DBHDS sustains a qualified community of providers in Virginia so that people who have developmental disabilities and their families have choice and access to options that meet their needs. DBHDS provides resources including information on becoming a provider, information about Virginia’s Person-Centered Individual Support Plan (ISP), who to contact for technical assistance, and training.
Provider Network Supports Community Resource Consultants
DBHDS employs “Community Resource Consultants” (CRCs) to assist new and existing providers and support coordinators navigate the DD services system in Virginia, particularly the rules and policies related to the DD waivers. CRCs are available to provide free technical assistance, share best practices, and help agencies understand DD Waivers processes for delivering high-quality services.
CRCs can answer questions and connect you with helpful tools and resources. Their goal is to make sure providers and Support Coordinators have the knowledge and support they need to meet standards and serve individuals effectively.
To identify and contact your CRC, view the CRC Contact Chart (4/1/25).
DBHDS works to sustain a qualified community of providers in Virginia so that people who have developmental disabilities and their families have choice and access to options that meet their needs.
Get Updates and Announcements
Providers of DD services across Virginia can sign up to receive communications, including announcements about guidance documents and DBHDS updates, invitations to webinars, training events, and provider roundtables, and updates on technical assistance and best practices.
Join the Provider Database
Individuals can search for and find Virginia’s providers of Developmental Disabilities Waiver Services in an online resource finder at https://mylifemycommunityvirginia.org/. This database helps individuals and families in their search for providers of services and can also be helpful to support coordinators.
You can register for free to become a professional member.
Information for New Providers of DD Waiver Services
Toolkit for New Providers
This toolkit is your one-stop shop for basic information on how to become a provider of DD waivers services. It includes information about
- DBHDS Licensure
- DD waivers services, policies and regulations
- Obtaining a DMAS provider participation agreement
- Accessing the Waiver Management System (WaMS) for service authorization purposes
- HCBS Settings Regulations compliance
- Other vital resources.
PREP – Provider Readiness Education Program
Recommended for providers who are in queue to become licensed or who have been licensed less than 12 months.
The Provider Readiness Education Program (PREP) is a two-hour online training, offered monthly, that gives a high-level overview of how to become a Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waivers provider in Virginia. Topics include an overview of the DD system, key players, regulations, enrollment, Home and Community Based Settings (HCBS) regulations, and Individual Support Plans (ISPs). The training is intended for new and prospective providers of DD services. Registration is required.
April 21st, 2026 – Register
May 12th, 2026 – Register
June 16th, 2026 – Register
If interested, contact PREP@dbhds.virginia.gov
Accessing the Waiver Management System
New providers must request access to the Waiver Management System (WaMS). Here’s how: New DD Waiver Providers – Register for Waiver Management System (WaMS) Account (1.8.25)
A requirement for use of WaMS is Multi-factor Authentication. Information on how to set this up follows:
Additional Resources
Direct Support Professional and Supervisor Orientation Training and Competencies
Certain providers of DD Waivers services are required to meet training requirements established by DBHDS. When services and supports are provided in DBHDS-licensed settings, annual competency observation and documentation also applies.
Training Resources for Providers: Required & Recommended
Find training resources for providers of DD Waiver services, including information regarding required training, recommended training, and resources you may find helpful.
Provider Training Module Series
These modules are recommended for providers of DD Waiver services and can provide valuable details about critical elements of the DD waivers and specific services to Support Coordinators.
Provider Roundtables
The Provider Roundtables and Regional Provider Meetings are avenues for collaboration between DBHDS and providers while offering updates, technical assistance, and direct communication to enhance the quality and accessibility of services. All providers are welcome to participate in these quarterly meetings.
Statewide Provider Roundtables are held virtually every quarter. They offer broad updates from various staff across the agency.
In-person Provider Meetings are also offered on a quarterly basis based on your region. Agenda items are determined based on the needs and requests of the regions. Information and registration are announced via email.
Support Coordinator Required Training and Resources
Access resources for Support Coordinators/Case Managers (SC/CM). These include required training and resource materials. The SC/CM Training Modules and the SC/CM Developmental Disability Manual, as well as information/forms related to enhanced case management, the on-site visit tool, the crisis risk assessment, employment, and housing resources are provided.
Individual Support Plan Guidance
The five part Individual Support Plan (ISP) for DD waivers, located in WaMS, is updated and improved periodically. The current version is 4.0. Most of the materials in this section reflect that version, although a few general resources are based on an earlier version. All materials in this section, whether videos, printed resources, or examples of how to best write elements of the ISP, are designed to aid Support Coordinators and DD services providers.
Jump Start Funding
One-time funding for providers to develop certain integrated community services options in areas of the state where those services do not exist or are in short supply.
Jump-Start is a funding initiative designed to help individuals seeking certain integrated community service options with new and expanding DD providers. This one-time funding is to develop infrastructure and capacity in community-based service organizations to support specific individuals while preparing to meet future community needs especially in geographically underserved areas.
- Funding Program Information – 1/27/26
- Application – 6/13/25
- Jump-Start Budget Form – 6/13/25
- Assignment of Award – 6/13/25
Questions regarding Jump-Start can be sent to Jumpstart@dbhds.virginia.gov
Provider Data Summary
Since November 2017, the Provider Data Summary (PDS) Report has provided updates on the status of DD Waiver service availability. The focus is on identifying service development needs based on a review of the DD waiver population and authorization data in each locality in Virginia.
Service development needs are shared using a semi-annually updated database called the Baseline Measurement Tool (BMT). The BMT, PDS report, and semi-annual webinar are a means to communicate the gaps in services by locality and region to providers and other interested stakeholders. The report also shows Virginia’s progress toward Key Performance Measures originally indicated as necessary in the DOJ Settlement Agreement, continuing under the Permanent Injunction. The report is written each May and November, with the webinar following.
Provider Data Summary Dashboard and Baseline Measurement Tool
Regional Support Teams (RSTs)
RSTs review referrals to ensure individuals understand all available service options and have the information needed to make informed choices.
DBHDS established five Regional Support Teams (RSTs) in March 2013, with a sixth team added in April 2022.
RSTs are comprised of professionals with experience and expertise in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, as well as complex behavioral and medical needs. RSTs work collaboratively to identify and address barriers to services and to ensure that supports are delivered in the most integrated setting appropriate to the individual’s needs and informed choice.
CSBs must notify the RST, CRC, and RST within five calendar days of an individual being presented with any of the following residential options:
- An ICF/IID
- A nursing facility
- A training center
- A group home with a licensed capacity of five or more beds
OR
- If the CSB is having difficulty finding services for a person within 30 calendar days after waiver enrollment
OR
- Immediately when an individual is displaced from his/her residential placement for a second time.
Questions about the RST process may be directed to the Regional Support Team CRC or submitted via email at RST.Referrals@dbhds.virginia.gov
- RST Preview Session Recording (The Waiver Management System (WaMS) RST Referral User Guide can be located in WaMS in the Training Manuals, Webinars, and FAQs section.)
- RST Meeting Schedule and Regions
- RST Referral Process (1/2/22)
- Service Selection Guide for use with the Virginia Informed Choice Form
- Virginia Informed Choice Form (DMAS 460) (2.4.26)
- VIC Protocol (2.3.26)
Provider Issue Resolution Workgroup
DBHDS convened the Provider Issues Resolution Workgroup (PIRW) to identify and address issues that impact the development, expansion, and maintenance of a healthy provider network that is accessible to all Virginians with developmental disabilities. The ongoing work of this group involves:
- Assessing the difficulty of and streamlining administrative processes to reduce burden, duplication, and redundancies
- Removing barriers to access and increase the availability of critical services
- Increasing consistency in education and training across the system in order to improve how requirements are understood and addressed by providers
- Defining the challenges and reducing the impact of providers’ obligations to respond to various local and state entities, as well as the effects of utilizing electronic systems that do not integrate or function well
- Making changes in the short and long term to modernize and improve the DD services system.
PIRW Recommendations Report 2018
Providers interested in participating in this group to assist in building a better system are encouraged to contact Barry Seaver, Providers Team Lead, at barry.seaver@dbhds.virginia.gov or 804-839-0332.
