Virginia Law

A. The Code of Virginia authorizes these regulations to further define and protect the rights of individuals receiving services from providers of mental health, developmental, or substance abuse services in Virginia. This chapter requires providers of services to take specific actions to protect the rights of each individual. This chapter establishes remedies when rights are violated or are in dispute and provides a structure for support of these rights.

B. Providers subject to this chapter include:

1. Facilities operated by the department under Chapters 3 (§ 37.2-300 et seq.) and 7 (§ 37.2-700 et seq.) of Title 37.2 of the Code of Virginia;

2. Sexually violent predator programs established under § 37.2-909 of the Code of Virginia;

3. Community services boards that provide services under Chapter 5 (§ 37.2-500 et seq.) of Title 37.2 of the Code of Virginia;

4. Behavioral health authorities that provide services under Chapter 6 (§ 37.2-600 et seq.) of Title 37.2 of the Code of Virginia;

5. Public or private providers that operate programs or facilities licensed by the department under Article 2 (§ 37.2-403 et seq.) of Chapter 4 of Title 37.2 of the Code of Virginia except those operated by the Department of Corrections; and

6. Any other providers receiving funding from the department. Providers of services under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 USC §§ 1431-1444, that are subject to this chapter solely by receipt of Part C funds from or through the department shall comply with all applicable IDEA regulations found in 34 CFR Part 303 in lieu of this chapter.

C. Unless otherwise provided by law, this chapter applies to all individuals who are receiving services from a public or private provider of services operated, licensed, or funded by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, except those operated by the Department of Corrections.

D. This chapter applies to individuals under forensic status and individuals committed to the custody of the department as sexually violent predators, except to the extent that the commissioner may determine this chapter is not applicable to them. The exemption shall be in writing and based solely on the need to protect individuals receiving services, employees, or the general public. The commissioner shall give the State Human Rights Committee (SHRC) chairperson prior notice of all exemptions and provide the written exemption to the SHRC for its information. These exemptions shall be time limited and services shall not be compromised.