Source: http://register.dls.virginia.gov/details.aspx?id=4048
Timestamp: 2019-07-17 03:08:59
Document Index: 270773577

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 9858', '§ 1958', '§ 63', '§ 9', '§ 9', '§ 2']

Vol. 30 Iss. 6 (Fast-Track Regulation) 22VAC40-690, Virginia Child Care Provider Scholarship Program November 18, 2013
Title of Regulation: 22VAC40-690. Virginia Child Care Provider Scholarship Program (amending 22VAC40-690-15, 22VAC40-690-35).
Agency Contact: Kathy Gillikin, Division of Child Care and Development, Department of Social Services, 801 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 726-7606, FAX (804) 726-7655, TTY (800) 828-1120, or email kathy.gillikin@dss.virginia.gov.
Basis: Section 63.2-217 of the Code of Virginia provides the State Board of Social Services with the authority to promulgate the regulation. Additional statutory authority includes 42 USC § 9858 et seq.; 42 USC § 1958e and h; and §§ 63.2-206 and 63.2-207 of the Code of Virginia.
Purpose: The regulation is needed to provide the legal right to appeal eligibility decisions regarding scholarship awards for child care providers or those intending to become providers. Modifications are required to bring the regulation in compliance with current state law, including citation updates and revisions to the appeal process to protect the health, welfare, and safety of the public.
Rationale for Using Fast-Track Process: During the public comment period of the periodic review process, there were no comments made about this regulation. As part of the periodic review, the Office of the Attorney General recommended the use of the fast-track rulemaking process to make a very minor Code of Virginia citation update and to update the appeal process, as these actions are not expected to be controversial.
Substance: The amendments (i) update a Code of Virginia citation; (ii) update the current appeal process to conform to the Administrative Process Act; and (iii) revise the application form to include date-of-birth, last five digits of the social security number, and updated Virginia Community College System course information, which will be helpful in tracking applicants' use of the program.
Issues: The primary advantage to the public with these changes is that the Code of Virginia citation will be correct for easier reference and the appeal information will coincide with the Administrative Process Act. Additionally, the application form was revised to require better data tracking information on each applicant with the new online application and tracking system. There are no disadvantages to the public or the Commonwealth for making these changes.
Summary of the Proposed Amendments to Regulation. The State Board of Social Services (Board) proposes to amend its regulations that govern the Virginia Child Care Provider Scholarship Program which provides funds to child care providers to pay for undergraduate courses. The Board proposes to update Code of Virginia citations, clarify that the program is subject to availability of funds and update the form number.
Estimated Economic Impact. While current language in these regulations does not specify that scholarships dispersed under this program are subject to availability of funds; by statute, they are. The Board proposes to specify in the regulations that this program is subject to the availability of funds. This change provides greater conformity to authorizing statutes and adds clarity to these regulations which will benefit interested parties.
The Board also proposes to update regulatory language that lays out the appeals process so that it conforms to the Administrative Process Act and to update a reference to the form that scholarship applicants have to fill out. Again, these changes add clarity to the regulations and, therefore, will benefit interested parties. No entity is likely to incur costs on account of any of these proposed changes.
Businesses and Entities Affected. Board staff reports that only a small number of child care providers receive scholarships under this program so only a small number of individuals will be affected by these proposed changes.
Agency's Response to Economic Impact Analysis: The Department of Social Services concurs with the economic impact analysis prepared by the Department of Planning and Budget.
The amendments update a Code of Virginia citation, revise the appeal process to comply with the Virginia Administrative Process Act, and update the application form.
22VAC40-690-15. Purpose and intent.
The purpose of the Virginia Child Care Provider Scholarship Program is to provide tuition assistance to child care providers. The intent of the program is to provide child care providers with a foundation in child care and child development. The anticipated benefit of an increased knowledge and skills base for child care providers will be an improved level of care provided to Virginia's children. This program is subject to the availability of funds.
22VAC40-690-35. Appeal process.
A. Any person denied a scholarship who believes the denial was contrary to law or regulations may request an informal conference, as provided for by § 9-6.14:11 of the Code of Virginia, with the designee of the Commissioner, by filing a written Notice of Appeal with the department within 33 days of the date on the denial letter. The Notice of Appeal must be received by the department within the 33-day time period. The decision of the informal conference shall constitute a final agency case decision and shall be appealable as provided for in Article 4 (§ 9-6.14:15 et seq.) of Chapter 1.1:1 of Title 9 of the Code of Virginia. appeal the denial pursuant to the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia). Section 2.2-4019 of the Code of Virginia provides the aggrieved party the right to request an informal conference. This request shall be made within 15 days of the date of denial. The informal conference is a fact-finding process and gives the aggrieved party an opportunity to present information that the denial decision was based on factual error or misinterpretation of facts. The aggrieved party may be required to provide verification of facts. The department then has 90 days from the date of the informal conference to issue its official decision in writing, including information concerning the aggrieved party's right to continue the appeal process pursuant to the Administrative Process Act. The informal conference may be conducted by telephone if both parties consent.
B. No person shall have a right to appeal any denial due to lack of scholarship funds, untimely application, or incomplete application.
FORMS (22VAC40-690)
Virginia Child Care Provider Scholarship Program Application, Form # 032-05-0032-03 (eff. 3/08)
Virginia Child Care Provider Scholarship Program Application, Form # 032-05-0032-06-eng (eff. 10/12)
VA.R. Doc. No. R14-3399; Filed October 23, 2013, 1:51 p.m.