How to Become a Provider
In Ohio’s developmental disabilities system, an Ohio Agency Provider is a DODD-certified organization that employs staff to deliver direct services to individuals with developmental disabilities who are enrolled on Medicaid waivers.
What is the Difference Between Independent Providers & Agency Providers?
Unlike independent providers (who are self-employed), agency providers operate as businesses or nonprofit organizations. They hire, train, supervise, and manage Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and other staff who provide services such as:
- Homemaker/Personal Care
- Adult Day Support
- Non-Medical Transportation
- Vocational Habilitation
- Residential services (where applicable)
Agency providers must be certified through the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) and meet state requirements related to staff training, compliance, health and safety standards, documentation, and billing practices. They are reimbursed through Medicaid waiver funding administered locally by County Boards of Developmental Disabilities.
In short, an Ohio Agency Provider is a structured organization responsible for delivering and overseeing quality, compliant disability services through employed staff — ensuring individuals receive consistent, supervised, and accountable supports.
Independent Providers
In Ohio’s developmental disabilities system, an Independent Provider is a self-employed professional who is certified through the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) to deliver direct services to individuals enrolled on Medicaid waivers.
Unlike an agency provider, an independent provider does not employ staff. They work for themselves and contract directly to provide approved services to individuals. They are responsible for:
- Delivering services personally (they cannot send substitutes unless also certified)
- Maintaining required certifications and training
- Completing documentation and billing
- Meeting all state compliance and health & safety standards
Independent providers commonly offer services such as:
- Homemaker/Personal Care
- Adult Day Support
- Non-Medical Transportation
- Participant-Directed Goods & Services (in some cases)
Because they work independently, they often provide more individualized, flexible support arrangements. However, they also carry full responsibility for scheduling, coverage, taxes, insurance, and regulatory compliance.
In short, an Independent Provider is a DODD-certified, self-employed professional who directly delivers waiver-funded services without operating under a larger agency structure.
Resources for Providers
UI Monthly Log
Transportation Daily Inspection Documentation
Transportation Documentation
Shared Living Documentation
Per Trip NMT Documentation
Per Mile NMT Documentation
Outcome Documentation
NMT Daily Inspection Documentation
Incident Report Form
HPC Documentation
Agency Annual MUI Report
ADS Documentation
Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD)
2026 Provider Training Poster
2026 Provider Training Schedule
DPS Calling
DPS Ohio
LiveCare Marketplace
