Part IV. Services and Supports
Article 1
Service Description and Staffing
12VAC35-105-570. Mission statement.
Article 1
Service Description and Staffing
The provider shall develop a written mission statement that clearly identifies its philosophy, purpose, and goals.
Statutory Authority
§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002.
12VAC35-105-580. Service description requirements.
A. The provider shall develop, implement, review, and revise its descriptions of services offered according to the provider's mission and shall make service descriptions available for public review.
B. The provider shall outline how each service offers a structured program of individualized interventions and care designed to meet the individuals' physical and emotional needs; provide protection, guidance and supervision; and meet the objectives of any required individualized services plan.
C. The provider shall prepare a written description of each service it offers. Elements of each service description shall include:
1. Service goals;
2. A description of care, treatment, skills acquisition, or other supports provided;
3. Characteristics and needs of individuals to receive services;
4. Contract services, if any;
5. Eligibility requirements and admission, continued stay, and exclusion criteria;
6. Service termination and discharge or transition criteria; and
7. Type and role of employees or contractors.
D. The provider shall revise the written service description whenever the operation of the service changes.
E. The provider shall not implement services that are inconsistent with its most current service description.
F. The provider shall admit only those individuals whose service needs are consistent with the service description, for whom services are available, and for which staffing levels and types meet the needs of the individuals receiving services.
G. The provider shall provide for the physical separation of children and adults in residential and inpatient services and shall provide separate group programming for adults and children, except in the case of family services. The provider shall provide for the safety of children accompanying parents receiving services. Older adolescents transitioning from school to adult activities may participate in developmental day support services with adults.
H. The service description for substance abuse treatment services shall address the timely and appropriate treatment of pregnant women with substance abuse (substance use disorders).
I. If the provider plans to serve individuals as of a result of a temporary detention order to a service, prior to admitting those individuals to that service, the provider shall submit a written plan for adequate staffing and security measures to ensure the individual can receive services safely within the service to the department for approval. If the plan is approved, the department shall add a stipulation to the license authorizing the provider to serve individuals who are under temporary detention orders.
Statutory Authority
§§ 37.2-302 and 37.2-400 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011; Volume 36, Issue 22, eff. August 1, 2020.
12VAC35-105-590. Provider staffing plan.
A. The provider shall implement a written staffing plan that includes the types, roles, and numbers of employees and contractors that are required to provide the service. This staffing plan shall reflect the:
1. Needs of the individuals receiving services;
2. Types of services offered;
3. Service description;
4. Number of individuals to receive services at a given time; and
5. Adequate number of staff required to safely evacuate all individuals during an emergency.
B. The provider shall develop a written transition staffing plan for new services, added locations, and changes in capacity.
C. The provider shall meet the following staffing requirements related to supervision.
1. The provider shall describe how employees, volunteers, contractors, and student interns will be supervised in the staffing plan and how that supervision will be documented.
2. Supervision of employees, volunteers, contractors, and student interns shall be provided by persons who have experience in working with individuals receiving services and in providing the services outlined in the service description.
3. Supervision shall be appropriate to the services provided and the needs of the individual. Supervision shall be documented.
4. Supervision shall include responsibility for approving assessments and individualized services plans, as appropriate. This responsibility may be delegated to an employee or contractor who meets the qualification for supervision as defined in this section.
5. Supervision of mental health, substance abuse, or co-occurring services that are of an acute or clinical nature such as outpatient, inpatient, intensive in-home, or day treatment shall be provided by a licensed mental health professional or a mental health professional who is license-eligible and registered with a board of the Department of Health Professions.
6. Supervision of mental health, substance abuse, or co-occurring services that are of a supportive or maintenance nature, such as psychosocial rehabilitation or mental health supports, shall be provided by a QMHP-A, a licensed mental health professional, or a mental health professional who is license-eligible and registered with a board of the Department of Health Professions. An individual who is a QMHP-T may not provide this type of supervision.
7. Supervision of developmental services shall be provided by a person with at least one year of documented experience working directly with individuals who have developmental disabilities and holds at least a bachelor's degree in a human services field such as sociology, social work, special education, rehabilitation counseling, nursing, or psychology. Experience may be substituted for the education requirement.
8. Supervision of brain injury services shall be provided, at a minimum, by a clinician in the health professions field who is trained and experienced in providing brain injury services to individuals who have a brain injury diagnosis including (i) a doctor of medicine or osteopathy licensed in Virginia; (ii) a psychiatrist who is a doctor of medicine or osteopathy specializing in psychiatry and licensed in Virginia; (iii) a psychologist who has a master's degree in psychology from a college or university with at least one year of clinical experience; (iv) a social worker who has a bachelor's degree in human services or a related field (social work, psychology, psychiatric evaluation, sociology, counseling, vocational rehabilitation, human services counseling, or other degree deemed equivalent to those described) from an accredited college or university with at least two years of clinical experience providing direct services to individuals with a diagnosis of brain injury; (v) a Certified Brain Injury Specialist; (vi) a registered nurse licensed in Virginia with at least one year of clinical experience; or (vii) any other licensed rehabilitation professional with one year of clinical experience.
D. The provider shall employ or contract with persons with appropriate training, as necessary, to meet the specialized needs of and to ensure the safety of individuals receiving services in residential services with medical or nursing needs; speech, language, or hearing problems; or other needs where specialized training is necessary.
E. Providers of brain injury services shall employ or contract with a neuropsychologist or licensed clinical psychologist specializing in brain injury to assist, as appropriate, with initial assessments, development of individualized services plans, crises, staff training, and service design.
F. Staff in direct care positions providing brain injury services shall have at least a high school diploma and two years of experience working with individuals with disabilities or shall have successfully completed an approved training curriculum on brain injuries within six months of employment.
Statutory Authority
§§ 37.2-302 and 37.2-400 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 24, eff. September 18, 2003; Volume 23, Issue 10, eff. February 21, 2007; Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011; Volume 35, Issue 19, eff. June 15, 2019; Volume 36, Issue 22, eff. August 1, 2020; Volume 40, Issue 22, eff. July 17, 2024.
12VAC35-105-600. Nutrition.
A. A provider preparing and serving food shall:
1. Implement a written plan for the provision of food services, which ensures access to nourishing, well-balanced, varied, and healthy meals;
2. Make reasonable efforts to prepare meals that consider the cultural background, personal preferences, and food habits and that meet the dietary needs of the individuals served; and
3. Assist individuals who require assistance feeding themselves in a manner that effectively addresses any deficits.
B. Providers of residential and inpatient services shall implement a policy to monitor each individual's food consumption and nutrition for:
1. Warning signs of changes in physical or mental status related to nutrition; and
2. Compliance with any needs determined by the individualized services plan or prescribed by a physician, nutritionist, or health care professional.
Statutory Authority
§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011.
12VAC35-105-610. Community participation.
Individuals receiving residential and day support services shall be afforded opportunities to participate in community activities that are based on their personal interests or preferences. The provider shall have written documentation that such opportunities were made available to individuals served.
Statutory Authority
§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011.
12VAC35-105-620. Monitoring and evaluating service quality.
A. The provider shall develop and implement written policies and procedures for a quality improvement program sufficient to identify, monitor, and evaluate clinical and service quality and effectiveness on a systematic and ongoing basis.
B. The quality improvement program shall utilize standard quality improvement tools, including root cause analysis, and shall include a quality improvement plan.
C. The quality improvement plan shall:
1. Be reviewed and updated at least annually;
2. Define measurable goals and objectives;
3. Include and report on statewide performance measures, if applicable, as required by DBHDS;
4. Monitor implementation and effectiveness of approved corrective action plans pursuant to 12VAC35-105-170; and
5. Include ongoing monitoring and evaluation of progress toward meeting established goals and objectives.
D. The provider's policies and procedures shall include the criteria the provider will use to
1. Establish measurable goals and objectives ;
2. Update the provider's quality improvement plan; and
3. Submit revised corrective action plans to the department for approval or continue implementing the corrective action plan and put into place additional measures to prevent the recurrence of the cited violation and address identified systemic deficiencies when reviews determine that a corrective action was fully implemented but did not prevent the recurrence of the cited regulatory violation or correct a systemic deficiency pursuant to 12VAC35-105-170.
E. Input from individuals receiving services and their authorized representatives, if applicable, about services used and satisfaction level of participation in the direction of service planning shall be part of the provider's quality improvement plan. The provider shall implement improvements, when indicated.
Statutory Authority
§§ 37.2-302 and 37.2-400 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011; Volume 36, Issue 22, eff. August 1, 2020.
Article 2
Screening, Admission, Assessment, Service Planning, and Orientation
12VAC35-105-630. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011.
12VAC35-105-640. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011.
12VAC35-105-645. Initial contacts, screening, admission, assessment, service planning, orientation and discharge.
A. The provider shall implement policies and procedures for initial contacts and screening, admissions, and referral of individuals to other services and designate staff to perform these activities.
B. The provider shall maintain written documentation of an individual's initial contact and screening prior to his admission including the:
1. Date of contact;
2. Name, age, and gender of the individual;
3. Address and telephone number of the individual, if applicable;
4. Reason why the individual is requesting services; and
5. Disposition of the individual including his referral to other services for further assessment, placement on a waiting list for service, or admission to the service.
C. The provider shall assist individuals who are not admitted to identify other appropriate services.
D. The provider shall retain documentation of the individual's initial contacts and screening for six months. Documentation shall be included in the individual's record if the individual is admitted to the service.
Statutory Authority
§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011.
12VAC35-105-650. Assessment policy.
A. The provider shall implement a written assessment policy. The policy shall define how assessments will be conducted and documented.
B. The provider shall actively involve the individual and the individual's authorized representative, if applicable, in the preparation of initial and comprehensive assessments and in subsequent reassessments. In these assessments and reassessments, the provider shall consider the individual's needs, strengths, goals, preferences, and abilities within the individual's cultural context.
C. The assessment policy shall designate employees or contractors who are responsible for conducting assessments. These employees or contractors shall have experience in working with the needs of individuals who are being assessed, the assessment tools being utilized, and the provision of services that the individuals may require.
D. Assessment is an ongoing activity. The provider shall make reasonable attempts to obtain previous assessments or relevant history.
E. An assessment shall be initiated prior to or at admission to the service. With the participation of the individual and the individual's authorized representative, if applicable, the provider shall complete an initial assessment detailed enough to determine whether the individual qualifies for admission and to initiate an ISP for those individuals who are admitted to the service. This assessment shall assess immediate service, health, and safety needs, and, at a minimum, include the individual's:
1. Diagnosis;
2. Presenting needs, including the individual's stated needs, psychiatric needs, support needs, and the onset and duration of problems;
3. Current medical problems;
4. Current medications;
5. Current and past substance use or abuse, including co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders; and
6. At-risk behavior to self and others.
F. A comprehensive assessment shall update and finalize the initial assessment. The timing for completion of the comprehensive assessment shall be based upon the nature and scope of the service but shall occur no later than 30 days after admission for providers of mental health and substance abuse services and 60 days after admission for providers of developmental services. The comprehensive assessment shall address:
1. Onset and duration of problems;
2. Social, behavioral, developmental, and family history and supports;
3. Cognitive functioning, including strengths and weaknesses;
4. Employment, vocational, and educational background;
5. Previous interventions and outcomes;
6. Financial resources and benefits;
7. Health history and current medical care needs, to include:
a. Allergies;
b. Recent physical complaints and medical conditions;
c. Nutritional needs;
d. Chronic conditions;
e. Communicable diseases;
f. Restrictions on physical activities, if any;
g. Restrictive protocols or special supervision requirements;
h. Past serious illnesses, serious injuries, and hospitalizations;
i. Serious illnesses and chronic conditions of the individual's parents, siblings, and significant others in the same household; and
j. Current and past substance use, including alcohol, prescription and nonprescription medications, and illicit drugs.
8. Psychiatric and substance use issues, including current mental health or substance use needs, presence of co-occurring disorders, history of substance use or abuse, and circumstances that increase the individual's risk for mental health or substance use issues;
9. History of abuse, neglect, sexual or domestic violence, or trauma, including psychological trauma;
10. Legal status, including authorized representative, commitment, and representative payee status;
11. Relevant criminal charges or convictions and probation or parole status;
12. Daily living skills;
13. Housing arrangements;
14. Ability to access services, including transportation needs; and
15. As applicable, and in all residential services, fall risk, communication methods or needs, and mobility and adaptive equipment needs.
G. Providers of short-term intensive services, including inpatient and crisis stabilization services, shall develop policies for completing comprehensive assessments within the time frames appropriate for those services.
H. Providers of nonintensive or short-term services shall meet the requirements for the initial assessment at a minimum. Nonintensive services are services provided in jails, nursing homes, or other locations when access to records and information is limited by the location and nature of the services. Short-term services typically are provided for less than 60 days.
I. Providers may utilize standardized state or federally sanctioned assessment tools that do not meet all the criteria of this section as the initial or comprehensive assessment tools as long as the tools assess the individual's health and safety issues and substantially meet the requirements of this section.
J. Individuals who receive medication-only services shall be reassessed at least annually to determine whether there is a change in the need for additional services and the effectiveness of the medication.
K. This section does not apply to crisis services as crisis services shall comply with Part VIII of this chapter.
Statutory Authority
§§ 37.2-302 and 37.2-400 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011; Volume 36, Issue 22, eff. August 1, 2020; Volume 40, Issue 22, eff. July 17, 2024.
12VAC35-105-660. Individualized services plan (ISP).
A. The provider shall actively involve the individual and the individual's authorized representative, as appropriate, in the development, review, and revision of a person-centered ISP. The individualized services planning process shall be consistent with laws protecting confidentiality, privacy, human rights of individuals receiving services, and rights of minors.
B. The provider shall develop and implement an initial person-centered ISP for the first 60 days for developmental services or for the first 30 days for mental health and substance abuse services. This ISP shall be developed and implemented within 24 hours of admission to address immediate service, health, and safety needs and shall continue in effect until the ISP is developed or the individual is discharged, whichever comes first.
C. The provider shall implement a person-centered comprehensive ISP as soon as possible after admission based upon the nature and scope of services but no later than 30 days after admission for providers of mental health and substance abuse services and 60 days after admission for providers of developmental services.
D. The initial ISP and the comprehensive ISP shall be developed based on the respective assessment with the participation and informed choice of the individual receiving services.
1. To ensure the individual's participation and informed choice, the following shall be explained to the individual or the individual's authorized representative, as applicable, in a reasonable and comprehensible manner:
a. The proposed services to be delivered;
b. Any alternative services that might be advantageous for the individual; and
c. Any accompanying risks or benefits of the proposed and alternative services.
2. If no alternative services are available to the individual, it shall be clearly documented within the ISP, or within documentation attached to the ISP, that alternative services were not available as well as any steps taken to identify if alternative services were available.
3. Whenever there is a change to an individual's ISP, it shall be clearly documented within the ISP, or within documentation attached to the ISP that:
a. The individual participated in the development of or revision to the ISP;
b. The proposed and alternative services and their respective risks and benefits were explained to the individual or the individual's authorized representative; and
c. The reasons the individual or the individual's authorized representative chose the option included in the ISP.
E. This section does not apply to crisis services as crisis services shall comply with Part VIII of this chapter.
Statutory Authority
§§ 37.2-302 and 37.2-400 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 24, eff. September 18, 2003; Volume 23, Issue 10, eff. February 21, 2007; Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011; Volume 36, Issue 22, eff. August 1, 2020; Volume 40, Issue 22, eff. July 17, 2024.
12VAC35-105-665. ISP requirements.
A. The comprehensive ISP shall be based on the individual's needs, strengths, abilities, personal preferences, goals, and natural supports identified in the assessment. The ISP shall include:
1. Relevant and attainable goals, measurable objectives, and specific strategies for addressing each need;
2. Services and supports and frequency of services required to accomplish the goals, including relevant psychological, mental health, substance abuse, behavioral, medical, rehabilitation, training, and nursing needs and supports;
3. The role of the individual and others in implementing the service plan;
4. A communication plan for individuals with communication barriers, including language barriers;
5. A behavioral support or treatment plan, if applicable;
6. A safety plan that addresses identified risks to the individual or to others, including a fall risk plan;
7. A crisis or relapse plan, if applicable;
8. Target dates for accomplishment of goals and objectives;
9. Identification of employees or contractors responsible for coordination and integration of services, including employees of other agencies;
10. Recovery plans, if applicable; and
11. Services the individual elects to self-direct, if applicable.
B. The ISP shall be signed and dated, at a minimum, by the person responsible for implementing the plan and the individual receiving services or the individual's authorized representative in order to document agreement. If the signature of the individual receiving services or the individual's authorized representative cannot be obtained, the provider shall document attempts to obtain the necessary signature and the reason why he was unable to obtain it. The ISP shall be distributed to the individual and others authorized to receive it.
C. The provider shall designate a person who shall be responsible for developing, implementing, reviewing, and revising each individual's ISP in collaboration with the individual or individual's authorized representative, as appropriate.
D. Employees or contractors who are responsible for implementing the ISP shall demonstrate a working knowledge of the objectives and strategies contained in the individual's current ISP, including an individual's detailed health and safety protocols.
E. Providers of short-term intensive services such as inpatient and crisis services that are typically provided for less than 30 days shall implement a policy to develop an ISP within a timeframe consistent with the length of stay of individuals.
F. When a provider provides more than one service to an individual, the provider may maintain a single ISP document that contains individualized objectives and strategies for each service provided.
G. Whenever possible, the identified goals in the ISP shall be written in the words of the individual receiving services.
H. This section does not apply to crisis services as crisis services shall comply with Part VIII of this chapter.
Statutory Authority
§§ 37.2-302 and 37.2-400 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011; amended, Virginia Register Volume 36, Issue 22, eff. August 1, 2020; Volume 40, Issue 22, eff. July 17, 2024.
12VAC35-105-670. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011.
12VAC35-105-675. Reassessments and ISP reviews.
A. Reassessments shall be completed at least annually and any time there is a need based on changes in the medical, psychiatric, behavioral, or other status of the individual.
B. Providers shall complete changes to the ISP as a result of the assessments.
C. The provider shall update the ISP at least annually and any time assessments identify risks, injuries, needs, or a change in status of the individual.
D. The provider shall complete quarterly reviews of the ISP at least every three months from the date of the implementation of the comprehensive ISP.
1. These reviews shall evaluate the individual's progress toward meeting the ISP's goals and objectives and the continued relevance of the ISP's objectives and strategies. The provider shall update the goals, objectives, and strategies contained in the ISP, if indicated, and implement any updates made.
2. These reviews shall document evidence of progression toward or achievement of a specific targeted outcome for each goal and objective.
3. For goals and objectives that were not accomplished by the identified target date, the provider and any appropriate treatment team members shall meet to review the reasons for lack of progress and provide the individual an opportunity to make an informed choice of how to proceed. Documentation of the quarterly review shall be added to the individual's record no later than 15 calendar days from the date the review was due to be completed, with the exception of case management services. Case management quarterly reviews shall be added to the individual's record no later than 30 calendar days from the date the review was due.
Statutory Authority
§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011; amended, Virginia Register Volume 35, Issue 12, eff. March 21, 2019; amended, Volume 36, Issue 22, eff. August 1, 2020; Volume 37, Issue 12, eff. March 4, 2021.
12VAC35-105-680. Progress notes or other documentation.
The provider shall use signed and dated progress notes or other documentation to document the services provided and the implementation of the goals and objectives contained in the ISP.
Statutory Authority
§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011.
12VAC35-105-690. Orientation.
A. The provider shall implement a written policy regarding the orientation of individuals and their authorized representatives, if applicable to services.
B. As appropriate to the scope and level of services the policy shall require the provision to individuals and authorized representatives the following information:
1. The mission of the provider or service;
2. Service confidentiality practices and protections for individuals receiving services;
3. Human rights policies and protections and instructions on how to report violations;
4. Opportunities for participation in services and discharge planning;
5. Fire safety and emergency preparedness procedures, if applicable;
6. The provider's grievance procedure;
7. Service guidelines including criteria for admission to and discharge or transfer from services;
8. Hours and days of operation;
9. Availability of after-hours service; and
10. Any charges or fees due from the individual.
C. In addition, individuals receiving treatment services in a correctional facility shall receive an orientation to the facility's security restrictions.
D. The provider shall document that the individual and authorized representative, if applicable, received an orientation to services.
Statutory Authority
§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011.
12VAC35-105-691. Transition of individuals among service..
A. The provider shall implement written procedures that define the process for transitioning an individual between or among services operated by the provider. At a minimum the policy shall address:
1. The process by which the provider will assure continuity of services during and following transition;
2. The participation of the individual or his authorized representative, as applicable, in the decision to move and in the planning for transfer;
3. The process and timeframe for transferring the access to individual's record and ISP to the destination location;
4. The process and timeframe for completing the transfer summary; and
5. The process and timeframe for transmitting or accessing, where applicable, discharge summaries to the destination service.
B. The transfer summary shall include at a minimum the following:
1. Reason for the individual's transfer;
2. Documentation of informed choice by the individual or his authorized representative, as applicable, in the decision to and planning for the transfer;
3. Current psychiatric and known medical conditions or issues of the individual and the identity of the individual's health care providers;
4. Updated progress of the individual in meeting goals and objectives in his ISP;
5. Emergency medical information;
6. Dosages of all currently prescribed medications and over-the-counter medications used by the individual when prescribed by the provider or known by the case manager;
7. Transfer date; and
8. Signature of employee or contractor responsible for preparing the transfer summary.
C. The transfer summary may be documented in the individual's progress notes or in information easily accessible within an electronic health record.
Statutory Authority
§§ 37.2-302 and 37.2-400 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011; amended, Virginia Register Volume 36, Issue 22, eff. August 1, 2020.
12VAC35-105-693. Discharge.
A. The provider shall have written policies and procedures regarding the discharge or termination of individuals from the service. These policies and procedures shall include medical and clinical criteria for discharge.
B. Discharge instructions shall be provided in writing to the individual, the individual's authorized representative, and the successor provider, as applicable. Discharge instructions shall include, at a minimum, medications and dosages; names, telephone numbers, and addresses of any providers to whom the individual is referred; current medical issues or conditions; and the identity of the treating health care providers.
C. The provider shall make appropriate arrangements or referrals to all service providers identified in the discharge plan prior to the individual's scheduled discharge date.
D. The content of the discharge plan and the determination to discharge the individual shall be consistent with the ISP and the criteria for discharge.
E. The provider shall document in the individual's service record that the individual, the individual's authorized representative, and the individual's family members, as appropriate, have been involved in the discharge planning process.
F. A written discharge summary shall be completed within 30 days of discharge and shall include, at a minimum, the following:
1. Reason for the individual's admission to and discharge from the service;
2. Description of the individual's or the individual's authorized representative's participation in discharge planning;
3. The individual's current level of functioning or functioning limitations, if applicable;
4. Recommended procedures, activities, or referrals to assist the individual in maintaining or improving functioning and increased independence;
5. The status, location, and arrangements that have been made for future services;
6. Progress made by the individual in achieving goals and objectives identified in the ISP and summary of critical events during service provision;
7. Discharge date;
8. Discharge medications prescribed by the provider, if applicable;
9. Date the discharge summary was actually written or documented; and
10. Signature of the person who prepared the summary.
G. This section does not apply to crisis services as crisis services shall comply with Part VIII of this chapter.
Statutory Authority
§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011; amended, Virginia Register Volume 40, Issue 22, eff. July 17, 2024.
Article 3
Crisis Intervention and Emergencies
12VAC35-105-700. Written policies and procedures for crisis or emergency interventions; required elements.
A. The provider shall implement written policies and procedures for prompt intervention in the event of a crisis or a behavioral, medical, or psychiatric emergency that may occur during screening and referral, at admission, or during the period of service provision.
B. The policies and procedures shall include:
1. A definition of what constitutes a crisis or behavioral, medical, or psychiatric emergency;
2. Procedures for immediately accessing appropriate internal and external resources. This shall include a provision for obtaining physician and mental health clinical services if the provider's or service's on-call or back-up physician or mental health clinical services are not available at the time of the emergency;
3. Employee or contractor responsibilities; and
4. Location of emergency medical information for each individual receiving services, including any advance psychiatric or medical directive or crisis response plan developed by the individual, which shall be readily accessible to employees or contractors on duty in an emergency or crisis.
Statutory Authority
§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011.
12VAC35-105-710. Documenting crisis intervention and emergency services.
A. The provider shall develop a method for documenting the provision of crisis intervention and emergency services. Documentation shall include the following:
1. Date and time;
2. Description of the nature of or circumstances surrounding the crisis or emergency;
3. Name of individual;
4. Description of precipitating factors;
5. Interventions or treatment provided;
6. Names of employees or contractors responding to or consulted during the crisis or emergency; and
7. Outcome.
B. If a crisis or emergency involves an individual who is admitted into service, documentation of the crisis intervention or provision of emergency services shall become part of his record.
Statutory Authority
§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011.
Article 4
Medical Management
12VAC35-105-720. Health care policy.
A. The provider shall implement a policy, appropriate to the scope and level of service that addresses provision of adequate and appropriate medical care. This policy shall describe how:
1. Medical care needs will be assessed including circumstances that will prompt the decision to obtain a medical assessment.
2. Individualized services plans will address any medical care needs appropriate to the scope and level of service.
3. Identified medical care needs will be addressed.
4. The provider will manage medical care needs or respond to abnormal findings.
5. The provider will communicate medical assessments and diagnostic laboratory results to the individual and authorized representative, as appropriate.
6. The provider will keep accessible to staff and contractors on duty the names, addresses, and phone numbers of the individual's medical and dental providers.
7. The provider will ensure a means for facilitating and arranging, as appropriate, transportation to medical and dental appointments and medical tests, when services cannot be provided on site.
B. The provider shall implement written policies to identify any individuals who are at risk for falls and develop and implement a fall prevention and management plan and program for each at risk individual.
C. Providers of residential or inpatient services shall provide or arrange for the provision of appropriate medical care. Providers of other services shall define instances when they shall provide or arrange for appropriate medical and dental care and instances when they shall refer the individual to appropriate medical care.
D. The provider shall implement written infection control measures including the use of universal precautions.
E. The provider shall report outbreaks of infectious diseases to the Department of Health pursuant to § 32.1-37 of the Code of Virginia.
Statutory Authority
§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011.
12VAC35-105-730. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, September 19, 2002; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011.
12VAC35-105-740. Physical examination for residential and inpatient services.
A. Providers of residential or inpatient services shall administer or obtain results of physical exams within 30 days of an individual's admission. The examination must have been conducted within one year of admission to the service. Providers of inpatient services shall administer physical exams within 24 hours of an individual's admission.
B. A physical examination shall include, at a minimum:
1. General physical condition (history and physical);
2. Evaluation for communicable diseases;
3. Recommendations for further diagnostic tests and treatment, if appropriate;
4. Other examinations that may be indicated; and
5. The date of examination and signature of a qualified practitioner.
C. Locations designated for physical examinations shall ensure individual privacy.
D. The provider shall review and follow up with the results of the physical examination and of any follow-up diagnostic tests, treatments, or examinations in the individual's record.
E. This section does not apply to crisis services as crisis services shall comply with Part VIII of this chapter.
Statutory Authority
§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011; Volume 40, Issue 22, eff. July 17, 2024.
12VAC35-105-750. Emergency medical information.
A. The provider shall maintain the following emergency medical information for each individual:
1. If available, the name, address, and telephone number of:
a. The individual's physician; and
b. The authorized representative or other person to be notified;
2. Medical insurance company name and policy or Medicaid, Medicare , or CHAMPUS number, if any;
3. Currently prescribed medications and over-the-counter medications used by the individual;
4. Medication and food allergies;
5. History of substance abuse;
6. Significant medical problems or conditions;
7. Significant ambulatory or sensory problems;
8. Significant communication problems; and
9. Advance directive, if one exists.
B. Current emergency medical information shall be readily available to employees or contractors wherever program services are provided.
Statutory Authority
§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011.
12VAC35-105-760. Medical equipment.
The provider shall develop and implement a policy on maintenance and use of medical equipment, including personal medical equipment and devices.
Statutory Authority
§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002.
Article 5
Medication Management Services
12VAC35-105-770. Medication management.
A. The provider shall implement written policies addressing:
1. The safe administration, handling, storage, and disposal of medications;
2. The use of medication orders;
3. The handling of packaged medications brought by individuals from home or other residences;
4. Employees or contractors who are authorized to administer medication and training required for administration of medication;
5. The use of professional samples; and
6. The window within which medications can be given in relation to the ordered or established time of administration.
B. Medications shall be administered only by persons who are authorized to do so by state law.
C. Medications shall be administered only to the individuals for whom the medications are prescribed and shall be administered as prescribed.
D. The provider shall maintain a daily log of all medicines received and refused by each individual. This log shall identify the employee or contractor who administered the medication, the name of the medication and dosage administered or refused, and the time the medication was administered or refused.
E. If the provider administers medications or supervises self-administration of medication in a service, a current medication order for all medications the individual receives shall be maintained on site.
F. The provider shall promptly dispose of discontinued drugs, outdated drugs, and drug containers with worn, illegible, or missing labels according to the applicable regulations of the Virginia Board of Pharmacy.
Statutory Authority
§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011.
12VAC35-105-780. Medication errors and drug reactions.
In the event of a medication error or adverse drug reaction:
1. First aid shall be administered if indicated.
2. Employees or contractors shall promptly contact a poison control center, pharmacist, nurse or physician and shall take actions as directed.
3. The individual's physician shall be notified as soon as possible unless the situation is addressed in standing orders.
4. Actions taken by employees or contractors shall be documented.
5. The provider shall review medication errors at least quarterly as part of the quality assurance in 12VAC35-105-620.
6. Medication errors and adverse drug reactions shall be recorded in the individual's medication log.
Statutory Authority
§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002.
12VAC35-105-790. Medication administration and storage or pharmacy operation.
A. A provider responsible for medication administration and medication storage or pharmacy operations shall comply with:
1. The Drug Control Act (§ 54.1-3400 et seq. of the Code of Virginia);
2. The Virginia Board of Pharmacy regulations;
3. The Virginia Board of Nursing regulations; and
4. Applicable federal laws and regulations relating to controlled substances.
B. A provider responsible for medication administration and storage or pharmacy operation shall provide in-service training to employees and consultation to individuals and authorized representatives on issues of basic pharmacology including medication side effects.
Statutory Authority
§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011.
Article 6
Behavior Interventions
12VAC35-105-800. Policies and procedures on behavior interventions and supports.
A. The provider shall implement written policies and procedures that describe the use of behavior interventions, including seclusion, restraint, and time out. The policies and procedures shall:
1. Be consistent with applicable federal and state laws and regulations;
2. Emphasize positive approaches to behavior interventions;
3. List and define behavior interventions in the order of their relative degree of intrusiveness or restrictiveness and the conditions under which they may be used in each service for each individual;
4. Protect the safety and well-being of the individual at all times, including during fire and other emergencies;
5. Specify the mechanism for monitoring the use of behavior interventions; and
6. Specify the methods for documenting the use of behavior interventions.
B. Employees and contractors trained in behavior support interventions shall implement and monitor all behavior interventions.
C. Policies and procedures related to behavior interventions shall be available to individuals, their families, authorized representatives, and advocates. Notification of policies does not need to occur in correctional facilities.
D. Individuals receiving services shall not discipline, restrain, seclude, or implement behavior interventions on other individuals receiving services.
E. Injuries resulting from or occurring during the implementation of seclusion or restraint shall be reported to the department as provided in 12VAC35-115-230 C.
Statutory Authority
§§ 37.2-302 and 37.2-400 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 24, eff. September 18, 2003; Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011; Volume 36, Issue 22, eff. August 1, 2020.
12VAC35-105-810. Behavioral treatment plan.
A written behavioral treatment plan may be developed as part of the individualized services plan in response to behavioral needs identified through the assessment process. A behavioral treatment plan may include restrictions only if the plan has been developed according to procedures outlined in the human rights regulations. A behavioral treatment plan shall be developed, implemented, and monitored by employees or contractors trained in behavioral treatment.
Statutory Authority
§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011.
12VAC35-105-820. Prohibited actions.
The following actions shall be prohibited:
1. Prohibition of contacts and visits with the individual's attorney, probation officer, placing agency representative, minister or chaplain;
2. Any action that is humiliating, degrading, or abusive;
3. Subjection to unsanitary living conditions;
4. Deprivation of opportunities for bathing or access to toilet facilities except as ordered by a licensed physician for a legitimate medical purpose and documented in the individual's record;
5. Deprivation of appropriate services and treatment;
6. Deprivation of health care;
7. Administration of laxatives, enemas, or emetics except as ordered by a physician or other professional acting within the scope of his license for a legitimate medical purpose and documented in the individual's record;
8. Applications of aversive stimuli except as permitted pursuant to other applicable state regulations;
9. Limitation on contacts with regulators, advocates or staff attorneys employed by the department or the Virginia Office for Protection and Advocacy.
10. Deprivation of drinking water or food necessary to meet an individual's daily nutritional needs except as ordered by a licensed physician for a legitimate medical purpose and documented in the individual's record;
11. Prohibition on contacts or visits with family or an authorized representative except as permitted by other applicable state regulations or by order of a court of competent jurisdiction;
12. Delay or withholding of incoming or outgoing mail except as permitted by other applicable state and federal regulations or by order of a court of competent jurisdiction; and
13. Deprivation of opportunities for sleep or rest except as ordered by a licensed physician for a legitimate medical purpose and documented in the individual's record.
Statutory Authority
§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011.
12VAC35-105-830. Seclusion, restraint, and time out.
A. The use of seclusion, restraint, and time out shall comply with applicable federal and state laws and regulations and be consistent with the provider's policies and procedures.
B. Devices used for mechanical restraint shall be designed specifically for emergency behavior management of human beings in clinical or therapeutic programs.
C. Application of time out, seclusion, or restraint shall be documented in the individual's record and include the following:
1. Physician's order for seclusion or mechanical restraint or chemical restraint;
2. Date and time;
3. Employees or contractors involved;
4. Circumstances and reasons for use including other emergency behavior management techniques attempted;
5. Duration;
6. Type of technique used; and
7. Outcomes, including documentation of debriefing of the individual and staff involved following the incident.
Statutory Authority
§§ 37.2-302 and 37.2-400 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011; Volume 36, Issue 22, eff. August 1, 2020.
12VAC35-105-840. Requirements for seclusion room.
A. The room used for seclusion shall meet the design requirements for buildings used for detention or seclusion of individuals.
B. The seclusion room shall be at least six feet wide and six feet long with a minimum ceiling height of eight feet.
C. The seclusion room shall be free of all protrusions, sharp corners, hardware, fixtures or other devices which may cause injury to the individual.
D. Windows in the seclusion room shall be so constructed as to minimize breakage and otherwise prevent the individual from harming himself.
E. Light fixtures and other electrical receptacles in the seclusion room shall be recessed or so constructed as to prevent the individual from harming himself. Light controls shall be located outside the seclusion room.
F. Doors to the seclusion room shall be at least 32 inches wide, shall open outward and shall contain observation view panels of transparent wire glass or its approved equivalent, not exceeding 120 square inches but of sufficient size for someone outside the door to see into all corners of the room.
G. The seclusion room shall contain only a mattress with a washable mattress covering designed to avoid damage by tearing.
H. The seclusion room shall maintain temperatures appropriate for the season.
I. All space in the seclusion room shall be visible through the locked door, either directly or by mirrors.
Statutory Authority
§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011.
12VAC35-105-850. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011.
12VAC35-105-860. (Repealed.)
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 5, eff. December 7, 2011.