Restore Funding for No. Virginia Mental Health Institute Beds

Item 319 #1c

Language
Page 246, line 24, strike "$189,911,094" and insert "$190,511,094".
Page 246, after line 30, insert:
"A.1.  Out of this appropriation, $600,000 the first year from the general fund shall be used to continue operating up to 13 beds at Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute (NVMHI) that have been scheduled for closure in fiscal year 2013.  The Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services shall ensure continued operation of up to 13 beds through fiscal year 2013.
2.  The Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services shall convene a workgroup to develop a long-term funding plan for inpatient bed capacity in the catchment area served by NVMHI.  The report shall outline specific strategies and plans to meet the psychiatric inpatient and inpatient diversion needs of individuals with serious and persistent mental illness who are served by the publicly funded mental health system.  The Commissioner shall also assess the cost and feasibility of creating an alternative to re-opening beds at NVMHI.  The Commissioner shall report his findings no later than October 1, 2012 to the Chairmen of the Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committees as well as the Joint Commission on Health Care."

Explanation
(This amendment provides $600,000 from the general fund the first year to Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute (NVMHI) to continue operating beds that were proposed for closure two years ago as a result of budget reductions. Budget language is added requiring a report on a long-term plan to ensure adequate bed capacity is available to serve individuals who require an inpatient bed for the treatment of acute mental illness.)