To:      Affected Stakeholders 

From:  Challis Smith, Director

             Office of Community Quality Improvement and Risk Management

Cc:      Jae Benz, Director

           Office of Licensing

Date:   December 19, 2018

Re:      PUBLIC NOTICE: Request for Comment on Draft Guidance Documents:

DBHDS Support Coordinator Manual - Developmental Disabilities

(previously named ‘Support Coordination Orientation Manual’)

Purpose  

The manual is intended to provide guidance and resources to support coordinators (case managers) who provide targeted case management services to individuals with developmental disabilities.  It was developed as a joint project of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), Department of Medicaid Assistance Services (DMAS), and multiple community partners including Virginia Commonwealth University’s Partnership for People with Disabilities, community services boards, and other stakeholders. 

DBHDS created this guidance document for the purpose of consolidating expectations, processes, and resources in a user-friendly online tool for use by support coordinators (case managers); and to provide training in how to provide services of good quality, meet  needs of individuals receiving services, and help those individuals achieve positive outcomes.

Therefore, pursuant to  Chapter 599  of the 2017 Acts of Assembly, notice is given that:

• A draft guidance document is posted for comment.  It is anticipated that the manual will guide support coordinators (case managers) in their critical role of ensuring effective and accountable services for individuals with developmental disabilities.  In making comments, please include specific comments regarding an appropriate timeframe for the implementation of such changes. 

  • View the draft guidance document.

Individuals interested in making comments on this draft guidance document may do so in the public comment forum here on the Town Hall website through 12 p.m. on Friday, January 18, 2019.  You must first be registered as a public user to make comments on Town Hall. 

Comments may also be made by email cathy.starling@dbhds.virginia.gov, fax (804) 786-8623, or hard copy mail (Attn: Cathy Starling, Room 1109, DBHDS, Post Office Box 1797, Richmond, Virginia 23218-1797.)  All comments must be received by 12 p.m. on Friday, January 18, 2019.