I echo Sarah Moore's articulate comments (quoted below) and request that you please remove the language "who do not live in the home" from the proposed changes. I served as a live-in direct care provider for 2 years and served as Program Director of the L'Arche Group homes in Arlington. I assure you that having well-trained, professional, compassionate caregiving staff live in group homes is a positive benefit for all citizens involved.

"The current recommendation states that a "group home or community residential service" would be updated to be defined as  "a congregate service providing 24hour supervision in a community-based home having eight or fewer residents that provides 24hour supervision by persons in direct care positions who do not live in the home."

This proposed language change would have a significant impact on the choice of service providers for individuals already receiving services in our communities. Should the change be adopted, it will exclude agencies that use a blended staff model - employing direct care professionals that live in the home AND live out of the home."