The Virginia Advisory Legislative Council Committee to Study Mental Retardation Care was established as a result of House Joint Resolution Number 106 which was adopted by the 1972 Session of the Virginia General Assembly.

Delegate Arthur R. Giesen, Jr., of Staunton, a member of the Council, was appointed Chairman of the Committee to conduct the study. Other members selected to serve on the Committee were Mrs. Marion Alderman of Hillsville, Dr. Kenly P. Bovard of Front Royal, Senator A. Joe Canada, Jr., of Virginia Beach, Delegate Alan A. Diamonstein of Newport News, Senator Frederick T. Gray of Chesterfield, Mrs. Elsie Gruver of Arlington, Delegate Robert R. Gwathmey, III, of Hanover, Dr. James Q. Miller of Charlottesville, Dr. Warren Pearse of Richmond, Dr. Howard L. Sparks of Richmond and Mrs. Lorna Stone of Roanoke.

Dr. Kenly P. Bovard was elected Vice Chairman.

The Virginia Advisory Legislative Council and the Division of Legislative Services made staff and facilities available to carry out this study; they assigned the necessary employees to assist the individual members and the study group at all times. The Division of Legislative Services was represented by Robert W. Bendall and Mrs. Mark Neale.