Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
 
Board
State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
 
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3/16/18  9:29 pm
Commenter: Meredith Gursky

Please remove "who do not live in the home" from the proposed definition
 
The proposed redefinition of Group Home, will adversely affect people with Developmental Disbailities. The changes porposed suggest that people in direct care positions can no longer live in the same home as people with Developmental Disabilities. I am a direct support professional who choses to live in an intentional community called L'Arche where persons with and without intellectual disabilities share life together and strive to live mutually transforming relationships and celebrate the unique gifts of each individual. Living in such a model allows for choice and integration for people with intellectual disabilities. This proposed language change would have a significant impact on 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" in order to provide 24hr support and supervision - from providing services. Please delete the phrase, “who do not live in the home."
CommentID: 63768