How Virginia’s Operational Protocol/Guidebook Was Developed

A State Work Group held monthly meetings from June 2007 through February 2008 to draft the Operational Protocol or Guidebook.  This Work Group consists of state agencies and entities having a role in the Money Follows the Person Project, local government representatives, public and private community services providers, industry representatives, family members, and advocates and self-advocates from the aging and disability communities. 

The Work Group divided into three subcommittees:

• One to draft general portions of the Guidebook,
• One to draft parts of the Guidebook that are specific to individuals transitioning from Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities, and
• One to draft parts of the Guidebook that apply only to individuals transitioning from nursing facilities and long-stay hospitals.

Staff from the Department of Medical Assistance Services and the Office of Community Integration met following each meeting of the State Work Group to integrate the work into a cohesive document.

At several points during the drafting process, the State Work Group sought input and feedback from the following stakeholder groups:

• The Community Integration (Olmstead) Advisory Commission
• The Community Integration (Olmstead) Implementation Team
• The Housing Task Force and a Housing Task Force Work Group convened specifically to assist with the Money Follows the Person Project
• The Systems Transformation Grant State Work Group
• The Transformation Leadership Team
• The stakeholder Advisory Team convened specifically to assist with the Money Follows the Person Project