1. Program Definition and Services

Day Habilitation Services in Rhode Island provide short-term and ongoing support to children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities and chronic conditions. The program aims to help maintain individuals with disabilities in the community, averting the need for long-term services and supports by maximizing socialization and personal independence. Services include:

• In-Home Personal Care: Individual support in the individual/family home or community (Life Skills Training, Budgeting, Self-Care Skill Improvement, Alternative Communication Practice, and Personal Care Assistance during community tasks)
• Residential Personal Care: Supervision and care in a licensed residential, community-based setting or designated center (Pre-Vocational Support, Community Integration Outings, Health and Wellness Programming, and Behavioral Support)

2. Regulations

The program is governed by the following regulations:

• 212-RICR-10-05-1 (BHDDH Rules and Regulations for the Licensure of Developmental Disability Organizations)
• 216-RICR-40-10-7 (Rhode Island Department of Health Licensing for Adult Day Care Programs, where applicable)
• Rhode Island Medicaid 1115 Comprehensive Demonstration Waiver
• Federal HCBS Settings Final Rule (42 CFR 441.301)

3. Licensing or Certification

Providers must be certified as a Developmental Disability Organization (DDO) by the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH) and follow all Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) requirements.

4. Responsible State Agency

The Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH) Division of Developmental Disabilities are responsible for reviewing applications and certifying day habilitation services providers.

5. Application Process

The application process is conducted through the electronic Rhode Island Medicaid Healthcare Portal. Providers must submit forms online to initiate the application process after obtaining structural DDO provider status from BHDDH.

6. Required Documentation

While specific documentation requirements vary based on the target waiver, providers typically need to submit:

• Proof of compliance with state safety and operational rules (including BHDDH DDO Certification)
• Agency policies and procedures (detailing person-centered planning, daily schedules, and human rights committee oversight)
• Staff qualifications, training records, and professional supervisor profiles
• State-mandated criminal background fingerprint clearances (BCI checks)
• Proof of general, professional, and commercial vehicle liability insurance

7. Timeline for Approval

The exact timeline for approval fluctuates based on agency capacity. Providers should contact their BHDDH regional program coordinator for detailed information on current processing timeframes, which generally run between 3 to 5 months.

8. Pre-Application Process

Prospective providers must complete specific foundation tasks before applying. They must establish their business entity with the Rhode Island Secretary of State, purchase necessary operational and property liability binders, and secure necessary federal identification numbers (EIN and an Organizational Type 2 NPI).

9. Pre-Application Training

The state hosts mandatory administrative and compliance training sessions online. Program coordinators and direct support professionals must complete explicit foundational training covering Employment First Goals, Positive Behavior Support (PBS), and Person-Centered Individualized Service Plan (ISP) tracking.

10. Additional Notes

• Providers must ensure that intensive care settings meet all state accessibility, zoning, and environmental safety guidelines
• In-Home Personal Care must be provided directly by the certified agency's employed personnel
• All direct care staff must conduct mandatory background clearances and fingerprinting screenings through the RI Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI)
• Providers must maintain detailed records of face-to-face services for Medicaid documentation and billing, keeping activities aligned with the federal focus on non-isolated, fully integrated community settings

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