day care operations
• Templates for activity logs and client attendance records
• Website, domain, and email setup
• Staff credentialing and training documentation
• Client intake packet and health monitoring forms
• Risk management and safety protocols
• Referral networking with healthcare professionals and community organizations