Virginia Law

A. A mental health screening shall be conducted prior to admission if behaviors or patterns of behavior occurred within the previous six months that were indicative of mental illness, intellectual disability, substance abuse, or behavioral disorders and that caused, or continue to cause, concern for the health, safety, or welfare either of that individual or others who could be placed at risk of harm by that individual.

Exceptions:

1. If it is not possible for the screening to be conducted prior to admission, the individual may be admitted if all other admission requirements are met. The reason for the delay shall be documented and the screening shall be conducted as soon as possible, but no later than 30 days after admission.

2. The screening shall not be required for individuals under the care of a qualified mental health professional immediately prior to admission, as long as there is documentation of the person's psychosocial and behavioral functioning as specified in 22VAC40-73-340 A 1.

B. A mental health screening shall be conducted when a resident displays behaviors or patterns of behavior indicative of mental illness, intellectual disability, substance abuse, or behavioral disorders that cause concern for the health, safety, or welfare of either that resident or others who could be placed at risk of harm by the resident.

C. The mental health screening shall be conducted by a qualified mental health professional having no financial interest in the assisted living facility, directly or indirectly as an owner, officer, employee, or as an independent contractor with the facility.

D. A copy of the screening shall be filed in the resident's record.

E. If the screening indicates a need for mental health, intellectual disability, substance abuse, or behavioral disorder services for the resident, the facility shall provide:

1. Notification of the resident's need for such services to the community services board, behavioral health authority, or other appropriate licensed provider identified by the resident or his legal representative; and

2. Notification to the resident, authorized contact person of record, and physician of record that mental health services have been recommended for the resident.