Virginia Law

A. Local human rights committees shall:

1. Review any restriction on the rights of any individual imposed pursuant to 12VAC35-115-50 or 12VAC35-115-100 that lasts longer than seven days or is imposed three or more times during a 30-day period for providers within the LHRC's jurisdiction in accordance with 12VAC35-115-100 B 5;

2. Review next friend designations in accordance with 12VAC35-115-146 B 2;

3. Hold hearings according to the procedures set forth in Part V (12VAC35-115-150 et seq.) of this chapter for any individual served by a provider under the LHRC's jurisdiction;

4. Review behavioral treatment plans in accordance with 12VAC35-115-105;

5. Receive, review, and act on applications for variances to this chapter in accordance with 12VAC35-115-220;

6. Consist of five or more members appointed by the SHRC.

a. Membership shall be broadly representative of professional and consumer interests as required in § 37.2-204 of the Code of Virginia.

b. At least one member shall be a health care provider.

c. No current employee of the department or a provider shall serve as a member of any LHRC that serves an oversight function for the employing facility or provider.

d. Members shall recuse themselves from all cases in which they have a financial or other conflict of interest.

e. Initial appointments to an LHRC shall be staggered, with approximately one-third of the members appointed for terms of three years, approximately one-third for terms of two years, and the remainder for a term or terms of one year. After that, all appointments shall be for terms of three years.

f. A person may be appointed for no more than two consecutive three-year terms. A person appointed to fill a vacancy may serve out that term and then be eligible for two additional consecutive terms.

g. Nominations for membership to LHRCs shall be submitted directly to the SHRC through the state human rights director at the department's Office of Human Rights;

7. Elect a chairperson from its own members who shall:

a. Coordinate the activities of the LHRC; and

b. Preside at regular meetings and hearings held pursuant to this chapter;

8. Meet every quarter or more frequently as necessary to adhere to all timelines as set forth in this chapter; and

9. Adopt written bylaws that address procedures for conducting business; electing the chairperson, secretary, and other officers; designating standing committees; and setting the frequency of meetings.

B. Local human rights committees may delegate authority to a subcommittee when expedited decisions are required before the next scheduled LHRC meeting to avoid seriously compromising an individual's quality of care, habilitation, or quality of life. The decision of the subcommittee shall be reviewed by the full LHRC at its next meeting.

C. The State Human Rights Committee shall:

1. Perform the following responsibilities with respect to the operation of LHRCs:

a. Appoint LHRC members with the advice of the respective LHRC, human rights advocate, and the state human rights director;

b. Review and approve the bylaws of LHRCs; and

c. Provide oversight to and assist LHRCs in the performance of their duties under this chapter, including the development of guidance documents;

2. Review LHRC decisions when required by this chapter and, if appropriate, hold hearings and make recommendations to the commissioner, the board, and providers' governing bodies regarding alleged violations of individuals' rights according to the procedures specified in this chapter;

3. Notify the commissioner and the state human rights director whenever it determines that its recommendations in a particular case are of general interest and applicability to providers, human rights advocates, or LHRCs and ensure that:

a. Its recommendations are communicated to providers, human rights advocates, and LHRCs as appropriate; and

b. The communication of its recommendations does not identify the name of individuals or employees in a particular case;

4. Grant or deny variances according to the procedures specified in Part VI (12VAC35-115-220) of this chapter and review approved variances at least once every year;

5. Submit to the board and publish an annual report of its activities and the status of human rights in services licensed, funded, or operated by the department and make recommendations for improvement;

6. Evaluate the implementation of this chapter and make necessary and appropriate recommendations to the board, the commissioner, and the state human rights director concerning its interpretation and enforcement;

7. Review and make recommendations to the department and board, as appropriate, concerning:

a. The scope and content of training programs designed by the department to promote responsible performance of the duties assigned under this chapter;

b. Existing or proposed policies, procedures, or practices that could jeopardize the rights of individuals receiving services from any provider;

c. Proposed revisions to this chapter; and

d. Revisions to existing or proposed laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and practices that are needed to ensure the protection of individuals' rights;

8. Consist of nine members appointed by the board.

a. Members shall be broadly representative of professional and consumer interests as required in § 37.2-204 of the Code of Virginia;

b. Members shall recuse themselves from all cases in which they have a financial or other conflict of interest;

c. If there is a vacancy, interim appointments may be made by the board for the remainder of the unexpired term;

d. A person may be appointed for no more than two consecutive three-year terms. A person appointed to fill a vacancy may serve out that term and then be eligible for two additional consecutive terms; and

e. No current employee of the department, a CSB, or a behavioral health authority may serve as a member of the SHRC;

9. Elect a chairperson from its own members who shall:

a. Coordinate the activities of the SHRC;

b. Preside at regular meetings, hearings, and appeals; and

c. Have direct access to the commissioner and the board in carrying out these duties;

10. Conduct at least eight regular meetings per year; and

11. Adopt written bylaws that address procedures for conducting business; making membership recommendations to the board; electing a chairperson, vice chairperson, secretary, and other officers; appointing members of LHRCs; designating standing committees and their responsibilities; establishing ad hoc committees; and setting the frequency of meetings.