Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services intends to consider amending 12VAC35-220, Certification Requirements for Early Intervention Professionals and Early Intervention Specialists. The purpose of the proposed action is to provide specific requirements for certification of practitioners as early intervention case managers under Virginia's early intervention services system. Section 2.2-5304 of the Code of Virginia designates the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services as the state lead agency responsible for implementing Virginia's early intervention services system and ensuring compliance with the applicable federal requirements. The goal of these regulations is to ensure the competence of early intervention service providers under the authority granted to the lead agency. The regulations are also intended to provide the basis for the department to certify qualified practitioners of early intervention services so they may be enrolled as service providers and receive reimbursement under the Medicaid State Plan.

The agency does not intend to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: § 2.2-5304 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: March 28, 2012.

Agency Contact: Catherine Hancock, Part C Administrator, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, 1220 Bank Street, Richmond, VA 23218-1797, telephone (804) 371-6592, FAX (804) 371-7959, or email catherine.hancock@dbhds.virginia.gov.