Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services intends to consider amending 12VAC35-105, Rules and Regulations for Licensing Providers by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. The purpose of the proposed action is to comply with the quality and risk management system requirements of the U.S. Department of Justice's Settlement Agreement with Virginia (United States of America v. Commonwealth of Virginia, Civil Action No. 3:12cv059-JAG) and develop and implement a system to ensure that individuals in the Settlement Agreement population who are receiving services in Virginia's public system of services receive a level of care that is good quality, meets individuals' needs, and helps individuals achieve positive outcomes. Quality improvement measures are required of community services boards for services they provide, but those services are not currently in the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) licensing regulations for providers. The proposed amendments will clarify and expand the requirements for the quality practices for the health, safety, care, and treatment for adults who receive services from DBHDS service providers.

The agency intends to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: §§ 37.2-302 and 37.2-400 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: September 5, 2018.

Agency Contact: Emily Bowles, Legal Coordinator, Office of Licensing, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, 1220 Bank Street, P.O. Box 1797, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 225-3281, FAX (804) 692-0066, TTY (804) 371-8977, or email emily.bowles@dbhds.virginia.gov.