Source: http://register.dls.virginia.gov/issue.aspx?voliss=31:08&type=6
Timestamp: 2019-04-19 12:37:07+00:00

Document:
Title of Regulation: 6VAC20-280. Rules Relating to Compulsory Minimum Training Standards for Law-Enforcement Field Training Officers (adding 6VAC20-280-10 through 6VAC20-280-90).
Statutory Authority: § 9.1-102 of the Code of Virginia.
Public Comment Deadline: February 13, 2015.
Agency Contact: Cindy Campbell, Law Enforcement Program Coordinator, Department of Criminal Justice Services, 1100 Bank Street, Richmond, VA 23229, telephone (804) 786-7898, or email cindy.campbell@dcjs.virginia.gov.
Basis: Section 9.1-102 of the Code of Virginia authorizes the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), under the direction of the Criminal Justice Services Board, to establish minimum training standards and qualifications for certification and recertification for law-enforcement officers serving as field training officers.
Purpose: Currently, there are no regulations in place regarding field training officers. As a result, DCJS is unable to enforce training standards that are necessary and required to protect the public health, welfare, and safety.
Substance: Subdivision 3 of § 9.1-102 of the Code of Virginia instructs the DCJS to establish minimum training standards and qualifications for certification and recertification for law-enforcement officers serving as field training officers. Such standards must include, but are not limited to, the role and responsibility of law-enforcement field training officers, relevant to state laws. The law-enforcement field training officer regulations address the necessary definitions, compulsory minimum training standards, applicability, compliance, grading, recertification, failure to comply, and administrative requirements for certification and recertification procedures. A field training officer is responsible for training recent law-enforcement academy graduates on departmental policies, procedures, and operations.
Issues: The primary advantage to the public and the Commonwealth will be a standard level of training for all law-enforcement officers serving as field training officers that will increase the professionalism of the field by ensuring that all field training officers are receiving the same mandated training.
There are no disadvantages to the public or the Commonwealth.
Summary of the Proposed Amendments to Regulation. Pursuant to subdivision 3 of § 9.1-102 of the Code of Virginia, the Criminal Justice Services Board (Board) proposes to establish minimum training standards and qualifications for certification and recertification of law enforcement officers serving as field training officers. Currently there are no regulations in place regarding field training officers.
Estimated Economic Impact. Subdivision 3 of § 9.1-102 Code of Virginia instructs the Department of Criminal Justice Services (Department), under the direction of the Board, to establish minimum training standards and qualifications for certification and recertification for law enforcement officers serving as field training officers. Such standards include, but are not limited to the role and responsibility of law enforcement field training officers, relevant to state laws. The proposed law enforcement field training officer regulations address the necessary definitions, compulsory minimum training standards, applicability, compliance, grading, recertification, failure to comply and administrative requirements for certification and recertification procedures. A field training officer is responsible for training recent law enforcement academy graduates on departmental policies, procedures and operations.
The proposed regulations are consistent with the policies and procedures that the Board and Department have maintained for several years. Putting this language into regulation will increase clarity for law enforcement field training officers and the 40 certified criminal justice training academies in the Commonwealth. This will help ensure that there will be a standard level of training for all law enforcement officers serving as field training officers.
Businesses and Entities Affected. The proposed regulations affect law enforcement field training officers and the 40 certified criminal justice training academies in the Commonwealth.
Localities Particularly Affected. The proposed regulations affect all Virginia localities.
Projected Impact on Employment. The proposed regulations are not likely to significantly affect numbers of jobs.
Effects on the Use and Value of Private Property. The proposed regulations do not significantly affect the value and use of private property.
Small Businesses: Costs and Other Effects. The proposed regulations do not significantly affect small businesses.
Small Businesses: Alternative Method that Minimizes Adverse Impact. The proposed regulations do not significantly affect small businesses.
Real Estate Development Costs. The proposed regulations are unlikely to significantly affect real estate development costs.
Agency's Response to Economic Impact Analysis: The Department of Criminal Justice Services concurs generally with the economic impact analysis.
The proposed regulation establishes minimum training standards and qualifications for the certification and recertification of law-enforcement officers serving as field training officers.
"Academy director" means the chief administrative officer of a certified training academy.
"Agency administrator" means any chief of police, sheriff, or agency head of a state or local law-enforcement agency.
"Certified training academy" means a training facility in compliance with academy certification standards operated by the state or by local units of government for the purpose of providing instruction of compulsory minimum training standards.
"Compulsory minimum training standards" means the performance outcomes and training criteria approved by the board's Committee on Training.
"Director" means the chief administrative officer of the department or his designee.
"Field training officer" means a certified law-enforcement officer who provides training to newly employed law-enforcement officers for the purposes of training and measuring entry-level officer performance.
"Provisional field training officer" means a certified law-enforcement officer who provides training to a newly employed law-enforcement officer for the purposes of training and measuring entry-level officer performance, but who has not met the standards as prescribed under 6VAC20-280-20. A provisional field training officer is only allowed to act as a field training officer if no other field training officer is available for that department.
6VAC20-280-20. Compulsory minimum training standards.
Pursuant to the provisions of subdivision 3 of § 9.1-102 of the Code of Virginia, the department establishes these standards for compulsory minimum training standards for law-enforcement field training officers.
a. Field training program and the field training officer.
b. Field training program delivery and evaluation.
d. Characteristics of the adult learner.
2. A field training officer recertification course shall include a minimum of two hours of training. The director of a certified training academy shall establish recertification criteria for that academy.
A. Every law-enforcement officer designated by the agency administrator to serve as a field training officer must meet the compulsory minimum training standards established in 6VAC20-280-20 after December 31, 2013.
B. The law-enforcement officer selected as a field training officer shall successfully complete a field training program designed by the certified criminal justice academy.
C. All officers serving as field training officers after December 31, 2013, shall be required to comply with this chapter other than for recertification.
4. Is not valid for more than one year and is not renewable.
Individuals may apply for field training officer certification upon meeting the requirements of this chapter.
6VAC20-280-40. Time required for completion of training.
Effective January 1, 2014, each law-enforcement officer designated by the agency administrator to serve as a field training officer shall comply with field training officer training requirements in 6VAC20-280-20 prior to serving in the capacity of that position.
6VAC20-280-50. Compliance with compulsory minimum training standards.
A. The field training officer curriculum shall be maintained in accordance with the academy certification standards. The academy director shall maintain documentation of the type of training approved, means of attaining such training, and means of testing such programs.
B. Training developed and conducted shall be subject to inspection and reviewed by the department.
C. Agencies without a certified field training officer may complete the Category 10 requirements of 6VAC20-20-21 with a certified field training officer from another Virginia criminal justice agency.
A. All certified training academies shall utilize testing procedures for initial certification that indicate that the field training officer has satisfactorily completed the training standards of this chapter.
B. Academy training records must be maintained in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and §§ 42.1-76 through 42.1-90.1 of the Code of Virginia.
A field training officer's initial certification is valid for three years and may be renewed by attending a field training officer recertification course. The recertification course must contain at least two hours of training, and the director of a certified training academy shall establish recertification criteria for that academy.
6VAC20-280-80. Failure to comply with rules and regulations.
Any individual attending a certified training academy shall comply with the rules and regulations promulgated by the department. The academy director shall be responsible for enforcement of all rules and regulations established to govern the conduct of attendees. If the academy director considers a violation of the rules and regulations detrimental to the welfare of the academy, the academy director may expel the individual from the academy. Notification of such action shall immediately be reported in writing to the agency administrator of the individual in accordance with the rules and regulations within the authority of the certified training academy.
Records of field training officer certification and recertification shall be maintained by the employing agency.
VA.R. Doc. No. R13-2896; Filed November 19, 2014, 11:18 a.m.
REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The State Board of Education is claiming an exemption from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act in accordance with § 2.2-4006 A 4 a of the Code of Virginia, which excludes regulations that are necessary to conform to changes in Virginia statutory law where no agency discretion is involved. The State Board of Education will receive, consider, and respond to petitions from any interested person at any time with respect to reconsideration or revision.
Title of Regulation: 8VAC20-22. Licensure Regulations for School Personnel (amending 8VAC20-22-10, 8VAC20-22-40, 8VAC20-22-50, 8VAC20-22-90, 8VAC20-22-220 through 8VAC20-22-250, 8VAC20-22-270, 8VAC20-22-280, 8VAC20-22-290; repealing 8VAC20-22-670).
Statutory Authority: § 22.1-298.1 of the Code of Virginia.
Effective Date: January 14, 2015.
Agency Contact: Patty Pitts, Assistant Superintendent, Division of Teacher Education and Licensure, Department of Education, 101 North 14th Street, 24th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 371-2522, or email patty.pitts@doe.virginia.gov.
The amendments (i) require every teacher seeking initial licensure with an endorsement in the area of career and technical education to have an industry certification credential in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement that is earned by successfully passing a Board of Education-approved industry certification examination, being issued a state professional license, or passing an occupational competency examination and (ii) remove the Board of Education as a licensing entity for school speech-language pathologists thereby making the Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology the only licensing entity. The amendments conform to changes in the Code of Virginia enacted by Chapters 79 and 781 of the 2014 Acts of Assembly.
"Accredited institution" means an institution of higher education accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.
"Alternate route to licensure" means a nontraditional route to licensure available to individuals who meet the criteria specified in 8VAC20-22-90.
"Approved program" means a professional education program recognized as meeting state standards for the content and operation of such programs so graduates of the program will be eligible for state licensure. The Board of Education has the authority to approve programs in Virginia.
"Cancellation" means the withdrawal of a teaching license following the voluntary return of the license by the license holder.
"Certified provider" means a provider certified by the Department of Education to provide preparation and training for applicants seeking the Provisional License specified in 8VAC20-22-90.
"Collegiate Professional License" means a five-year, renewable license available to an individual who has satisfied all requirements for licensure, including the professional teacher's assessments prescribed by the Board of Education.
"Content area coursework" means courses at the undergraduate level (i.e., two-year or four-year institution) or at the graduate level that will not duplicate previous courses taken in the humanities, history and social sciences, the sciences, mathematics, health and physical education, and the fine arts. These courses are usually available through the college or department of arts or sciences.
"Denial" means the refusal to grant a teaching license to a new applicant or to an applicant who is reapplying after the expiration of a license.
"Division Superintendent License" means a five-year, renewable license available to an individual who has completed an earned master's degree from an accredited institution of higher education and meets the requirements specified in 8VAC20-22-600. The individual's name must be listed on the Board of Education's list of eligible division superintendents.
"Experiential learning" means a process of applying for an initial license through the alternate route as prescribed by the Board of Education and meeting the criteria specified in 8VAC20-22-90 E to be eligible to request experiential learning credits in lieu of the coursework for the endorsement (teaching) content area.
"Industry certification credential" means a career and technical education credential that is earned by successfully completing a Board of Education-approved industry certification examination, being issued a state professional license, or successfully completing an occupational competency examination.
"International Educator License" means a three-year cultural exchange opportunity for Virginia students and international teachers. The International Educator License is a professional, teaching license issued for no more than three years to an exchange educator with citizenship in a nation other than the United States of America, and employed as an educator in a Virginia public or accredited nonpublic school, to teach for up to three consecutive years.
"Licensure by reciprocity" means a process used to issue a license to an individual coming into Virginia from another state when that individual meets certain conditions specified in the Board of Education regulations.
"Local Eligibility License" means a license issued pursuant to § 22.1-299.3 of the Code of Virginia to an individual by a local school board based on specified criteria set forth by that section. The Local Eligibility License shall not be issued in the federal core teaching areas or special education. The license is valid for three years and is not transferable to another school division. The Local Eligibility License is a nonrenewable credential and is not reciprocal with other states.
"Mentor" means a classroom teacher hired by the local school division who has achieved continuing contract status or other instructional personnel including retired teachers who meet local mentor selection criteria. The mentor should work in the same building as the beginning teacher or be instructional personnel who is assigned solely as a mentor. A mentor should be assigned a limited number of teachers at any time. Instructional personnel who are not assigned solely as mentors should not be assigned to more than four teachers at any time. Mentors guide teachers in the program through demonstrations, observations, and consultations.
"Postgraduate Professional License" means a five-year, renewable license available to an individual who has qualified for the Collegiate Professional License and who holds an appropriate earned graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution.
"Professional teacher's assessment" means those tests or other requirements mandated for licensure as prescribed by the Board of Education.
"Provisional License" means a nonrenewable license valid for a period not to exceed three years issued to an individual who has allowable deficiencies for full licensure as set forth in these regulations. The individual must have a minimum of an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university (with the exception of those individuals seeking the Technical Professional License). The Provisional License, with the exception of those individuals seeking licensure through a career switcher program who will be issued a one-year Provisional License, will be issued for three years. Individuals must complete all requirements for a renewable license within the validity period of the license.
"Pupil Personnel Services License" means a five-year, renewable license available to an individual who has earned an appropriate graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with an endorsement for guidance counselor, school psychologist, school social worker, special education speech language pathologist preK-12, or vocational evaluator. This license does not require teaching experience.
"Renewable license" means a license issued by the Board of Education for five years to an individual who meets the requirements specified in the Board of Education regulations.
"Revocation" means the withdrawal of a teaching license.
"Suspension" means the temporary withdrawal of a teaching license.
"Technical Professional License" means a five-year, renewable license available to an individual who has graduated from an accredited high school (or possesses a General Education Development Certificate); has exhibited academic proficiency, technical competency, and occupational experience; and meets the requirements specified in 8VAC20-22-50.
4. Possess good moral character (free of conditions outlined in Part VII (8VAC20-22-690 et seq.) of this chapter.
B. All candidates who hold at least a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university and who seek an initial Virginia teaching license must obtain passing scores on professional teacher's assessments prescribed by the Board of Education. With the exception of the career switcher program that requires assessments as prerequisites, individuals must complete the professional teacher's assessments within the three-year validity of the initial provisional license. Candidates seeking a Technical Professional License, the International License, the School Manager License, or the Pupil Personnel Services License are not required to take the professional teacher's assessments. Individuals who hold a valid out-of-state license (full credential with no deficiencies) and who have completed a minimum of three years of full-time, successful teaching experience in a public or accredited nonpublic school (kindergarten through grade 12) in a state other than Virginia are exempted from the professional teacher's assessment requirements.
C. All individuals seeking an initial endorsement in early/primary education preK-3, elementary education preK-6, special education-general curriculum, special education-hearing disorders, special education-visual impairments and individuals seeking an endorsement as a reading specialist must obtain passing scores on a reading instructional assessment prescribed by the Board of Education.
D. Licensure by reciprocity is set forth in 8VAC20-22-100. A school leader's assessment prescribed by the Board of Education must be met for all individuals who are seeking an initial endorsement authorizing them to serve as principals and assistant principals in the public schools. Individuals seeking an initial administration and supervision endorsement who are interested in serving as central office instructional personnel are not required to take and pass the school leaders assessment prescribed by the Board of Education.
E. Individuals seeking initial licensure must demonstrate proficiency in the use of educational technology for instruction, complete study in child abuse recognition and intervention in accordance with curriculum guidelines developed by the Board of Education in consultation with the Department of Social Services, and receive professional development in instructional methods tailored to promote student academic progress and effective preparation for the Standards of Learning end-of-course and end-of-grade assessments.
F. Every person seeking initial licensure of a license shall provide evidence of completion of certification or training in emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the use of automated external defibrillators. The certification or training program shall be based on the current national evidenced-based emergency cardiovascular care guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator, such as a program developed by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. The Virginia Board of Education shall provide a waiver for this requirement for any person with a disability whose disability prohibits such person from completing the certification or training.
G. Every teacher seeking initial licensure with an endorsement in the area of career and technical education shall have an industry certification credential, as defined in 8VAC20-22-10, in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement.
8VAC20-22-50. Types of licenses; dating licenses.
1. Provisional License. The Provisional License is a nonrenewable license valid for a period not to exceed three years issued to an individual who has allowable deficiencies for full licensure as set forth in these regulations. The individual must have a minimum of an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university (with the exception of those individuals seeking the Technical Professional License).The Provisional License, with the exception of those individuals seeking licensure through a career switcher program, will be issued for three years . Individuals must complete the requirements for the regular, five-year license within the validity period of the Provisional License.
2. Collegiate Professional License. The Collegiate Professional License is a five-year, renewable license available to an individual who has satisfied all requirements for licensure, including an earned undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university and the professional teacher's assessments prescribed by the Board of Education.
3. Postgraduate Professional License. The Postgraduate Professional License is a five-year, renewable license available to an individual who has qualified for the Collegiate Professional License and who holds an appropriate earned graduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
c. Have four years of work experience at the management or supervisory level or equivalent or have a combination of four years of training and work experience at the management or supervisory level or equivalent.
Individuals holding the Technical Professional License who seek the Collegiate Professional or Postgraduate Professional License must meet the professional teacher's assessments requirement.
5. School Manager License. The school manager license is a five-year, renewable license intended to provide for the differentiation of administrative responsibilities in a school setting. A school manager is licensed to administer noninstructional responsibilities in an educational setting. For example, a school manager is restricted from evaluating teachers, supervising instruction, developing and evaluating curriculum, and serving as a school's student disciplinarian. The license is available to a candidate who holds a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university; has three years of successful managerial experience; and is recommended for the license by a Virginia school division superintendent.
6. Pupil Personnel Services License. The Pupil Personnel Services License is a five-year, renewable license available to an individual who has earned an appropriate graduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university with an endorsement for guidance counselor, school psychologist, school social worker, special education speech-language pathologist preK-12, or vocational evaluator. This license does not require teaching experience.
7. Division Superintendent License. The Division Superintendent License is a five-year, renewable license available to an individual who has completed an earned master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and meets the requirements specified in 8VAC20-22-600. The individual's name must be listed on the Board of Education's list of eligible division superintendents.
(b) Is comparable to those requirements for Virginia teachers.
9. Local Eligibility License. The Local Eligibility License, established by the Virginia General Assembly, is a valid, three-year nonrenewable license issued by a local school board to an individual who has met specified criteria set forth in § 22.1-299.3 of the Code of Virginia. The Local Eligibility License shall not be issued in the federal core teaching areas or special education. The license is not transferable to another division. The Local Eligibility License is a nonrenewable credential and is not reciprocal with other states.
All licenses will be effective from July 1 in the school year in which the application is made. A Virginia employing education division or agency is required to notify employees in writing at the time of employment of the need to meet appropriate assessment requirements for licensure.
a. Level I preparation. Intensive Level I preparation includes a minimum of 180 clock hours of instruction, including field experience. This phase includes, but is not limited to, curriculum and instruction, including technology, reading, and other specific course content relating to the Standards of Learning, differentiation of instruction, classroom/behavior management, instructional design based on assessment data, and human growth and development.
d. Need to complete an allowable portion of professional studies and licensure requirements.
The criteria do not apply to teachers of special education and elementary education (preK-3 and preK-6) .
8VAC20-22-220. Career and technical education – agricultural education.
If an individual is seeking initial licensure with an endorsement in the area of career and technical education, an industry certification credential, as defined in 8VAC20-22-10, in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement is required.
3. Completed professional studies requirements (human growth and development: 3 three semester hours; curriculum and instructional procedures in career and technical education: 3 three semester hours; and applications of instructional technology or classroom and behavior management: 3 three semester hours).
8VAC20-22-230. Career and technical education – business and information technology.
g. Supervised business experience: 3 three semester hours.
4. Completed professional studies requirements (human growth and development: 3 three semester hours; curriculum and instructional procedures in career and technical education: 3 three semester hours; and applications of instructional technology or classroom and behavior management: 3 three semester hours).
8VAC20-22-240. Career and technical education – family and consumer sciences.
h. Documented work experience related to family and consumer sciences: 3 three semester hours.
3. In the area of occupational experience, evidence of at least two years or 4,000 clock hours of satisfactory occupational experience within the past five years in the teaching specialty for which they are seeking endorsement.
8VAC20-22-250. Career and technical education – health and medical sciences.
3. Completed two years of occupational experience in an area related to the area to be taught.
5. Completed professional studies requirements (human growth and development: 3 three semester hours; curriculum and instructional procedures in career and technical education: 3 three semester hours; and applications of instructional technology or classroom and behavior management: 3 three semester hours.
8VAC20-22-270. Career and technical education – marketing education.
b. Supervised marketing internship: 3 three semester hours or one year of successful work experience in the field of marketing.
8VAC20-22-280. Career and technical education – technology education.
3. Earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a major in one of the following fields of study: architecture, design, engineering, industrial technology, or physics; and completed 12 semester hours of technology education content coursework, including at least 3 three semester hours in each of the following areas: technology and culture, technological foundations, technological processes, and technological systems.
8VAC20-22-290. Career and technical education – trade and industrial education.
b. Evidence of at least two years or 4,000 clock hours of satisfactory occupational experience within the past five years in the teaching specialty for which they are seeking endorsement is sought. A candidate whose occupational experience has not been within the last five years must participate in a supervised technical update related to the teaching specialty or area of endorsement or complete a supervised internship of work experience of not less than six weeks related to the area of endorsement or teaching specialty.
5. Have completed 3 three semester hours in curriculum and instructional procedures specific to vocational industrial education.
2. A current license in speech pathology issued by the Virginia Board of Examiners for Audiology and Speech Pathology.
VA.R. Doc. No. R15-4188; Filed November 19, 2014, 9:52 a.m.
REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The following forms used in administering the regulation were filed by the Virginia Waste Management Board. The forms are not being published; however, online users of this issue of the Virginia Register of Regulations may click on the name of a form with a hyperlink to access it. The forms are also available from the agency contact or may be viewed at the Office of the Registrar of Regulations, General Assembly Building, 2nd Floor, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
Titles of Regulations: 9VAC20-81. Solid Waste Management Regulations.
9VAC20-90. Solid Waste Management Permit Action Fees and Annual Fees.
Agency Contact: Debra Harris, Policy and Planning Specialist, Department of Environmental Quality, 629 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 698-4209, or email debra.harris@deq.virginia.gov.
Statement of Economic Benefits and Instructions for Completing Form DEQ 50-25 (rev. 12/12).
Title of Regulation: 12VAC30-120. Waivered Services (adding 12VAC30-120-927).
Statutory Authority: § 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia; 42 USC § 1396.
Public Comment Deadline: February 19, 2015.
Agency Contact: Melissa Fritzman, Project Manager, Division of Long-Term Care Services, Department of Medical Assistance Services, 600 East Broad Street, Suite 1300, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 225-4206, FAX (804) 612-0040, or email melissa.fritzman@dmas.virginia.gov.
Basis: Section 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia grants to the Board of Medical Assistance Services the authority to administer and amend the Plan for Medical Assistance. Sections 32.1-324 and 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia authorize the Director of the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) to administer and amend the Plan for Medical Assistance according to the board's requirements. The Medicaid authority as established by § 1902 (a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a) provides governing authority for payments for services.
Chapter 890, Item 297 CCCCC of the 2011 Acts of Assembly mandated the imposition of a limit on the number of hours of personal care services at 56 hours per week that will be covered for Medicaid individuals who participate in the Elderly or Disabled with Consumer Direction (EDCD) Waiver. This same mandate also directed DMAS to develop criteria to provide for individual exceptions to this limit using criteria based on dependency in activities of daily living and level of care and taking into account the risk of institutionalization if additional hours are not provided. This proposed action intends to promulgate the criteria that DMAS adopted via an emergency regulation, which was published in the Volume 29, Issue 2 of the Virginia Register of Regulations as 12VAC30-120-990.
Purpose: The purpose of this action is to promulgate permanent regulations that establish criteria by which EDCD Waiver individuals may establish the medical necessity for personal care services in excess of the maximum allowed 56 hours per week. The criteria are needed for two reasons: (i) so that DMAS will uniformly apply standards for all applicable waiver individuals and (ii) so DMAS will be supported in appeals that Medicaid individuals may file when they have been denied personal care hours in excess of 56 per week. This regulatory action responds to a statutory mandate and is necessary to interpret the law. The provision is clearly written and is understandable to the regulated communities. These regulations are not expected to affect the health, safety, or welfare of citizens of the Commonwealth.
Even though the Children's Mental Health Waiver and Alzheimer's Assisted Living Waiver are referenced in the legislative mandate in Chapter 890, these waivers are not included in this regulatory action because those waivers do not cover personal care services.
The HIV/AIDS Waiver also was included in the mandate in Chapter 890, but is not included here. Due to an action in Item 307 JJJ of Chapter 3 of the 2012 Acts of Assembly, DMAS is pursuing another regulatory action to repeal all of the HIV/AIDS Waiver regulations. (see Virginia Regulatory Townhall Action ID 3716/Stage ID 6217) The persons who have been participating in the HIV/AIDS Waiver are now receiving all of their required services via the EDCD Waiver.
Substance: The chapter affected by this action is the Elderly or Disabled with Consumer Direction Waiver (12VAC30-120-900 et seq.).
Other than the current emergency regulation, there are no criteria for any exceptions to the limit on the coverage of personal care services in the affected Elderly or Disabled with Consumer Direction Waiver. DMAS adopted the limit of 56 hours on this service effective September 4, 2012, in response to Chapter 890 of the 2011 Acts of Assembly. This mandate directed DMAS to take into consideration the following elements: (i) dependency in activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, ambulating; (ii) required level of care; and (iii) risk of institutionalization if additional hours are not provided.
DMAS has complied with this mandate in formulating its proposal and is recommending the same standards as recommended in the previous emergency regulations. Given the legislatively mandated elements that DMAS was directed to consider, its latitude in crafting these suggested criteria was focused by the legislation. DMAS has conformed to the legislative directive in its proposed regulations.
Issues: There are no advantages or disadvantages to the citizens of the Commonwealth. The advantage to Medicaid individuals who use this affected waiver is that those individuals who require more than the maximum covered personal care hours (56 hours) have a way to demonstrate their needs and be approved for the additional hours. Furthermore, small businesses that render personal care services will now have a way to secure agency approvals of additional hours for those clients that they serve. The advantage to the Commonwealth is that this new limit will save a modest expenditure for the agency.
Summary of the Proposed Amendments to Regulation. Pursuant to Chapter 890, Item 297 CCCCC of the 2011 Acts of Assembly, the proposed regulation establishes criteria for cases where the number of hours per week of personal care services may exceed the limit of 56 hours.
Estimated Economic Impact. Pursuant to Chapter 890, Item 297 CCCCC of the 2011 Acts of Assembly, the proposed regulation establishes criteria for cases where the number of hours per week of personal care services may exceed the limit of 56 hours. Currently, there are no criteria for any exceptions to the limit on the coverage of personal care services.
In this same act, the General Assembly imposed a limit of 56 hours of personal care services per week for Medicaid recipients who participate in the Elderly or Disabled with Consumer Direction waiver. The act also required the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) to provide for individual exceptions to this limit using criteria based on the dependency in activities of living, the level of care, and the risk of institutionalization. Consequently, DMAS adopted an emergency regulation to establish the service limit and exceptions which became effective on July 1, 2011. The service limit has already been made permanent through an exempt regulatory action since DMAS did not have any discretion in implementing it. This action makes permanent the exemption criteria that have been in effect under the emergency regulation.
According to DMAS, 37.5% of the requests for personal care hours beyond 56 hours per week were approved (804 out of 2,139) in fiscal year 2012. The 68 percent of these approvals were for agency-directed personal care which costs $13.20 per hour and 32 percent were for consumer-directed personal care which costs $10.24 per hour. The average number of hours provided for the exception was 70.6 hours. Thus, the total fiscal cost of this exemption is estimated to be $695,498 per year. One half of this cost is borne by the state while the rest is funded by the federal government.
The main benefit of the proposed exemption is allowing access to personal care services for those individuals who require more than the maximum limit of 56 hours of per week imposed by the same act. In addition, the providers will continue to benefit from this exemption as they will avoid a potentially larger reduction in their revenues. Moreover, DMAS will have a uniform procedure to apply to all exemption requests and will be supported in appeals that Medicaid individuals may file when they have been denied personal care hours in excess of 56 per week. Finally, avoiding a larger reduction in federal funds coming in to the Commonwealth's economy should have a positive overall economic impact.
Businesses and Entities Affected. There are 423 home health and personal care agencies providing personal care services to Medicaid recipients. In fiscal year 2012, there were 2,139 requests for additional personal care hours of which 804 were approved.
Localities Particularly Affected. The proposed regulation applies throughout the Commonwealth.
Projected Impact on Employment. The proposed exemption will allow providers to provide additional hours of personal care services beyond what would otherwise be possible. Thus, a positive impact on demand for labor providing personal care services is expected due to this change.
Effects on the Use and Value of Private Property. The proposed exemption should have a positive impact on the asset value of personal care provider businesses by avoiding a potentially larger reduction in their revenues.
Small Businesses: Costs and Other Effects. Most of the home health and personal care agencies providing personal care services are believed to be small businesses. The proposed exemption does not impose costs on small businesses. Other effects on small businesses are the same as discussed above.
Small Businesses: Alternative Method that Minimizes Adverse Impact. The proposed exemption is not anticipated to have an adverse impact on small businesses.
Agency's Response to Economic Impact Analysis: The agency concurs with the analysis.
The proposed regulation establishes criteria for approval of personal care service hours that exceed the maximum allowed limit of 56 hours per week. This action is required by Item 297 CCCCC of Chapter 890 of the 2011 Acts of Assembly and only affects the Elderly or Disabled with Consumer Direction Waiver.
12VAC30-120-927. Exception criteria for personal care services.
1. Presently have a minimum level of care of B (the waiver individual has a composite activities of daily living (ADL) score between seven and 12 and has a medical nursing need) or C (the waiver individual has a composite ADL score of nine or higher and has a skilled medical nursing need).
c. Documentation from the local department of social services that the individual has an open case (as described in subdivisions c (1) and c (2) of this subdivision) with either Adult Protective Services (APS) or Child Protective Services (CPS) and is in need of additional services beyond the maximum allowed 56 hours per week. Documentation can be in the form of a phone log contact or any other documentation supplied (submitted to the service authorization contractor via attestation).
(1) For APS an open case is defined as a substantiated APS case with a disposition of needs protective services and the adult accepts the needed services.
(2) For CPS an open case is defined as being open to CPS investigation if it is both founded by the investigation and the completed family assessment documents the case with moderate or high risk.
VA.R. Doc. No. R13-2812; Filed November 18, 2014, 3:40 p.m.
Titles of Regulations: 18VAC65-20. Regulations of the Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers (amending 18VAC65-20-70, 18VAC65-20-154).
18VAC65-40. Regulations for the Funeral Service Internship Program (amending 18VAC65-40-40).
Agency Contact: Lisa Russell Hahn, Executive Director, Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233-1463, telephone (804) 367-4424, FAX (804) 527-4637, or email lisa.hahn@dhp.virginia.gov.
The amendments increase almost all fees charged to applicants, registrants, and licensees regulated by the Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers. Renewal fees for funeral service licensees will increase to $225 and for funeral establishments to $400. Application fees, reinstatement fees, and late fees will increase. The fee for initial registration of a funeral service internship will increase to $150, and the renewal fee will increase to $125.
In the adoption of final regulations, a shortfall reduction assessment was added to the renewal fees due in 2015 and 2016. For funeral service providers, funeral directors, embalmers, and crematories, the assessment is $40; for funeral establishments and continuing education providers, the assessment is $75; and for surface transportation and removal services and courtesy card holders, the assessment is $60.
Summary of Public Comments and Agency's Response: No public comments were received by the promulgating agency.
F. Fees for approval of continuing education providers.
A. A funeral service licensee, funeral director, or embalmer who holds a current, unrestricted license in Virginia shall, upon a request for inactive status on the renewal application and submission of the required renewal fee of $90 $115, be issued an inactive license. The fee for late renewal up to one year following expiration of an inactive license shall be $30 $40.
1. An inactive licensee shall not be entitled to perform any act requiring a license to practice funeral service in Virginia.
2. The holder of an inactive license shall not be required to meet continuing education requirements, except as may be required for reactivation in subsection B of this section.
2. Providing proof of completion of the number of continuing competency hours required for the period in which the license has been inactive, not to exceed three years.
B. Fees shall be made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia and shall not be refundable once submitted.
VA.R. Doc. No. R10-2522; Filed November 17, 2014, 7:18 a.m.

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