Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Certification

Certification for Qualified Vendors

The Office of Licensing, Certification and Regulation (OLCR) is responsible for issuing HCBS certificates. All individuals and provider agencies are required to have an HCBS certificate in order to provide services to DDD members. HCBS Certification ensures that all individuals providing direct care have met qualifications for assisting individuals with developmental Disabilities.

These services include:

• Attendant Care
• Day Treatment and Training
• Habilitation
• Personal Care
• Respite Care
• Therapy Services
• Transportation
• Several other services designed for DDD members

HCBS Certification for Providers Contracted with DDD (Qualified Vendors)

For DDD Qualified Vendors, certification is completed through the Focus system.

• The first step, is to Become a Qualified Vendor for DDD before applying for HCBS Certification. Contact DDD at (602) 542-6874 or email [email protected] for additional guidance on becoming a Qualified Vendor.
• As a Qualified Vendor, the agency or therapist will need to submit an application packet to OLCR for HCBS Certification and AHCCCS enrollment. The application process is completed through the OLCR Tracking application in Focus, which also includes specific instructions for submitting the application.
• For more information, see the OLCR Tracking Application Provider Reference Guide and Certification Instructions effective 8/26/2020.
• Use the New Agency Roster Template Excel Upload, Agency Roster Excel Instructions and Roster and BG Check Guide to log all HCBS agency Direct Care workers, Vehicles, Training and Licenses. The Agency Roster Template affirms that agency staff have met the HCBS training and qualification requirements.

HCBS Certification for Providers Contracted with a Managed Care Organization (MCO), Effective 10/1/2019

For providers contracted with an MCO and not DDD, HCBS certification is completed as follows: 

• The provider agency or therapist will need to submit an application (LCR-1083A) to OLCR for HCBS Certification. 
• In addition to the application, the provider agency or therapist must submit: 
  • Three letters of reference for the Owner/Executive or agency
  • A copy of a valid level one fingerprint clearance card for the Owner/Executive
  • A copy of agency brochure or link to agency website
  • A completed Criminal History Self Disclosure Affidavit for the Owner/Executive
  • If the Owner/Executive is also a direct care provider: 
    • Copy of valid CPR certification
    • Copy of valid First Aid certification (therapists exempted)
    • Copy of Article 9 certificate
    • Copy of professional license (therapists and professional providers)
  • An Agency Roster of Employees listing all staff who will be providing services to members. The roster also requires information on agency owned vehicles that may be used to transport members. Refer to the following Agency Roster Instructions. The Agency Roster Template affirms that agency staff have met the HCBS training and qualification requirements.
• If services are delivered in a provider owned or leased facility, a Life Safety Inspection must be completed every two years. The rules for life safety inspections can be found at LCR-1036A. A life safety inspection may be requested using form
  LCR-1033A.  

The application and supporting documentation may be mailed, faxed or e-mailed: 

HCBS Certification
P.O. Box 6123-Mail Drop 2HF1
Phoenix, AZ 85005-6123
OLCR Contact List
Fax: (602) 257-7045
Email: [email protected]

Providers who are contracted with both DDD and an MCO must complete the certification process through Focus.

If you are interested in contracting with DDD, see the Network Development & Recruitment web page or email the Network Provider Development and Recruitment unit for additional guidance on becoming a Qualified Vendor.

Certification for Individual Service Providers

Effective December 1, 2015, the Division stopped accepting new (initial) applications for Independent Provider Agreements (IPA).