Pursuant to § 2.2-4007.1 E and F of the Code of Virginia, the Department of Rehabilitative Services has conducted a review on 22 VAC 30-50  Policies and Procedures for Administering Commonwealth Neurotrauma Initiative Trust Fund. This regulation is needed in order to provide policies and procedures for the administration of the Commonwealth Neurotrauma Initiative Trust Fund and for the awarding of trust fund monies to the specific entities for the research and treatment of neurotrauma.  The specific entities are Virginia based organizations, institutions and researchers that must apply and be qualified to receive these funds.  The department has collaborated with the Board of the Commonwealth Neurotrauma Initiative Trust Fund in an effort to develop regulations that are simple and easy to understand.  Some board members are trained and employed in the field of neurotrauma; therefore, they are familiar with the language utilized in this professional field.  Board members continue to advise the department during periodic reviews of this regulation.

This regulation governs the awarding of trust fund monies to specific entities for basic science and clinical research on the mechanisms and treatment of neurotrauma, and for community-based rehabilitative services for individuals with traumatic spinal cord or brain injuries.   It does not appear that this regulation overlaps, duplicates, or conflicts with any existing state or federal regulation.

This regulation was reviewed in May of 2007 and was revised in August of 2009.  There have been no significant changes in technology, economic conditions, or other factors that would affect this regulation.

The regulation does not impact small businesses in Virginia unless the business provides research on the mechanisms and treatment of neurotrauma or community based rehabilitative services for individuals with traumatic spinal cord or brain injuries.   If a small business does conduct research in this field or provide community based rehabilitative services, the regulation would have a positive impact by providing a means by which a small business could apply for short-term funding to conduct research or develop rehabilitative services.