RD387 - Review of Virginia’s Practice of Conducting Emergency Evaluations for Individuals Subject to Involuntary Civil Admission (H.B. 2368, 2015)


Executive Summary:
This report was developed in accordance with HB 2368 (Chapter 742, 2015 Acts of Assembly), which requires the Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) to review the current practice of conducting emergency evaluations for individuals subject to involuntary civil admission, identify areas of the Commonwealth where significant delays in responding to emergency evaluations are occurring and to develop a comprehensive plan to authorize psychiatrists and emergency physicians to evaluate individuals for involuntary civil admission. Specifically, the language states:

"§ 1. The Commissioner of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (the Commissioner) shall, in conjunction with relevant stakeholders including the VACSB, NAMI - Virginia, PSV, VCEP, VHHA, VACP, MSV, and UVA ILPPP, review the current practice of conducting emergency evaluations for individuals subject to involuntary civil admission. Such review shall identify community services boards and catchment areas where significant delays in responding to emergency evaluations are occurring or have occurred in recent years. Further, the Commissioner shall develop a comprehensive plan to authorize psychiatrists and emergency physicians to evaluate individuals for involuntary civil admission where appropriate to expedite emergency evaluations."