Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
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Department of Medical Assistance Services
 
Board
Board of Medical Assistance Services
 
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9/23/25  9:34 am
Commenter: Holly Edwards, Norfolk Community Services Board

Service Selection Guide- 5 bed group homes
 

The Service Selection Guide and VIC clearly discuss the need for an RST referral when a person is selecting a service where 5 or more people will be living. However, there is not currently a user-friendly way to determine if a group home is licensed for 5 beds or more. Many families may opt to use the Service Selection Guide to locate providers on their own and not realize that the provider they would like to select is licensed for 5 beds or more. Without having an easy to access database of these providers, it is challenging for Support Coordinators to make this determination when providing options to individuals to make their selection. Asking providers to send a physical copy of their license is not a reasonable expectation given the fact that DBHDS Office of Licensing already maintains a licensed provider search which indicates the service the provider is licensed to provide. Modifying the Service Selection Guide to include a separate listing of group homes which are licensed for 5 or more, or modifying the current licensed provider search to include the number of beds a provider is licensed for will support individuals and their families in informed decision-making as well as ensure Support Coordinators have the most up to date information related to a group home's bed size. 

CommentID: 237344