Developmental Disabilities Agencies

Individuals seeking certification of a developmental disabilities agency must complete the following: 

Step 1: Make sure your agency is registered with the Idaho Secretary of State by visiting their website: https://www.sos.idaho.gov/.

Step 2: Register as an agency with the DHW's Criminal History Unit to receive an ID for criminal history as all employees accessing or working with participants will need to have a criminal history clearance for your agency. The website is: https://chu.dhw.idaho.gov/.

Step 3:  Complete an application for Developmental Disabilities Agencies certification using the DDARH portal link found on this page. The following documentation is required to be uploaded with your application for it to be considered complete.

1. A policy and procedure manual that contains all requirements found in IDAPA 16.03.21.101 and any other policies, procedures, or requirements as outlined in IDAPA 16.03.21-https://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/16/160321.pdf. Please review the certification checklist found at the bottom of this page to ensure completeness of this section. A sample format can be found here: Sample
2. A copy of the proposed organizational chart or plan for staffing the agency.
3. A sample employee file that contains documents meeting the requirements in section 301.04 of this rule. Use the certification checklist under Staff Requirements found at the bottom of this page to ensure completeness of this section.
4. The employee files for the administrator and the professional supervising services.
5. A sample participant file that contains documents meeting the requirements of IDAPA 16.03.21.301.05.a-i.
6. Written description of the agency’s quality assurance program developed to meet requirements in IDAPA 16.03.21.500.01-03. Review the certification checklist under Administrative/Facilities Requirements at the bottom of this page to ensure completeness of this section.
7. A written code of ethics policy adopting a code of ethics relevant to professional activities with participants and colleagues, in practice settings. The policy must articulate basic values, ethical principles and standards for confidentiality, conflict of interest, exploitation, and inappropriate boundaries in an agency’s relationship with participants, relatives, or with other agencies. This code of ethics must reflect nationally-recognized standards of practice.
8. When center-based services are to be provided, a site visit is required. Prior to that visit, the following documents must be submitted. If they are not submitted with your application a team member will reach out to you with instructions for submitting them.
   1. Evidence of a local fire inspection 
   2. Occupancy permit
   3. Sample fire escape plan/chart
   4. A completed ADA checklist

Step 4: Once certified, complete the Medicaid provider enrollment application to become a Medicaid provider. You can complete this by visiting https://www.idmedicaid.com/default.aspx or if you are applying to provide children's services, review these instructions.

Additional information regarding application submission

The department will review the application form and application materials to determine if the agency has met all of the regulatory requirements and has the necessary systems in place to ensure the implementation of those requirements. The department will notify the agency with a written decision regarding certification. An application is considered complete when all required documents are received and in compliance with rules and regulations.

Renewal and requested changes to certification

After certification as a developmental disabilities agency, you will be required to submit a request for renewal of certification 90 days before your certificate expires. Any addendums, updates, or changes to the approved application will require an addendum to be submitted. Both of these items must be completed using the DDARH portal link on this page.