Bill > SB1094

This bill amends the definition of "psychiatric emergency department" in Virginia's involuntary temporary detention order law, specifically focusing on hospitals in the City of Hampton. The bill removes the previous requirement that a psychiatric emergency department must be adjacent to a facility licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. Instead, it now requires that such departments be licensed by either the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services or the Department of Health. Additionally, the bill mandates that at least one physician primarily responsible for the emergency department must be physically present and on duty at all times the hospital is operating as an emergency service. The legislation is temporary, with an expiration date of July 1, 2026, and is designed to allow certain trained individuals to perform evaluations to determine whether a person meets the criteria for temporary detention for behavioral health treatment. This bill aims to provide more flexibility in defining and operating psychiatric emergency departments while maintaining important safety and staffing standards.

Health and Social Services

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB1094