Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) Services in Missouri provide individuals with access to immediate assistance during emergencies. These services are especially beneficial for seniors, individuals with disabilities, or those with chronic health conditions who live independently. PERS Services are available under Missouri’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS)

Role: Administers Medicaid and HCBS Waiver programs, including PERS services

Agency: Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS)

Role: Oversees Medicaid provider enrollment and service authorization

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures waiver compliance

2. PERS SERVICE OVERVIEW

PERS Services focus on providing individuals with devices that facilitate emergency communication and monitoring. Services are customized according to the Individual Service Plan (ISP) or Person-Centered Plan (PCP) and may include:

• Emergency call devices (e.g., wearable pendants, wristbands)
• In-home monitoring units with 24/7 access to a response center
• Fall detection and automatic alert systems
• GPS-enabled devices for tracking mobility
• Installation and setup of PERS equipment
• Training for individuals and caregivers on device use

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the Missouri Secretary of State
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Enroll as a Medicaid provider with the Missouri Department of Social Services
• Obtain a PERS Provider License from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
• Maintain liability insurance and documentation of device safety standards

4. MEDICAID PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Pre-Application Contact

• Contact the Missouri Department of Social Services for PERS provider requirements

Step 2: Application Submission

• Submit business registration, PERS license, liability insurance, and service descriptions

Step 3: Compliance Verification

• Ensure compliance with state and federal standards for PERS devices and monitoring

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
• PERS Provider License
• Liability insurance certificate

Policy & procedure manual including:

• Device installation and testing protocols
• Monitoring and response center coordination
• Client training on device usage
• Emergency contact registration and notification plans
• Maintenance, troubleshooting, and replacement procedures

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: PERS Program Manager

Requirements: Experience in healthcare technology or emergency response coordination

Role: Installation Technician

Requirements:

• Technical training in device setup and safety
• Background check and clean driving record

Training Requirements:

• Device operation and troubleshooting
• Client communication and training skills
• Emergency response coordination
• Data security and client privacy protocols

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

PERS Services in Missouri are available through:

• Aged and Disabled Waiver (ADW)
• Independent Living Waiver
• Medically Fragile Adult Waiver

Approved providers may deliver:

• Installation and maintenance of emergency response systems
• 24/7 monitoring and rapid response coordination
• Training and support for device usage

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: Equipment Procurement and Setup

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS)

Website: https://health.mo.gov

Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS)

Website: https://mydss.mo.gov

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10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business registration and licensing assistance
• Medicaid provider enrollment
• Policy & procedure manual for PERS operations
• Templates for device installation, testing logs, and emergency response protocols
• Website, domain, and email setup
• Staff credentialing and training documentation
• Client intake packet and safety assessment forms
• Risk management and device maintenance logs
• Referral networking with healthcare providers and emergency response teams