Menu
2019 Session

Budget Amendments - HB1700 (Conference Report)

View Budget Item
View Budget Item amendments

Regional Mental Health Coordination in Northern Virginia (language only)

Item 310 #10c

Item 310 #10c

Health and Human Resources
Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services

Language

Page 356, after line 19, insert:

"Z.  The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services shall facilitate a mental health coordination workgroup in the Northern Virginia region so that public and private providers of services and advocates for such services may collectively determine how to develop the most effective and most comprehensive services for persons who need such services.  This mental health coordination workgroup shall seek agreement on how the services provided can best promote mental health, help people receive services needed when they are needed, provide intensive treatment when needed, ensure that crisis care is provided, provide care management in ways that help maintain mental health, and provide the supportive services necessary for individuals with mental health needs to live fully within the community.  Participants in the workgroup shall include but not be limited to community services boards, state facilities and programs, private hospitals, partial hospitalization and crisis stabilization programs, residential treatment facilities, private community providers, criminal justice personnel, consumers and advocates for consumers, and others.  The department shall facilitate the initiation of the workgroup and once it is fully operational shall allow it to operate independently, however the department may continue to participate in the workgroup to provide assistance as needed.  The department shall report on the composition, participation and any actions of the workgroup to the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees by November 30, 2019."



Explanation

(This amendment re-creates a public and private collaborative process in Northern Virginia that existed in the last decade to better and more comprehensively address needs within the region, share responsibility for meeting those needs, and strive to have individuals with mental health needs have those needs met in ways and programs that best meet their needs in cost effective ways. The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services is required to report on the workgroup by November 30, 2019.)