COMMUNITY INTEGRATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN VIRGINIA

Fatumata Kaba
4 days ago
3 min read

SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO LIVE, PARTICIPATE, AND THRIVE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES WITH DIGNITY AND PURPOSE

Community Integration Services in Virginia are designed to help individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (ID/DD) develop meaningful connections, gain skills, and engage in everyday life outside of institutional settings. These services promote independence, social inclusion, and self-determination by supporting participation in volunteerism, recreation, lifelong learning, and civic life.

Community Integration is a core feature of the Community Living (CL) and Family and Individual Supports (FIS) Waivers, with coordination and oversight by Community Services Boards (CSBs) and standards set by the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) and Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS).

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1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS)

Role: Administers Medicaid reimbursement and program eligibility.

Agency: Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS)

Role: Licenses and regulates providers delivering community engagement and skill-building services.

Agency: Community Services Boards (CSBs)

Role: Authorize services through the ISP, monitor progress, and ensure alignment with waiver goals.

2. COMMUNITY INTEGRATION SERVICES OVERVIEW

Community Integration may be delivered 1:1 or in small groups based on individual preferences and needs. Services should reflect the person’s goals in their Individual Support Plan (ISP) and emphasize full participation in community life.

Covered activities may include:

Volunteering and civic participation (e.g., food banks, animal shelters)
Attending classes, workshops, or community events
Visiting libraries, parks, or museums
Participating in recreational or wellness activities
Building relationships with non-paid community members
Exploring interests like gardening, art, or local clubs

Services must be person-centered, non-facility-based, and promote skills, autonomy, and community presence.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC)
Obtain an EIN and Type 2 NPI
Apply for a DBHDS license for Community Engagement or Community Coaching
Develop a Community Integration Services Policy & Procedure Manual
Obtain affiliation with DBHDS Human Rights and submit policies
Enroll as a Medicaid provider through the MES portal
Contract with CSBs to receive referrals and service authorizations

4. VIRGINIA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register your business, obtain EIN and NPI

Step 2: Apply for DBHDS license (Community Engagement or Community Coaching)

Step 3: Complete Human Rights affiliation and prepare policy documents

Step 4: Enroll as Medicaid provider through the MES portal

Step 5: Submit staffing plans and documentation tools

Step 6: Contract with local CSBs and begin services after ISP authorization

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

SCC registration, EIN, NPI
DBHDS license and inspection certificate
Medicaid provider agreement
CSB referral forms and ISP alignment
Community Integration Services Policy & Procedure Manual, including:
- Person-centered planning and goal tracking
- Supervision and staffing ratios
- Transportation and activity safety
- Incident reporting, emergency preparedness, and risk assessment
- Documentation templates for daily progress and participation
- Community partnership tracking and inclusion outcomes
- HIPAA and client rights protections

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Community Engagement Specialist / Direct Support Professional (DSP)Requirements:

High school diploma or GED
Clean background check and CPS registry clearance
Person-centered planning and inclusion training
CPR, First Aid, and behavior support (if needed)

Role: Program Supervisor (optional)Responsibilities:

Monitors ISP implementation, community partnerships, and staff compliance

All staff must complete:

DBHDS-mandated onboarding and annual training
Human Rights and person-centered services training
Emergency protocols and transportation safety
Documentation and ISP goal tracking training

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Community Integration services are available under:

Community Living (CL) Waiver – Individuals living in group homes or supported apartments
Family and Individual Supports (FIS) Waiver – Individuals living with family or independently
Building Independence (BI) Waiver – Limited community-based activities based on need

These services must be part of the ISP and cannot occur in segregated or institutional settings.

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation & Licensing Preparation

Timeline: 2–3 months (includes DBHDS review)

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment & CSB Contracting

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Hiring, Training & Activity Plan Development

Timeline: 3–5 weeks

Phase: Launch of Services

Timeline: Begins after CSB referral and ISP authorization

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS)

Website: https://dbhds.virginia.gov

DBHDS Office of Licensing

Website: https://dbhds.virginia.gov/office-of-licensing/

Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS)

Website: https://www.dmas.virginia.gov

MES Provider Portal (Medicaid Enrollment)

Website: https://vamedicaid.dmas.virginia.gov/provider

Community Services Boards Directory

Website: https://dbhds.virginia.gov/community-services-boards/

COMMUNITY INTEGRATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN VIRGINIA

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — VIRGINIA COMMUNITY INTEGRATION PROVIDERWCG helps human services agencies build inclusive, impactful community integration programs that meet DBHDS licensing standards and align with person-centered planning.

Scope of Work: