1. Program Definition and Services

Personal Emergency Response Services (PERS) in Texas provide a 24/7 electronic monitoring system that enables individuals at high risk due to medical or functional impairments to summon immediate help in an emergency. The program supports individuals who live alone (or are left alone for significant portions of the day) under various 1915(c) waivers (MDCP, CLASS, STAR+PLUS). Services include:

• Equipment Provision and Installation: Supplying, testing, and installing a secure, state-vetted PERS signaling unit (landline, cellular-based console, or mobile wearable device with fall detection and GPS capability) and training the participant on its proper use
• Continuous 24-hour Response Monitoring: Maintaining a dedicated link to a live response center that processes alerts, verifies the emergency, coordinates dispatch with local first responders (911), and contacts designated family or primary caregivers

2. Regulations

The program is governed by the following regulations:

• Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 26, Part 1, Chapter 259 (Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) Manual - PERS Service Standards)
• Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 26, Part 1, Chapter 558 (Licensing Standards for Home and Community Support Services Agencies)
• Texas Insurance Code, Title 10, Chapter 1701 (Regulatory Guidelines for Security and Signaling Device Systems)
• Federal Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Final Settings Rule (42 CFR 441.301)

3. Licensing or Certification

Providers do not require a separate specialized medical device retail license from the state. Instead, they must hold formal programmatic authorization as an approved Medicaid provider contracted directly under individual Texas Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) or the targeted HHSC waiver network panels.

4. Responsible State Agency

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) maintains complete administrative, contracting, and policy oversight. HHSC establishes device standards, manages state rules enforcement, and monitors the response time parameters of contracted entities.

5. Application Process

• Register the business entity via the Texas Secretary of State and secure federal EIN/NPI codes
• Enroll the corporation through the web-based Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) Provider Enrollment and Management System (PEMS)
• Apply for an open enrollment waiver contract or credentialing application through the electronic HHSC portal or individual MCO networks (such as those managing STAR+PLUS or MDCP panels)

6. Required Documentation

• Business formation records, active Federal EIN, and corporate Type 2 NPI
• TMHP PEMS enrollment verification profiles and official HHSC contract approvals
• PERS Policy & Procedure Manual (covering device installation checks, participant training protocols, response time standards, monthly testing logs, and device replacement or battery optimization routines)
• Certificates of commercial general liability insurance and specialized electronic/product liability insurance protection arrays

7. Timeline for Approval

The combined processing timeline across PEMS validation and final MCO network credentialing typically spans 2 to 4 months, depending on state agency backlogs and the open enrollment volume handled by the IDD Contract Enrollment unit.

8. Pre-Application Process

Prospective providers must form an LLC or Corporation with the Texas Secretary of State, secure an EIN, and obtain a corporate Type 2 National Provider Identifier (NPI) mapped to personal emergency response or independent monitoring service taxonomy codes.

9. Pre-Application Training

The state hosts mandatory administrative and compliance training sessions online. Navigational computer-based training modules explaining PEMS functionality and specific HHSC orientation videos regarding waiver billing guidelines must be completed during the structural enrollment phases.

10. Additional Notes

• PERS is strictly limited to participants who live alone, are routinely alone for 8 or more hours a day, or live with an incapacitated individual who cannot summon help during a medical crisis
• Providers must perform and document mandatory monthly testing of the PERS equipment to ensure proper battery backup, clear signal transmission, and rapid response center connection functionality
• The system must feature a minimum 24-hour battery backup capability to remain fully operational during electrical power outages in the individual's local area
• Providers must keep comprehensive electronic call logs, dispatch details, and equipment allocation tracking lists to successfully satisfy state post-payment Medicaid audits

Why Choose Waiver Consulting Group?

Starting or expanding your Medicaid waiver-funded agency can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. At Waiver Consulting Group, we simplify the process by guiding you through licensing, compliance, provider enrollment, policies & procedures, and regulatory approvals in any state.

With proven expertise, a structured process, and ongoing support, we take the guesswork out of launching your healthcare business. Whether you're a first-time entrepreneur or an established provider looking to expand, our team ensures you stay compliant, competitive, and fully operational.

To get started, click the link to request portal access