Residential Habilitation Agencies and Adult Residential Care Facilities

***Applications to become a new DDA or Residential Habilitation provider will be paused until September 1, 2026. This pause is part of Licensing and Certification’s ongoing effort to strengthen the program and support our providers as we make adjustments in response to recent changes.***

To apply to become an Adult Residential Care Facility please email DDARH@dhw.idaho.gov.

Individuals seeking certification of a residential habilitation agency or adult residential care facility must complete the following: 

Step 1: Make sure your agency is registered with Idaho Secretary of State.

Step 2: Register as an agency with DHW's Background Check 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. 

Step 3: Complete an Application for Residential Habilitation Certificate using the ResHab portal link found on this page. The following documentation is required to be uploaded with your application for it to be considered complete. If applying to become an Adult Residential Care Facility we will respond through email.

1. A policy and procedure manual that contains all requirements found in IDAPA 16.03.21.  
2. A copy of the proposed organizational chart or plan for staffing of the agency.

Step 4: Once certified, if you are wanting to become a Medicaid provider, complete the Medicaid provider enrollment application. Please reach out to Medicaid for further instruction at 208-373-1424 or idproviderservices@gainwelltechnologies.com.

 Additional information regarding application submission

The department will review the application form and materials to determine if the agency has met all of the regulatory 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.

Once certified, you will be required to submit a request for renewal of certification 60 days before your certificate expires. Any addendums, updates, or changes to the approved application will require an addendum to be submitted. 

Please note that new applications are also needed when an agency makes any of the following changes:

1. New ownership
2. Adding a new location in a different region
3. Moving locations from one region to another

Please only submit the updated “scope and service policy”  when adding or moving location to a different region and the updated “organizational chart” for new ownership.