Lead Agencies
Did You Know?
In many States, a Lead Agency is the designated entity with the primary authority and responsibility for providing brain injury services that may not be available through other State programs. The TBI Act of 1996, as amended, requires States to designate a Lead Agency in order to be eligible for funding from the Federal TBI Program. While a designated Lead Agency usually does not provide all the services that individuals with TBI may receive from State government, the agency may provide leadership within the State to coordinate the service delivery systems.
The functions of a Lead Agency vary across States and may include the authority to perform the following:
Plan, formulate policy, and develop and implement programs and services within its agency or department and coordinate and communicate with and support other agencies that deliver brain injury services.
Administer brain injury program/services, including developing program eligibility criteria and service definitions, setting program standards, rate reimbursement, quality assurance, and staff or contract supervision.
Develop collaborative efforts within the State service systems and the private sector to coordinate programs and services.
Manage trust funds, Medicaid Waivers, or general or special revenue streams and the State's Federal TBI Program grant (if applicable) in order to sustain the State program.
Provide expertise and resources including training and materials to other State and community programs.
Support the State's Advisory Board/Council in conducting Needs and Resources Assessments, developing a TBI State Action Plan, and recommending and formulating State policy and interagency coordination.
The Lead Agency may be designated by statute or by executive order. Sometimes, a memorandum of understanding or other mechanism is used to designate the Lead Agency. Often, an agency assumes responsibility with consent of the department head rather than formal designation by the governor or legislature.
There is a Lead Agency for brain injury in 48 States. In 25 of those States, the Lead Agency was established in statute. In three of those States, the Lead Agency was established by executive order of the governor. Rhode Island was the first State to designate a Lead Agency in legislation. Many States designated Lead Agencies based on the TBI Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-166), which set forth such designation as one of four core components for capacity building within the State.
Lead Agencies for brain injury are located in a variety of departments such as Public Health, Human Services, Social Services, Medicaid, Vocational Rehabilitation, Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities, and Education. In 20 States agreements are in place between the Lead Agency and another governmental entity. Lead Agencies most often collaborate with vocational rehabilitation, developmental disabilities, injury and disability prevention, Medicaid/medical assistance, social or human services, and alcohol and substance abuse agencies. Lead Agencies may also work cooperatively with the Advisory Board/Council, Brain Injury Association of America affiliate or the Protection and Advocacy System as well as other private sector programs and organizations.
Click here to order a copy of our latest "Guide to State Government Brain Injury Policies, Funding and Services" to learn more about TBI Lead Agencies and other State systems components.
