1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH)
Role: Approves providers and monitors service delivery to ensure alignment with HCBS waiver guidelines and therapeutic outcomes

Agency: Alabama Medicaid Agency
Role: Manages provider enrollment, billing, and reimbursement for Speech and Language Therapy services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal oversight to ensure therapy services meet Medicaid compliance and are evidence-based

2. SPEECH AND LANGUAGE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Speech and Language Services provide therapeutic interventions to individuals with IDD who have communication impairments, language delays, or swallowing disorders. These services must be medically necessary and outlined in the individual’s person-centered service plan. Approved providers may deliver:

• Speech and language evaluations and diagnostics
• Individualized therapy plans
• Treatment for speech production, language comprehension, and expression
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) support
• Swallowing assessments and feeding therapy
• Caregiver training and home program development

All services must be delivered by a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and supported with proper documentation and outcome tracking.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the Alabama Secretary of State
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Employ or contract with licensed Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)
• Maintain HIPAA-compliant therapy documentation and client records
• Demonstrate the ability to deliver therapy in-home, in-clinic, or via teletherapy

4. ADMH PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Request the Speech and Language Services Provider Application Packet from ADMH
• Submit a service plan that includes therapy protocols, staff qualifications, and documentation practices
• Include templates for evaluation reports, therapy notes, and progress updates

Background & Credentialing:

• Background checks and drug screenings for all clinical staff
• Verification of current Alabama licensure for SLPs and support personnel

Proof of liability insurance and continuing education compliance

Program Readiness Review:

• Review of therapy plans, progress tracking forms, and care coordination procedures
• Policies for referral intake, service authorizations, and family involvement
• Emergency protocols, confidentiality measures, and discharge planning

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

• Once approved by ADMH, enroll with Alabama Medicaid as a provider of Speech and Language Services
• Add appropriate CPT/HCPCS billing codes to the Medicaid profile

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or LLC Certificate
• IRS EIN Letter
• NPI confirmation
• SLP license verification
• Office lease or proof of mobile/telehealth readiness

ADMH-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:

• Evaluation and treatment planning protocols
• Therapy documentation and goal-setting standards
• HIPAA compliance and confidentiality policies
• Emergency response and incident reporting procedures
• Staff training, supervision, and performance review processes
• Signed treatment plans, parental consent forms, and outcome tracking sheets

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
Requirements: Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology; current Alabama license; experience with IDD populations preferred

Role: Speech Therapy Assistant (optional)
Requirements: Alabama license; must work under the supervision of a licensed SLP

All staff must complete:

• ADMH orientation and HCBS waiver training
• Annual training in ethics, documentation, and disability sensitivity
• Emergency procedures, confidentiality, and progress monitoring

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7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

The following Alabama Medicaid Waivers authorize Speech and Language Services:

• ID Waiver (Intellectual Disabilities Waiver)
• LAH Waiver (Living at Home Waiver)
• State of Alabama Community Waiver Program

Approved providers may deliver:

• Speech/language assessments and therapy sessions
• Swallowing evaluations and feeding interventions
• AAC assessments and support
• Documentation of outcomes, progress, and reassessments

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation
Timeline: 0–1 week

Phase: ADMH Application Review
Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Clinical Staff Onboarding and Program Setup
Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment
Timeline: 60–90 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) – Division of Developmental Disabilities
Email: ddprovider@mh.alabama.gov
Phone: (334) 242-3702
Website: https://mh.alabama.gov

Alabama Medicaid Agency – Waiver Services
Website: https://medicaid.alabama.gov

10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business formation (LLC, EIN, NPI)
• ADMH application preparation and submission
• Speech and Language Policy & Procedure Manual
• Clinical documentation templates and therapy logs
• Staff credentialing and onboarding assistance
• Medicaid enrollment and billing support
• WEBSITE, DOMAIN, AND EMAIL SETUP
• CLIENT ADMISSION PACKET
• MARKETING AND ADVERTISING MATERIALS
• OPERATIONAL TRAINING
• COMPLIANCE AND REGULATORY SUPPORT
• QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAMS
• MARKETING AND CLIENT ACQUISITION STRATEGIES