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North Dakota Health and Human Services spotlights a 1915(i) provider to celebrate their contributions and innovative approaches to person-centered care. By sharing their stories, we aim to inspire collaboration, foster continuous improvement and strengthen our community's commitment to delivering high-quality services.
This month, we highlight Fountain Behavioral Services.
- Tell us a little about your agency's background and the community you serve.
Fountain Behavioral Services started as an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Clinic serving youth with autism. Theresia joined our team and we were able to expand our services now offering ABA therapy, 1915(i) services, behavior modification services, case management and CPR/first aid courses. We assist children, teens, adults and families. Our goal is to help them succeed.
- What values or mission guides your agency's approach to supporting the members you serve?
Our approach is guided by values of compassion, respect, person-centered care and empowerment. We believe every person deserves to be treated with dignity and have a voice in their services and goals. We focus on building trusting relationships, promoting independence, supporting community inclusion and helping people access the resources they need to improve their quality of life. Our mission is to meet people where they are, recognize their strengths and provide individualized support that helps them achieve meaningful outcomes.
- What do person-centered services mean to your agency and how do you provide it?
The member is at the center of every decision we make. Rather than taking a one size fits all approach, we focus on each individual's unique strengths, needs, preferences, goals and values. We believe people are the experts in their own lives and our role is to support them in achieving the outcomes that are most important to them. We provide this kind of service by meeting members where they are. Actively listening, involving them in the planning, respecting their choices and developing individualized service plans based on their personal goals. We collaborate with family members, caregivers and community resources when appropriate, while ensuring the member's voice remains the driving force behind all services. We regularly review progress, adapt supports as needs change and work to promote independence, self-determination and meaningful participation in the community.
North Dakota Medicaid is sharing important updates regarding the state’s upcoming two-year provider revalidation strategy, developed in response to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services request for states to outline their approach to off-cycle revalidation and enhanced oversight.
This strategy reflects North Dakota’s strong commitment to program integrity and to prevent fraud, waste and abuse across Medicaid services. As part of this effort, the state has identified 1915(i) providers as one of the provider types requiring elevated oversight due to increased program integrity risks. These risks are linked to factors such as inconsistent credentialing practices, limited external oversight and challenges verifying services delivered in home and community-based settings.
Below is a summary of key changes and timelines that affect your organization:
Revalidation for 1915(i) providers: October 2026 – May 2027
1915(i) Providers – Effective Oct. 1, 2026
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1915(i) agencies will move from a limited to a moderate risk category, which will require a site visit.
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Competency attestations will become an annual requirement. Providers must attest to required competencies every year, rather than on a multi-year cycle.
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Providers must demonstrate required competencies at initial enrollment and at each revalidation, ensuring that service specific standards are met and maintained.
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Revalidation cycle changing from five years to three years.
To support providers through these changes, North Dakota Medicaid will offer training sessions and educational materials to help agencies and individuals understand new requirements, prepare for revalidation and complete enrollment and affiliation steps successfully. Training opportunities will be announced soon to ensure adequate time for participation.
For questions, contact Noridian at 877‑328‑7098 (toll‑free) or 701‑328‑7098. Live support is available Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. CT.
We will continue to share additional guidance and resources as implementation approaches. Thank you for your ongoing partnership and commitment to serving North Dakota Medicaid members.
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