Virginia Law

A. Written procedure governing the admission and orientation of residents shall provide for:

1. Verification of legal authority for placement;

2. Search of the resident and the resident's possessions, including inventory and storage or disposition of property, as appropriate and required by 6VAC35-101-800 (admission and orientation) and 6VAC35-101-810 (residents' personal possessions);

3. Health screening as required by 6VAC35-101-980 (health screening at admission);

4. Mental health screening as required by 6VAC35-101-820 (mental health screening);

5. Notification of parent or legal guardian of admission, which shall include an inquiry regarding whether the resident has any immediate medical concerns or conditions;

6. Provision to the parent or legal guardian of information on (i) visitation, (ii) how to request information, and (iii) how to register concerns and complaints with the facility;

7. Interview with resident to answer questions and obtain information; and

8. Explanation to resident of program services and schedules.

B. The resident shall receive an orientation to the following:

1. The behavior management program as required by 6VAC35-101-1070 (behavior management);

a. During the orientation, residents shall be given written information describing rules of conduct, the sanctions for rule violations, and the disciplinary process. These shall be explained to the resident and documented by the dated signature of resident and staff.

b. Where a language or literacy problem exists that can lead to a resident misunderstanding the rules of conduct and related regulations, staff or a qualified person under the supervision of staff shall assist the resident.

2. The grievance procedure as required by 6VAC35-101-100 (grievance procedure);

3. The disciplinary process as required by 6VAC35-101-1080 (disciplinary process);

4. The resident's responsibilities in implementing the emergency procedures as required by 6VAC35-101-510 (emergency and evacuation procedures); and

5. The resident's rights, including but not limited to the prohibited actions provided for in 6VAC35-101-650 (prohibited actions).

C. Such orientation shall occur prior to assignment of the resident to a housing unit or room.

D. Staff performing admission and orientation requirements contained in this section shall be trained prior to performing such duties.