1. Program Definition and Services Provided 

Residential Habilitation in Montana is a bundled service designed to assist individuals with acquiring, retaining, or improving skills related to living in the community. It includes services such as personal care, homemaker services, nutritional meals and snacks, medication oversight, social and recreational activities, and 24-hour onsite response to ensure the care, well-being, health, and safety of residents 

2. Regulations 

Key regulations governing Residential Habilitation include: 

• Mont. Admin. r. 37.40.1435: This regulation pertains to the requirements for Residential Habilitation services under the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) program 

• Mont. Admin. r. 37.106.28: This regulation governs Assisted Living Facilities, which are settings for Adult Residential services 

3. Licensing or Certification 

To provide Residential Habilitation services, facilities such as adult foster homes, group homes, and assisted living facilities must be licensed by the State of Montana the distinction between licensing and certification is that licensing is required for facilities, while certification may apply to specific staff training or qualifications. 

4. Responsible State Agency 

The Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS) is responsible for licensing facilities that provide Residential Habilitation services 

5. Application Process 

The application process for licensing a facility involves submitting an application to DPHHS. While specific online platforms for facility licensing applications are not detailed, inquiries can be made through the DPHHS website or by contacting their offices directly. 

6. Required Documentation 

For facility licensing: 

• Completed application form 

• Proof of compliance with state regulations (e.g., wheelchair accessibility for group homes) 

• Staff training records (e.g., 8 hours of brain injury or disability-specific training for staff in group homes) 

• Proof of liability insurance 

• Facility layout and safety inspection reports 

7. Timeline for Approval 

The timeline for facility licensing approval can vary, depending on the completeness of the application and compliance with state regulations. It typically involves an inspection and review process. 

8. Pre-Application Process 

There is no specific pre-license application process, but facilities must ensure they meet all state requirements before applying. 

9. Pre-Application Training 

While there is no mandated pre-application training for facilities, staff in specialized settings like group homes must receive specific training (e.g., brain injury or disability-specific training). 

10. Additional Notes 

• Residential Habilitation services are part of the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) program, which aims to support individuals living in community settings. 

• Medicaid reimbursement for room and board is prohibited in these settings