Adult Day Care Regulations in Wyoming

Who regulates adult day care in Wyoming

Wyoming licenses adult day care facilities through Healthcare Licensing and Surveys (HLS), part of the Wyoming Department of Health's Aging Division. HLS states that a valid state license is required before a facility provides care to any client. It also conducts on-site inspections and complaint investigations.

The standards are in two Department of Health rule chapters: Chapter 2, Licensure of Adult Day Care Facilities (effective April 2000), and Chapter 7, Program Administration for Adult Day Care Facilities (effective July 1999). For Medicaid, the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Section of the Division of Healthcare Financing manages the Community Choices Waiver.

Types of adult day programs in Wyoming

• Adult day care facility: a facility not otherwise certified by the Department of Health that provides support and supervision on a social model to four or more adults age 18 or older with physical or mental disabilities, for less than 24 hours a day.
• Adult Day Services: the Community Choices Waiver service. It provides part-time or intermittent daytime supports that maintain or build skills and community engagement under the person-centered service plan.

How to get licensed in Wyoming

1. Review the rules and contact the HLS engineer about building requirements and any construction review.
2. Submit the completed license application and fee with the items on the State Licensure Checklist (August 2025). These include admission and discharge policies, proof of liability insurance, hiring policies with central registry and Board of Nursing registry checks, employee tuberculosis screening, director qualifications, staffing and medication policies, menus, emergency plans and an activity schedule.
3. Once these items are approved, HLS issues a provisional license and you may begin services.
4. Pass the initial health survey. If the facility is compliant, a permanent license is issued. Cited deficiencies need an acceptable plan of correction within ten working days.
5. Renew each year. Under Chapter 2, a full license runs from July 1 to June 30, and renewal surveys are annual.

HLS notes that a license does not enroll or certify a provider in Medicare or Medicaid.

Key requirements

• Staffing ratio: at least one staff person providing direct care and supervision for every six participants. Staff under 18 do not count.
• First aid and CPR: at least one staff person with current first aid certification and one with current CPR certification on the premises during all hours of operation.
• Director: a Program Director at least 21 years old who meets the education or experience options. An assistant director is required if the director is on site fewer than four hours a day.
• Training: emergency procedures training before starting work, and at least eight hours of staff development each year for direct care staff.
• Space: at least 40 square feet of indoor floor space per participant, one toilet for every eight participants, and a rest area with one bed or cot for every eight participants.
• Care planning: a written admission assessment and a care plan completed within 30 days of admission, both reviewed at least every six months.
• Meals and medications: meals and snacks based on hours of operation, at least two hours apart. Staff who administer medication must be authorized under the Wyoming Nurse Practice Act.

Medicaid funding for adult day in Wyoming

Adult Day Services are covered by the Community Choices Waiver (CCW), a 1915(c) waiver described in Wyoming Medicaid Rules Chapter 34. It serves Medicaid-eligible people 65 and older, or 19 to 64 with a disability, who need nursing facility level of care.

The CCW Service Index (effective July 2026) limits payment to licensed adult day care facilities, eligible senior centers and independent providers certified by the Division of Healthcare Financing. Providers must also enroll in Wyoming Medicaid and be certified as CCW providers. The CCW certification process includes required trainings, background screenings and a signed provider agreement.

Billing basics

The Service Index lists two codes for Adult Day Services: S5100 (15-minute unit) and S5101 (daily unit). You cannot bill both on the same day, and any use over four hours a day must be billed as a daily unit. Services are capped at 40 hours per week, cannot be provided virtually, and transportation is included in the rate.

All CCW services must be prior authorized by the Division after the case manager submits the person-centered service plan. Claims are submitted electronically and processed through Wyoming Medicaid's Benefit Management System, according to the CCW Provider Manual.

EVV does not apply to Adult Day Services. The Service Index limits EVV to companion services, home health aide, personal support services, respite and skilled nursing.

Other ways centers are paid

Enrolled veterans who meet VA eligibility and clinical criteria can get Adult Day Health Care through the VA, which may be provided at VA medical centers, State Veterans Homes or community organizations.

Official resources

• HLS: Adult Day Care Licensing
• Chapter 2: Licensure of Adult Day Care Facilities
• Chapter 7: Program Administration for Adult Day Care Facilities
• New Adult Day Care Licensure Checklist
• HCBS Section
• CCW Services and Regulations
• CCW Waiver Service Index
• CCW Provider Manual
• Wyoming Medicaid Rules Chapter 34
• VA Adult Day Health Care
• National Adult Day Services Association

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a license to open an adult day center in Wyoming?

Yes, if you serve four or more adults as defined in the rules. HLS requires a valid state license before you provide care, starting with a provisional license and an initial health survey.

Does Wyoming Medicaid pay for adult day care?

Yes. The Community Choices Waiver covers Adult Day Services, billed as S5100 or S5101 with prior authorization. Providers must be Medicaid-enrolled and CCW-certified.

Who inspects adult day centers in Wyoming?

Healthcare Licensing and Surveys conducts the initial health survey, annual renewal surveys and complaint investigations.