Committee advances technical change to allow positive behavior support facilitators to train DSPs

Delegate Cohen presented HB 469, which requests that the Department of Medical Assistance Services amend its autism competencies checklist regulations to include positive behavior support facilitators among those authorized to train direct support professionals (DSPs) and DSP supervisors.

Cohen said the change addresses an apparent oversight and was endorsed by the disability commission. Whitney King and Ashley Wright of Destination Family Services and the Arc of Virginia described the addition as a permissive, practical fix that recognizes existing practitioner training and closes a regulatory gap.

A motion to report and refer HB 469 to Appropriations was made, seconded and the bill passed the subcommittee by a vote of 6 to 0. The referral advances the regulatory change for fiscal review and any needed guidance from DMAS.

Supporters characterized the bill as permissive and technical rather than a substantive policy rewrite.