Designated State Agency: TA Brief on Memorandum of Understanding with a DSA

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Designated State Agency (DSA)
The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (PL 106‐402) provides language that supports a DD Council to request a MOU with the DSA to clarify and describe the roles and responsibilities of the DSA.

DD Act Language
Section 125 (d)(3)(G) MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING – On the request of the Council, the designated State agency shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Council delineating the roles and responsibilities of the designated State agency.
Discussion:
The purpose of a MOU is to describe the roles and responsibilities of the DSA and the DD Council in implementing Title B of the DD Act. A main objective of a MOU is to formally establish a basis for an effective working relationship between the Council and the DSA. As such, a MOU is an effective way to establish clear, mutually agreed upon assignments of authority and responsibilities in core areas.

Click to open the Memorandum of Understanding with a DSA resource.