12VAC35-46-1260. Qualified residential treatment programs.
A. A qualified residential treatment program (QRTP) shall have a trauma-informed treatment model that is designed to address the needs, including clinical needs as appropriate, of children with serious emotional or behavioral disorders or disturbances and, with respect to a child, is able to implement the treatment identified for the child.
B. In addition to the staffing requirements within Part II (12VAC35-46-170 et seq.) through Part VI (12VAC35-46-1120 et seq.) of this chapter, a QRTP shall have registered or licensed nursing staff and other licensed clinical staff who:
1. Provide care within the scope of their practice as defined by state law;
2. Are on-site according to the treatment model referred to in subsection A of this section; and
3. Are available 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
The QRTP is not required to acquire nursing or other clinical staff solely through means of a direct employer to employee relationship.
C. To the extent appropriate and in accordance with the child's best interests, the QRTP shall facilitate participation of family members in the child's treatment program.
D. The QRTP shall facilitate outreach to the family members of the child, including siblings, document how the outreach is made, including contact information, and maintain contact information for any known biological family and fictive kin of the child. Documentation of outreach to family members and contact information of family members shall be placed within the child's record at the QRTP.
E. The QRTP shall document how family members are integrated into the treatment process for the child, including after discharge, and how sibling connections are maintained. Documentation of family member integration shall be placed within the child's record at the QRTP.
F. The QRTP shall provide or ensure discharge planning and family-based aftercare support for at least six months following discharge.
G. The QRTP shall be licensed in accordance with 42 USC § 471(a)(10) and accredited by any of the following independent nonprofit organizations:
1. The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF);
2. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO);
3. The Council on Accreditation (COA); or
4. Any other independent, nonprofit accrediting organization approved by the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Statutory Authority
§§ 37.2-203 and 37.2-408 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 40, Issue 6, eff. December 7, 2023.