1. Program Definition and Services Provided 

Respite care services in Mississippi provide temporary relief to caregivers by offering non-medical care and supervision to individuals who cannot care for themselves. Services include assistance with personal care needs, meal preparation, and leisure activities, ensuring the individual remains in their home environment while the caregiver takes a break. The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) offers programs like the Lifespan Respite Program and the Mississippi Family Caregiver Support Program, which provide respite care vouchers and support services to caregivers. 

2. Regulations 

The primary regulations governing respite care services in Mississippi are outlined in 24 Miss. Code. R. 2-45.1 for In-Home Respite Services, which specifies that respite personnel cannot provide medical treatment as defined by the Mississippi Nursing Practice Act. Additionally, respite services are part of Medicaid waivers, such as the Elderly and Disabled Waiver, which have specific requirements and limitations 

3. Licensing or Certification 

To operate as a respite care provider in Mississippi, you typically need to be certified or approved by the relevant state agency rather than obtaining a traditional license. This involves meeting specific standards and training requirements, particularly for Medicaid-funded services 

4. Responsible State Agency 

The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) and the Mississippi Division of Medicaid are key agencies involved in overseeing respite care services. MDHS manages programs like the Lifespan Respite Program, while the Division of Medicaid handles certification for providers under Medicaid waivers 

5. Application Process 

The application process for becoming a certified provider typically involves submitting documentation to the relevant state agency. While specific online platforms may not be available for all applications, providers should contact the Division of Medicaid or MDHS for detailed instructions on the submission process 

6. Required Documentation 

Required documents generally include: 

• Business registration documents 

• Proof of liability insurance 

• Staff qualifications and training records 

• Background checks for staff 

• Policies and procedures manuals 

• Proof of compliance with state regulations 

For Medicaid certification, additional documentation may be required, such as proof of Medicaid provider enrollment and compliance with waiver-specific requirements 

7. Timeline for Approval 

The approval timeline can vary depending on the completeness of the application and the specific requirements of the program. Generally, it involves an initial review, followed by an inspection or audit to ensure compliance with state standards. The process can take several weeks to a few months 

8. Pre-Application Process 

There is no formal pre-license application process, but potential providers should ensure they meet all regulatory requirements before applying. This includes understanding the specific services they will offer and ensuring staff are adequately trained 

9. Pre-Application Training 

Pre-application training is not mandated, but providers must ensure their staff complete required training courses, such as those covering the Vulnerable Persons Act, participant rights, and crisis prevention, once they are certified 

10. Additional Notes 

• Respite care providers must adhere to strict guidelines, including not providing medical treatment and ensuring that services are not provided by family members living in the same home as the participant 

• Providers should be aware of the distinction between different types of respite care, such as in-home and institutional respite, and ensure they meet the specific requirements for each