ATLANTA (GA) - For the first time in Georgia’s history, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) will open enrollment to potential providers of developmental disability services nation-wide. The pre-qualification process will begin July 1 and end July 31, 2010.

“We have expanded our search for providers on a national scale to broaden our reach to reputable organizations that have the skills to work with individuals who have complex medical and/or behavioral needs,” said Beverly Rollins, Executive Director, Division of Developmental Disabilities. “We encourage our existing providers to look at the announcement and expand their services in Georgia as well.”

During a six month moratorium on new applications, the Division of Developmental Disabilities revamped the enrollment process to ensure the success of individuals and providers. In addition to opening enrollment nationally, the agency is requiring that all potential providers submitting applications be established and in business for at least one year. A pre-determination process will be used to invite applicants who meet all of the division’s requirements. Once potential providers successfully meet all criteria, they will be notified within 30 days to submit an application and schedule a site visit. New providers will also be required to attend mandatory training over a consecutive two week period beginning October 25 through November 5, 2010.

Completion of the new provider enrollment process is designed to take six months. Once pre-qualifications close July 31, 2010, a new recruitment cycle will not re-open until Jan 1, 2011.

To read the policy and learn how to apply, visit http://dbhdd.georgia.gov. For additional questions, please contact Mary West Barclay at [email protected]. Please be sure to include your name, number and specific question.

Contact Information:

Kristie Swink ([email protected])