LIS

Virginia Law

Administrative Code

Creating a Report: Check the sections you'd like to appear in the report, then use the "Create Report" button at the bottom of the page to generate your report. Once the report is generated you'll then have the option to download it as a pdf, print or email the report.

Virginia Administrative Code
Title 12. Health
Agency 35. Department of Behavioral Health And Developmental Services
Chapter 46. Regulations for Children's Residential Facilities
6/4/2025

12VAC35-46-890. Searches.

A. Strip searches and body cavity searches are prohibited except:

1. As permitted by other applicable state regulations; or

2. As ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction.

B. A provider that does not conduct pat downs shall have a written policy prohibiting them.

C. A provider that conducts pat downs shall develop and implement written policies and procedures governing them that shall provide that:

1. Pat downs shall be limited to instances where they are necessary to prohibit contraband;

2. Pat downs shall be conducted by personnel of the same gender as the resident being searched;

3. Pat downs shall be conducted only by personnel who are specifically authorized to conduct searches by the written policies and procedures; and

4. Pat downs shall be conducted in such a way as to protect the resident's dignity and in the presence of one or more witnesses.

Statutory Authority

§§ 37.2-203 and 37.2-408 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 25, Issue 21, eff. August 6, 2009.

Website addresses provided in the Virginia Administrative Code to documents incorporated by reference are for the reader's convenience only, may not necessarily be active or current, and should not be relied upon. To ensure the information incorporated by reference is accurate, the reader is encouraged to use the source document described in the regulation.

As a service to the public, the Virginia Administrative Code is provided online by the Virginia General Assembly. We are unable to answer legal questions or respond to requests for legal advice, including application of law to specific fact. To understand and protect your legal rights, you should consult an attorney.