Personal Care Services in Minnesota assist individuals who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) due to disabilities, chronic conditions, or age-related challenges. These services are delivered through Minnesota’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers and aim to enhance independence and well-being.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS)

Role: Administers Medicaid programs, including personal care services under HCBS Waivers

Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)

Role: Licenses and regulates home care agencies providing personal care services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures waiver compliance

2. PERSONAL CARE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Personal Care Services support individuals with essential daily activities to maintain safety and independence. Services are based on the Individual Service Plan (ISP) or Person-Centered Plan (PCP) and may include:

• Assistance with personal hygiene (bathing, grooming)
• Help with mobility and transfers
• Meal preparation and feeding assistance
• Medication reminders (no administration)
• Light housekeeping and laundry
• Companionship and social engagement

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 Comprehensive Home Care Provider 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 for personal care provider requirements

Step 2: Application Submission

• Submit business registration, comprehensive home care license, liability insurance, and service descriptions

Step 3: License Verification

• Obtain and verify the Comprehensive Home Care Provider 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
• Comprehensive Home Care Provider License
• Liability insurance certificate

Policy & procedure manual including:

• Client intake and assessment protocols
• Personal care plan development
• Safety and hygiene practices
• Documentation and daily service logs
• Training and supervision records

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Personal Care Services Administrator

Requirements: Experience in home care management or healthcare administration

Role: Personal Care Assistant (PCA)

Requirements:

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

Training Requirements:

• Personal care techniques and mobility assistance
• Infection control and hygiene protocols
• Documentation and client communication
• Safety practices and emergency response

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Personal Care 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:

• Assistance with ADLs and IADLs
• Personal hygiene and daily support
• Companionship and community engagement

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: License Application and Facility 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 personal care operations
• Templates for care plans and service logs
• Website, domain, and email setup
• Staff credentialing and training documentation
• Client intake packet and assessment forms
• Risk management and safety protocols
• Referral networking with healthcare professionals and community organizations