REGISTER INFORMATION PAGE
Vol. 37 Iss. 12 - February 01, 2021

THE VIRGINIA REGISTER OF REGULATIONS is an official state publication issued every other week throughout the year. Indexes are published quarterly, and are cumulative for the year. The Virginia Register has several functions. The new and amended sections of regulations, both as proposed and as finally adopted, are required by law to be published in the Virginia Register. In addition, the Virginia Register is a source of other information about state government, including petitions for rulemaking, emergency regulations, executive orders issued by the Governor, and notices of public hearings on regulations.

ADOPTION, AMENDMENT, AND REPEAL OF REGULATIONS

Unless exempted by law, an agency wishing to adopt, amend, or repeal regulations must follow the procedures in the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia). Typically, this includes first publishing in the Virginia Register a notice of intended regulatory action; a basis, purpose, substance and issues statement; an economic impact analysis prepared by the Department of Planning and Budget; the agency’s response to the economic impact analysis; a summary; a notice giving the public an opportunity to comment on the proposal; and the text of the proposed regulation.

Following publication of the proposed regulation in the Virginia Register, the promulgating agency receives public comments for a minimum of 60 days. The Governor reviews the proposed regulation to determine if it is necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, and if it is clearly written and easily understandable. If the Governor chooses to comment on the proposed regulation, his comments must be transmitted to the agency and the Registrar of Regulations no later than 15 days following the completion of the 60-day public comment period. The Governor’s comments, if any, will be published in the Virginia Register. Not less than 15 days following the completion of the 60-day public comment period, the agency may adopt the proposed regulation.

The Joint Commission on Administrative Rules or the appropriate standing committee of each house of the General Assembly may meet during the promulgation or final adoption process and file an objection with the Registrar and the promulgating agency. The objection will be published in the Virginia Register. Within 21 days after receipt by the agency of a legislative objection, the agency shall file a response with the Registrar, the objecting legislative body, and the Governor.

When final action is taken, the agency again publishes the text of the regulation as adopted, highlighting all changes made to the proposed regulation and explaining any substantial changes made since publication of the proposal. A 30-day final adoption period begins upon final publication in the Virginia Register.

The Governor may review the final regulation during this time and, if he objects, forward his objection to the Registrar and the agency. In addition to or in lieu of filing a formal objection, the Governor may suspend the effective date of a portion or all of a regulation until the end of the next regular General Assembly session by issuing a directive signed by a majority of the members of the appropriate legislative body and the Governor. The Governor’s objection or suspension of the regulation, or both, will be published in the Virginia Register.

If the Governor finds that the final regulation contains changes made after publication of the proposed regulation that have substantial impact, he may require the agency to provide an additional 30-day public comment period on the changes. Notice of the additional public comment period required by the Governor will be published in the Virginia Register. Pursuant to § 2.2-4007.06 of the Code of Virginia, any person may request that the agency solicit additional public comment on certain changes made after publication of the proposed regulation. The agency shall suspend the regulatory process for 30 days upon such request from 25 or more individuals, unless the agency determines that the changes have minor or inconsequential impact.

A regulation becomes effective at the conclusion of the 30-day final adoption period, or at any other later date specified by the promulgating agency, unless (i) a legislative objection has been filed, in which event the regulation, unless withdrawn, becomes effective on the date specified, which shall be after the expiration of the 21-day objection period; (ii) the Governor exercises his authority to require the agency to provide for additional public comment, in which event the regulation, unless withdrawn, becomes effective on the date specified, which shall be after the expiration of the period for which the Governor has provided for additional public comment; (iii) the Governor and the General Assembly exercise their authority to suspend the effective date of a regulation until the end of the next regular legislative session; or (iv) the agency suspends the regulatory process, in which event the regulation, unless withdrawn, becomes effective on the date specified, which shall be after the expiration of the 30-day public comment period and no earlier than 15 days from publication of the readopted action.

A regulatory action may be withdrawn by the promulgating agency at any time before the regulation becomes final.

FAST-TRACK RULEMAKING PROCESS

Section 2.2-4012.1 of the Code of Virginia provides an alternative to the standard process set forth in the Administrative Process Act for regulations deemed by the Governor to be noncontroversial. To use this process, the Governor's concurrence is required and advance notice must be provided to certain legislative committees. Fast-track regulations become effective on the date noted in the regulatory action if fewer than 10 persons object to using the process in accordance with § 2.2-4012.1.

EMERGENCY REGULATIONS

Pursuant to § 2.2-4011 of the Code of Virginia, an agency may adopt emergency regulations if necessitated by an emergency situation or when Virginia statutory law or the appropriation act or federal law or federal regulation requires that a regulation be effective in 280 days or fewer from its enactment. In either situation, approval of the Governor is required. The emergency regulation is effective upon its filing with the Registrar of Regulations, unless a later date is specified per § 2.2-4012 of the Code of Virginia. Emergency regulations are limited to no more than 18 months in duration; however, may be extended for six months under the circumstances noted in § 2.2-4011 D. Emergency regulations are published as soon as possible in the Virginia Register and are on the Register of Regulations website at register.dls.virgina.gov.

During the time the emergency regulation is in effect, the agency may proceed with the adoption of permanent regulations in accordance with the Administrative Process Act. If the agency chooses not to adopt the regulations, the emergency status ends when the prescribed time limit expires.

STATEMENT

The foregoing constitutes a generalized statement of the procedures to be followed. For specific statutory language, it is suggested that Article 2 (§ 2.2-4006 et seq.) of Chapter 40 of Title 2.2 of the Code of Virginia be examined carefully.

CITATION TO THE VIRGINIA REGISTER

The Virginia Register is cited by volume, issue, page number, and date. 34:8 VA.R. 763-832 December 11, 2017, refers to Volume 34, Issue 8, pages 763 through 832 of the Virginia Register issued on
December 11, 2017.

The Virginia Register of Regulations is published pursuant to Article 6 (§ 2.2-4031 et seq.) of Chapter 40 of Title 2.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Members of the Virginia Code Commission: John S. Edwards, Chair; Marcus B. Simon, Vice Chair; Ward L. Armstrong; Nicole Cheuk; Rita Davis; Leslie L. Lilley; Jennifer L. McClellan; Christopher R. Nolen; Don L. Scott, Jr.; Charles S. Sharp; Samuel T. Towell; Malfourd W. Trumbo.

Staff of the Virginia Register: Karen Perrine, Registrar of Regulations; Anne Bloomsburg, Assistant Registrar; Nikki Clemons, Regulations Analyst; Rhonda Dyer, Publications Assistant; Terri Edwards, Senior Operations Staff Assistant.

PUBLICATION SCHEDULE AND DEADLINES
Vol. 37 Iss. 12 - February 01, 2021

February 2021 through February 2022

Volume: Issue

Material Submitted By Noon*

Will Be Published On

37:13

January 27, 2021

February 15, 2021

37:14

February 10, 2021

March 1, 2021

37:15

February 24, 2021

March 15, 2021

37:16

March 10, 2021

March 29, 2021

37:17

March 24, 2021

April 12, 2021

37:18

April 7, 2021

April 26, 2021

37:19

April 21, 2021

May 10, 2021

37:20

May 5, 2021

May 24, 2021

37:21

May 19, 2021

June 7, 2021

37:22

June 2, 2021

June 21, 2021

37:23

June 16, 2021

July 5, 2021

37:24

June 30, 2021

July 19, 2021

37:25

July 14, 2021

August 2, 2021

37:26

July 28, 2021

August 16, 2021

38:1

August 11, 2021

August 30, 2021

38:2

August 25, 2021

September 13, 2021

38:3

September 8, 2021

September 27, 2021

38:4

September 22, 2021

October 11, 2021

38:5

October 6, 2021

October 25, 2021

38:6

October 20, 2021

November 8, 2021

38:7

November 3, 2021

November 22, 2021

38:8

November 15, 2021 (Monday)

December 6, 2021

38:9

December 1, 2021

December 20, 2021

38:10

December 15, 2021

January 3, 2022

38:11

December 29, 2021

January 17, 2022

38:12

January 12, 2022

January 31, 2022

38:13

January 26, 2022

February 14, 2022

38:14

February 9, 2022

February 28, 2022

*Filing deadlines are Wednesdays unless otherwise specified.

PETITIONS FOR RULEMAKING
Vol. 37 Iss. 12 - February 01, 2021

 

TITLE 12. HEALTH

STATE BOARD OF HEALTH

Initial Agency Notice

Title of Regulation: 12VAC5-501. Rules and Regulations Governing the Construction of Migrant Labor Camps.

Statutory Authority: § 32.1-211 of the Code of Virginia.

Name of Petitioner: Legal Aid Justice Center.

Nature of Petitioner's Request: Dear Commissioner Oliver: We write to follow up on our petitions of March 30 and May 6 requesting rulemaking and immediate protection for the Commonwealth's farmworker and migrant worker community during this dire health crisis. We just entered June. We must act now, as many migrant workers are already here, imminently arriving, or slated to arrive in the thousands in the coming months.

The Present and Looming Crisis for Farmworkers in the Commonwealth. As we have noted, migrant workers are plainly essential workers, feeding both Virginians and indeed the world, but they are also highly vulnerable to COVID-19, particularly in light of their lack of access to medical care, health insurance, and personal transportation; their incredibly close-quartered living and working conditions (often working shoulder to shoulder); and their often limited English proficiency (leaving them less likely to have access to testing or treatment). Many workers are also older, adding additional risk factors. Additionally, hundreds of these workers will be located on the Eastern Shore, which has been a hotspot both for Virginia and indeed nationwide. Without further protections, they are left abandoned while they work to feed us.

The Commonwealth has not Enacted Enforceable COVID Protections for Farmworkers. Despite numerous petitions from our office for enforceable regulations and protections for farmworkers, we have not seen anything issued beyond recommendations, many of which are untenable or shift the burden to the workers; none of them can be enforced against an employer who chooses not to follow them. Recommendations plainly do not create enforceable protections for workers. That is: None of VDH's suggestions are mandatory.

Other States are Proactively Taking Enforceable Measures to Protect Vulnerable Workers. By way of contrast, other state governments, in recognition of the need to treat essential workers as essential, have been implementing measures to protect farmworkers. As we previously noted, in late April and early May in Oregon, temporary regulations were enacted by the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration to require farms to maintain social distancing during work, break and meal periods, and in employer-provided housing and transportation. Oregon also released $12 million in emergency housing funds, for which a large portion was earmarked for providing safe housing for migrant and seasonable farmworkers. In Wisconsin, in late April, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services issued an emergency order that mandated agricultural employers to take certain steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Commonwealth Can and Should Do More to Protect Farmworkers Although some states have indeed begun to take measures to protect their most vulnerable workers, many been derelict in their duties to these workers. Virginia still has the opportunity to be a leader amongst states to enact enforceable protections. Virginia law grants the State Board of Health additional powers that may be used to protect public health during public health emergencies. Governor Northam declared COVID-19 a communicable disease of public health threat in his state-of-emergency order in March 2020, which has been extended. VDH, moreover, has broad authority to issue orders and special regulations needed to protect public health in emergencies. See § 32.1-13 of the Code of Virginia. It has the authority to issue mandatory requirements for employers to protect farmworkers' health, not just recommendations. VDH additionally has broad oversight over migrant labor camps. See §§ 32.1-203 - 32.1-211 of the Code of Virginia. Thus, pursuant to § 32.1-13 of the Code of Virginia, we again request VDH to promulgate regulations for the following:

1. Requiring Additional COVID-19 Plans Prior to Issuance of License for Migrant Housing. VDH must review and license farmworker housing. In addition to its current checklist, VDH should add additional COVID-19 plans prior to the issuance of any license. 1. Those requirements should include, but not be limited to: (a) Ensuring that employer provided migrant housing sleeping arrangements comply with recommended 6 feet apart social distancing and are highly ventilated. (b) Providing separate living facilities for workers that are over 60 or have underlying health conditions and have these workers work within 6 feet of other workers. (c) Requiring designated quarantine sleeping areas with separate cooking and bathing facilities for quarantined workers. (d) Requiring proof of sufficient sanitizing and handwashing supplies. (e) Requiring proof of sufficient masks for all quarantined workers who develop COVID19 symptoms or test positive for COVID-19. (f) Requiring a designated specific individual responsible for ensuring workers comply with health and sanitation requirements. (g) Requiring a designated specific individual to receive reports from workers who may have COVID-19 symptoms and be able to coordinate and transport such workers to obtain medical services. (h) Requiring a designated specific individual whose sole responsibility is to care for quarantined workers and ensure they have sufficient food, that the quarantine is enforced, and that transportation to medical care is provided.

2. Requiring Employers to Inform Workers about COVID-19 Concerns. In addition to informing workers about the terms and conditions of employment when workers are still in their hometowns, all persons who are recruiting workers for agricultural and migrant employment in Virginia in 2020 must provide detailed information about the risks of COVID-19. That information should include how employers will protect their safety while transporting, housing, and employing them in the United States. Prospective workers should also be advised that they will not be required to pay for any cleaning and sanitizing products and the agricultural employer will have an approved health plan for all workers that includes regular sanitizing of the housing and vehicles and other communal areas. All prospective H-2A and H-2B employees should also be informed that they will receive health care at no cost should they develop COVID-19 symptoms and need to be tested, and how they will be quarantined if they develop symptoms or test positive.

3. Requiring Employers to Implement COVID-19 Workplace Protections and Plans. Employers must plan work crew activity to ensure proper distancing to avoid unnecessary transmission of the disease at work. Additionally, most H-2A worker housing is located in rural areas, and employers normally bus workers into small towns to purchase groceries and obtain banking and financial services. Sufficient vehicles must be available such that workers are not sitting directly next to other workers and sufficient ventilation exists. Given the recent hoarding of essential supplies and food, it is possible that small grocery stores could run out of such items and leave workers or members of the community vulnerable. Moreover, a busload of 50 to 100 or so H-2 workers all entering stores at busy times for local shoppers could drastically increase the likelihood of spreading COVID-19. Therefore, advance arrangements must be made with these services to avoid creating a scarcity of essential food and supplies at grocery stores and to protect against the spread of the virus in these small communities already stressed by the impacts of this global pandemic.

4. Disallowing Terminations Based on COVID-19. Under no circumstances should growers or their agents be allowed to terminate and send home H-2A and H-2B workers who are sick with or have been exposed to COVID-19.

5. Disallowing Evictions from Employer Housing. H-2A employers (and many H-2B employers) control workers' housing, and have, in the past, revoked workers' access to that housing on short notice. No H-2A or H-2B workers should be evicted or in any way removed from their housing without prior review and approval of the Department of Health (H-2A) and written notification provided to the Mexican Consulate.

6. Ensuring Medical Coverage and Resources for Migrant Workers. All medical treatment and costs for all COVID-19 related treatment and medical expenses should be covered by the Commonwealth of Virginia and no worker should be sent home with any COVID-19 symptoms. In order to help stop the spread of COVID-19, all H-2A and H-2B workers need to know their medical treatment and expenses related to COVID-19 will be fully covered during the time they are working and residing in Virginia. This should include assurances that any worker who is tested for COVID-19 will have those costs covered even if the result is negative for COVID-19. A designated hotline in Spanish capable of receiving information or messages 24 hours a day should be established within the Department of Health to allow workers to report potential symptoms and request medical assistance, and the Departments should have ready access to COVID-19 testing. Workers' compensation coverage needs to cover H-2A and H-2B workers who contract COVID- 19 or must be quarantined due to the virus. These workers would not be exposed to the virus if they had not come to Virginia to perform migrant work.

Conclusion. Legal Aid Justice Center reiterates its petition for prompt rulemaking and emergency, enforceable measures to ensure the protection of all farmworkers, their families and communities, and the residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and asks the Commonwealth to support our most vulnerable workers in these harrowing times.

Agency Plan for Disposition of Request: In accordance with Virginia law, the petition has been filed with the Virginia Registrar of Regulations and will be published on February 1, 2021, and posted to the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall at www.townhall.virginia.gov. Following receipt of all comment on the petition, and within 90 days of February 22, 2021, the matter will be considered by the State Health Commissioner acting on behalf of the State Board of Health or by the State Board of Health in order to decide whether to grant or deny the petition.

Public Comment Deadline: February 22, 2021.

Agency Contact: Kristin Marie Clay, Senior Policy Analyst, Virginia Department of Health, 109 Governor Street, 5th Floor, Richmond, 23219, telephone (804) 864-7474, or email kristin.clay@vdh.virginia.gov.

VA.R. Doc. No. PFR21-17; Filed June 5, 2020, 1:02 p.m.

PERIODIC REVIEWS AND SMALL BUSINESS IMPACT REVIEWS
Vol. 37 Iss. 12 - February 01, 2021

 

TITLE 2. AGRICULTURE

BOARD OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

Report of Findings

Pursuant to §§ 2.2-4007.1 and 2.2-4017 of the Code of Virginia, the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services conducted a periodic review and small business impact review of 2VAC5-11, Public Participation Guidelines, and determined that this regulation should be retained in its current form. The board is publishing its report of findings dated October 21, 2020, to support this decision.

This regulation is required by § 2.2-4007.02 of the Code of Virginia and establishes the mechanisms by which the board will advise the public of the board's regulatory actions. Notice of the board's regulatory actions assists in protecting the public's welfare. The regulation is clearly written and easily understandable.

The board determined this regulation continues to be necessary, as it is required by § 2.2-4007.02 of the Code of Virginia and establishes the mechanisms by which the board will advise the public of the board's regulatory actions. The board has not received any comments or complaints regarding this regulation. The regulation is not complex and is easily understood. The regulation does not overlap, duplicate, or conflict with federal or state law or regulation. The regulation was promulgated in 2008 using the model public participation guidelines issued by the Department of Planning and Budget. No factors have changed since 2008 that necessitate amending this regulation. This regulation places no economic burden on any small business.

Contact Information: Kevin Schmidt, Board Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Oliver Hill Building, 102 Governor Street, Suite 219, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 786-1346.

Report of Findings

Pursuant to §§ 2.2-4007.1 and 2.2-4017 of the Code of Virginia, the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services conducted a periodic review and small business impact review of 2VAC5-61, Regulations Governing Livestock Dealers and Marketing Facilities for the Purpose of Controlling and Eradicating Infectious and Contagious Diseases of Livestock, and determined that this regulation should be retained in its current form. The board is publishing its report of findings dated September 8, 2020, to support this decision.

This regulation is necessary for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare because it provides for the protection of the animal population in Virginia, which is a major component of the public food supply. Since a safe food supply is imperative for the public health, safety, and welfare, it is important that this regulation stay in place for the continued protection of the public. The regulation is clearly written and easy to understand.

Retaining this regulation as currently written will not have a significant negative impact on small businesses. There is a continued need for this regulation to stay in effect in order to protect livestock and public health. If the regulation is not maintained, then the risk of disease could have a negative impact on small businesses and producers who rely on livestock for the viability of their farms and businesses. This regulation is important for the livestock industry and is consistent with federal laws and regulations regarding interstate movement of animals. The board has not received any complaints from the public regarding this regulation. The regulation is not unnecessarily complicated. Since the last time this regulation was evaluated, there have not been significant changes in technology, economic conditions, or other factors necessitating that this regulation be amended.

Contact Information: Carolynn Bissett, Program Manager, Office of Veterinary Services, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 786-2483.

Report of Findings

Pursuant to §§ 2.2-4007.1 and 2.2-4017 of the Code of Virginia, the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services conducted a periodic review and small business impact review of 2VAC5-70, Health Requirements Governing the Control of Equine Infectious Anemia in Virginia, and determined that this regulation should be retained in its current form. The board is publishing its report of findings dated September 8, 2020, to support this decision.

Horses are an important component of Virginia's animal agriculture industry, and the equine industry is a significant economic sector in Virginia. Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) is a fatal disease with no treatment. The most effective way to control EIA is through testing, as has been conducted over the last 40 years, during which time the incidence of disease has been dramatically reduced but not eradicated in the United States. This regulation is necessary for the protection of economic welfare of horse owners in Virginia. Since healthy horses are critical for the economic viability of horse owners, it is important that this regulation stay in place. The regulation is clearly written and easy to understand.

Retaining the current regulation will not have a significant negative impact on small businesses. There is a continued need for this regulation to stay in effect in order to protect livestock and public health. If the regulation is not maintained, then the risk of disease could have a negative impact on small businesses and producers who rely on livestock for the viability of their farms and businesses. This regulation is important for the livestock industry and is consistent with federal laws and regulations regarding interstate movement of animals. The board has not received any complaints from the public regarding this regulation. The regulation is not unnecessarily complicated and does not overlap, duplicate, or conflict with federal or state law or regulation. Since the last time this regulation was evaluated, there have not been significant changes in technology, economic conditions, or other factors that would necessitate amending the regulation.

Contact Information: Carolynn Bissett, Program Manager, Office of Veterinary Services, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 786-2483.

Report of Findings

Pursuant to §§ 2.2-4007.1 and 2.2-4017 of the Code of Virginia, the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services conducted a periodic review and small business impact review of 2VAC5-80, Requirements Governing the Branding of Cattle in Virginia, and determined that this regulation should be retained in its current form. The board is publishing its report of findings dated September 8, 2020, to support this decision.

This regulation is necessary for the protection the economic welfare of Virginia's cattle industry because it provides the structure for the system to regulate cattle brands in Virginia. The cattle industry is a significant economic sector in Virginia. The regulation is clearly written and easy to understand.

Retaining the current regulation will not have a significant negative impact on small businesses. Many farms that have cattle are small businesses, and this regulation facilitates the tracing and identification of cattle and protects farmers against theft and unlawful dealing in cattle. The board has received no complaints from the public regarding this regulation. The regulation is not unnecessarily complicated and does not overlap, duplicate, or conflict with federal or state law or regulation. Since the last time this regulation was evaluated, there have not been significant changes in technology, economic conditions, or other factors that would necessitate amending the regulation.

Contact Information: Carolynn Bissett, Program Manager, Office of Veterinary Services, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 786-2483.

Report of Findings

Pursuant to §§ 2.2-4007.1 and 2.2-4017 of the Code of Virginia, the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services conducted a periodic review and small business impact review of 2VAC5-111, Public and Private Animal Shelters, and determined that this regulation should be retained in its current form. The board is publishing its report of findings dated September 8, 2020, to support this decision.

The confinement of animals in animal shelters is intended to protect citizens from potential public health and safety risks associated with free-roaming dogs. Additionally, the regulations requiring confinement of loose animals and a holding period are intended to protect the property rights of individuals, as companion animals are considered personal property under Virginia law. This regulation is clearly written and easily understandable.

Retaining this regulation as currently written will not have a significant negative impact on small businesses. There is a continued need for this regulation to stay in effect in order to protect pet species and public health. The board has received no complaints from the public regarding this regulation. The regulation is not unnecessarily complicated. This regulation does not overlap, duplicate, or conflict with federal or state law or regulations. There have not been significant changes in technology, economic conditions, or other factors since this regulation was promulgated that would necessitate any amendments to the regulation.

Contact Information: Carolynn Bissett, Program Manager, Office of Veterinary Services, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 786-2483.

Report of Findings

Pursuant to §§ 2.2-4007.1 and 2.2-4017 of the Code of Virginia, the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services conducted a periodic review and small business impact review of 2VAC5-190, Rules and Regulations Establishing a Monitoring Program for Avian Influenza and Other Poultry Diseases, and determined that this regulation should be retained in its current form. The board is publishing its report of findings dated September 8, 2020, to support this decision.

This regulation is necessary for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare because it provides protection to the poultry populations in Virginia, which are important components of the animal agriculture industry. Since a safe food supply and good poultry health is imperative for the public's health, it is important that this regulation stay in place for the continued protection of the public and the poultry populations. Additionally, the poultry industry is a significant economic sector in Virginia. The regulation is clearly written and easy to understand.

Retaining the current regulation will not have a significant negative impact on small businesses. There is a continued need for this regulation to stay in effect in order to protect poultry and public health. If the regulation is not maintained, then the risk of disease could have a negative impact on small businesses and producers who rely on poultry for the viability of their farms and businesses. This regulation is important for the poultry industry and is consistent with federal laws and regulations regarding interstate movement of animals. The board has not received any complaints from the public regarding this regulation. The regulation is not unnecessarily complicated and does not overlap, duplicate, or conflict with federal or state law or regulation. Since the last time this regulation was evaluated, there have not been significant changes in technology, economic conditions, or other factors that would necessitate amending the regulation.

Contact Information: Carolynn Bissett, Program Manager, Office of Veterinary Services, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 786-2483.

Report of Findings

Pursuant to §§ 2.2-4007.1 and 2.2-4017 of the Code of Virginia, the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services conducted a periodic review and small business impact review of 2VAC5-240, Rules and Regulations for Enforcement of the Grain Handlers Law, and determined that this regulation should be retained in its current form. The board is publishing its report of findings dated September 15, 2020, to support this decision.

This regulation protects the economic welfare of grain sellers by ensuring that grain sold to handlers is accurately weighed, graded, and accounted for assuring the fair and equitable treatment of grain sellers. The regulation is clearly written and easily understood by the regulated industry.

The board has determined that this regulation continues to be necessary and should remain in effect without change. The board received one comment regarding the regulation, and the comment supported the regulation. The board has determined that this regulation is not unnecessarily complex and that the complexity of this regulation is not such that it would have an economic impact on small businesses. This regulation does not overlap, duplicate, or conflict with federal or state law or regulation. The board last conducted a periodic review of the regulation in 2015, and the board has determined that no changes in technology, economic conditions, or other factors have occurred that necessitate amendments to the regulation. The board continues to believe the current regulation is the least burdensome and intrusive alternative for the required regulation of the grain industry.

Contact Information: Olivia Wilson, Deputy Director, Commodity Services, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 786-2112.

Report of Findings

Pursuant to §§ 2.2-4007.1 and 2.2-4017 of the Code of Virginia, the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services conducted a periodic review and small business impact review of 2VAC5-319, Best Management Practices for the Operation of Apiaries in Order to Limit Operator Liability, and determined that this regulation should be retained in its current form. The board is publishing its report of findings dated October 26, 2020, to support this decision.

The regulation outlines clearly written and easily understood best management practices that apiary operators can follow in order to limit their liability. The best management practices in the regulation not only safeguard the apiary operator by limiting the apiary operator's liability, but also protect the public health, safety, and welfare by including certain provisions that are intended to reduce the chances of stinging incidents associated with keeping and maintaining honeybees. The regulation also safeguards honeybee health and can increase survivability by preventing exposure to environmental stressors and establishing proper management strategies.

The board has determined that this regulation is necessary in order to provide liability protection for those apiary operators that follow the best management practices in 2VAC5-319, Best Management Practices for the Operation of Apiaries in Order to Limit Operator Liability. There are no small business impacts, as a person is not required to comply with the provisions of this chapter unless he seeks to limit his liability as provided for in § 3.2-4411.1 of the Code of Virginia.

The board received one complaint in 2017 regarding the regulation. The complainant filed a petition for rulemaking requesting, in part, that the board (i) provide a mechanism to offer public comment regarding the regulation via a regional apiary inspector and (ii) establish provisions for short-term waivers, long-term waivers, and permanent exemptions from the best management practices included in the regulation. On December 7, 2017, the board considered and subsequently denied the petition for rulemaking as Virginia's Beekeeping Law does not provide authority to the board to establish methods for a person to request amendments to the regulation. In addition, § 2.2-4007 of the Administrative Process Act establishes a formal process by which a person can request changes to a regulation. Virginia's Beekeeping Law does not provide authority to the board to amend the regulation to allow for waivers or exemptions to provisions established in the regulation. The best management practices in the regulation are those that reduce risks associated with keeping honeybees and amending the regulation to allow for waivers or exemptions to a voluntary best management practice could provide liability protection for those operations that should not be afforded the limited liability.

The regulation does not overlap, duplicate, or conflict with federal or state laws. No significant changes to technology, economic conditions, or other factors have occurred that would necessitate amendments to this regulation. The board has determined that the regulation is not unnecessarily burdensome or complex, especially considering that apiary operators are not required to comply with this regulation unless they choose to follow the best management practices in order to limit their liability. As such, the board will retain the regulation in effect without change.

Contact Information: David Gianino, Program Manager, Office of Plant Industry Services, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (800) 786-3515.

Report of Findings

Pursuant to §§ 2.2-4007.1 and 2.2-4017 of the Code of Virginia, the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services conducted a periodic review and small business impact review of 2VAC5-330, Rules and Regulations for Enforcement of the Virginia Pest Law - Virginia Gypsy Moth Quarantine, and determined that this regulation should be retained in its current form. The board is publishing its report of findings dated October 8, 2020, to support this decision.

This regulation is necessary for the protection of the economic welfare of Virginia's nursery and timber industries because it is intended to prevent or retard the spread of the gypsy moth. If this regulation were not in place, U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) would issue a federal quarantine over the entire state of Virginia, which would place restrictions on businesses in non-infested areas of Virginia. Many nurseries and timber operations in Virginia are small businesses, and this regulation ensures that businesses in non-infested areas are not subject to the quarantine. The regulation is clearly written and easy to understand.

The board has determined that there is a continued need for this regulation. This regulation requires that nurseries and timber operations located in infested areas obtain inspections and certifications for regulated articles before these articles may be moved from regulated to nonregulated areas. The regulation was last amended in 2017. In the period since this regulation was last amended, there have been no significant changes to technology, economic conditions, or other factors that would necessitate modifications to the regulation. There have been no complaints received from the public regarding this regulation.

The regulation is not complex and does not overlap, duplicate, or conflict with federal or state law or regulation. The board will retain the regulation in effect without change.

Contact Information: David Gianino, Program Manager, Office of Plant Industry Services, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (800) 786-3515.

Report of Findings

Pursuant to §§ 2.2-4007.1 and 2.2-4017 of the Code of Virginia, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services conducted a periodic review and small business impact review of 2VAC5-350, Rules and Regulations for the Enforcement of the Virginia Commission Merchant Law, and determined that this regulation should be retained in its current form. The department is publishing its report of findings dated October 7, 2020, to support this decision.

The licensing and bonding of commission merchants and the requirements of this regulation provide protection to tobacco farmers by assuring prompt and accurate payment for their tobacco. As such, this regulation protects the economic welfare of Virginia tobacco producers. Retaining the regulation represents the lease burdensome alternative for commission merchants, while retaining a mechanism to assure tobacco producers that they will be paid. This regulation is clearly written and easily understood.

The board has determined that there is a continued need for this regulation. Tobacco auction warehouses that serve as agents for tobacco farmers on the basis of a fee or commission are required to obtain a license under the Commission Merchants Law. Many farms that grow tobacco are small businesses, and the licensing and bonding of commission merchants and the requirements of this regulation, by which commission merchants must abide, provide protection to tobacco farmers by assuring prompt and accurate payment for their tobacco. There have been no complaints received regarding this regulation. The only comment received did not recommend any change to this regulation. The regulation is not complex and does not include any unnecessary or overly burdensome requirements with which small businesses must comply. This regulation does not overlap, duplicate, or conflict with federal or state law or regulation. No significant changes to technology, economic conditions, or other factors have occurred since the previous periodic review of this regulation in 2015 that would necessitate modifications to this regulation. The board will retain the regulation in effect without change.

Contact Information: Gary Milton, Program Manager, Office of Weights and Measures, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 786-1274.

Report of Findings

Pursuant to §§ 2.2-4007.1 and 2.2-4017 of the Code of Virginia, the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services conducted a periodic review and small business impact review of 2VAC5-360, Regulations for the Enforcement of the Virginia Commercial Feed Act, and determined that this regulation should be retained in its current form. The board is publishing its report of findings dated October 30, 2020, to support this decision.

Commercial feed purchasers must be able to ensure that animal feed ingredients will not subsequently adulterate food products consumed by humans. As such, this regulation is necessary in order to protect the public's health, safety, and welfare. This regulation is clearly written and easily understood. Currently, the Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC International (2002), 17th edition, is used to determine the standards for the sampling and analysis of commercial feed. While the board is aware that AOAC has published a 21st edition, the AOAC methods used for testing and analysis of commercial feed remain unchanged from the 17th edition. Therefore, board will retain the regulation in effect without change.

This regulation establishes labeling requirements with which commercial feed manufacturers must comply. Many commercial feed purchasers are farmers that operate small businesses, and this regulation ensures that commercial feed available for purchase is properly formulated and labeled. The labeling requirements established in this regulation also assist commercial feed purchasers in determining whether a given feed will satisfy the nutritional needs of their animals. There have been no complaints or comments received from the public for this regulation. The regulation is not complex and does not include any unnecessary or overly burdensome requirements with which small businesses must comply. The regulation does not overlap, duplicate, or conflict with federal or state law or regulation. No significant changes to technology, economic conditions, or other factors have occurred that would necessitate modifications to this regulation since the previous periodic review of this regulation in 2015. The board will retain the regulation in effect without change.

Contact Information: David Gianino, Program Manager, Office of Plant Industry Services, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (800) 786-3515.

Report of Findings

Pursuant to §§ 2.2-4007.1 and 2.2-4017 of the Code of Virginia, the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services conducted a periodic review and small business impact review of 2VAC5-400, Rules and Regulations for the Enforcement of the Virginia Fertilizer Law, and determined that this regulation should be retained in its current form. The board is publishing its report of findings dated October 8, 2020, to support this decision.

This regulation assists in ensuring the quality of fertilizer products available for sale in the Commonwealth, thereby impacting the ultimate quality of crops, human health, the environment, and competition in the marketplace. As such, the regulation is necessary for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare. The regulation is clearly written and easily understood by the regulated industry.

The agency has determined that there is a continued need for this regulation to assist in ensuring the proper oversight of fertilizer sale in the Commonwealth. The agency has not received any complaints from the public concerning this regulation. The regulation is not complex and does not overlap, duplicate, or conflict with federal or state law or regulation. In the period since this regulation was last reviewed in 2016, there have been no significant changes in technology, economic conditions, or other factors that necessitate amendments to this regulation.

The agency has determined that the regulation is not unnecessarily burdensome or complex. As such, the board will retain the regulation in effect without change.

Contact Information: David Gianino, Program Manager, Office of Plant Industry Services, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (800) 786-3515.

Report of Findings

Pursuant to §§ 2.2-4007.1 and 2.2-4017 of the Code of Virginia, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services conducted a periodic review and small business impact review of 2VAC5-480, Regulation Governing the Oxygenation of Gasoline, and determined that this regulation should be retained in its current form. The department is publishing its report of findings dated October 7, 2020, to support this decision.

The agency has determined that this regulation, in its current form, remains necessary for the protection of public health, as it is currently used by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) as a part of a federally required air quality management plan for the control of carbon monoxide (CO) in northern Virginia. The regulation is clearly written and easily understood by the individuals and entities affected. Additionally, the regulation is the least burdensome alternative to meet the federally required air quality management plan for the control of CO.

The board has not received any complaints from the public regarding this regulation. This regulation does not place unnecessary burdens on industry and is not overly complex. The regulation does not overlap, duplicate, or conflict with federal or state law or regulation. The regulation was last evaluated by periodic review in 2016. In the period since this regulation was last evaluated, there have been no significant changes in technology, economic conditions, or other factors that would necessitate amending the regulation. In its review, the board has determined this regulation was developed in accordance with the laws relating to the impact of regulations on small businesses and with the goal of minimizing the economic impact on small businesses. The board will retain the regulation in effect without change.

Contact Information: Gary Milton, Program Manager, Office of Weights and Measures, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 786-1274.

Report of Findings

Pursuant to §§ 2.2-4007.1 and 2.2-4017 of the Code of Virginia, the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services conducted a periodic review and small business impact review of 2VAC5-550, Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Tolerances and Prohibitions Applicable to Sausage, and determined that this regulation should be retained in its current form. The board is publishing its report of findings dated September 8, 2020, to support this decision.

The regulation is necessary to ensure that the consuming public is able to purchase a product that meets expectations regarding what is considered to be a sausage product. Limits regarding the amount of fat in the product ensure that consumers are able to purchase a sausage product that is not excessively harmful to health, as large amounts of saturated fat have been known to contribute to cardiovascular disease. The regulation is clearly written and easily understandable.

This regulation is still needed because to ensure that sausage products are produced according to and meet minimum acceptable standards relative to product formulation and saturated fat content. Without this regulation, it would be difficult to ensure that sausage products conform to and meet acceptable standards. There have no complaints or comments received relative to this regulation. The regulation is not complex and easily understandable with standards and requirements that are reasonable and easily attainable. Federal regulations also provide certain standards for sausage products. However, this regulation is primarily enforced and policed at meat processing facilities that produce and sell wholesale. The subject regulation is typically enforced and applied to sausage products formulated or sold by a food establishment directly to consumers, such as at a retail food store. The regulation establishes specific production standards applicable to retail environments. This regulation was evaluated during a periodic review conducted in 2016. Since that time, there have not been significant changes in technology, economic conditions, or other factors that would render the regulations outdated. Since the regulation is not complex or burdensome and provides for a product standard that consumer find desirable, it will have minimal to no negative economic impact on small businesses.

Contact Information: Ryan Davis, Program Manager, Office of Dairy and Foods, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 786-8899.

Report of Findings

Pursuant to §§ 2.2-4007.1 and 2.2-4017 of the Code of Virginia, the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services conducted a periodic review and small business impact review of 2VAC5-560, Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Labeling and Sale of Infant Formula, and determined that this regulation should be retained in its current form. The board is publishing its report of findings dated September 8, 2020, to support this decision.

This regulation is necessary for the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of infants within the Commonwealth as it ensures that they consume infant formula that clearly meets the nutrition requirements for an infant. The regulation is clearly written and easily understandable.

This regulation continues to be necessary because it ensures infant formula produced and sold at retail meets minimum acceptable standards regarding infant formula nutrition. Nutrients contained in infant formula can degrade over time, thus producing an inferior product incapable of meeting the nutritional needs of infants. The regulation also ensures that consumers are informed regarding expiration dates and the quality of the infant formula that they are buying. The board has not received any complaints or comments regarding this regulation. The regulation is written in a form that is not overly complex and is easily understandable by regulators as well as the regulated industry.

Federal regulations also establish mandates for infant formula. However, these mandates are complex and burdensome to the industry and are configured to apply primarily to large infant formula manufacturers participating in significant interstate commerce that are regularly inspected by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The subject regulations are typically enforced at both large and small manufacturers participating in both intrastate and interstate commerce as well as at retail food store locations. An attempt to strictly enforce overly complex federal standards at both manufacturers and retail locations within the Commonwealth would likely be overly burdensome to the industry. Since the last time this regulation was evaluated, there have not been significant changes in technology, economic conditions, or other factors that would render the regulation nonrelevant. This regulation was promulgated with due concerns for industry and has minimal impact on small businesses.

Contact Information: Ryan Davis, Program Manager, Office of Dairy and Foods, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 786-8899.

Report of Findings

Pursuant to §§ 2.2-4007.1 and 2.2-4017 of the Code of Virginia, the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services conducted a periodic review and small business impact review of 2VAC5-570, Rules and Regulations Defining Standards for Grades/Sizes of Shell Eggs, and determined that this regulation should be retained in its current form. The board is publishing its report of findings dated September 8, 2020, to support this decision.

The regulation is necessary for the protection of public health because it ensures that consumers are provided egg products that meet specific quality standards. The regulation is clearly written and easily understandable.

The board has determined there is a continued need for this regulation. The regulation provides for eggs that are properly graded in adherence to a specific standard. Additionally, the regulation requires that eggs be produced, distributed, and sold under conditions that are sanitary. The board has not received any complaints or comments regarding this regulation, which is not complex. The regulation is written in a straightforward manner and is easily understandable and enforceable by regulators and the regulated industry. The regulation does not overlap, duplicate, or conflict with federal or state law or regulation. The regulation was evaluated during the periodic review conducted in 2016. Since that time, there have not been significant changes in technology, economic conditions, or other factors that would necessitate amending this regulation. This regulation was promulgated with due concerns for industry and has minimal impact on small businesses. Compliance with the regulations will not require a significant effort by industry. The regulation is not complex, is easily understandable, and will present a minimal financial cost to the industry. Thus, although essential, the regulation will have minimal economic impact on businesses.

Contact Information: Ryan Davis, Program Manager, Office of Dairy and Foods, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 786-8899.

Report of Findings

Pursuant to §§ 2.2-4007.1 and 2.2-4017 of the Code of Virginia, the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services conducted a periodic review and small business impact review of 2VAC5-585, Retail Food Establishment Regulations, and determined that this regulation should be retained in its current form. The board is publishing its report of findings dated September 8, 2020, to support this decision.

This regulation is applicable to many thousands of retail establishments, all involved in diverse food related activities. The regulation provides specific requirements that are designed to ensure the optimal protection of the public's health, safety, and welfare. The regulation ensures that the consuming public has access to food products that are received, processed, and held in a safe manner and that requirements are in place that help ensure that foodborne illnesses do not occur. The standards are not arbitrary but are based on sound science and practical requirements. The regulation, although comprehensive, is constructed in a manner that is clearly written and easily understandable by regulators and the industry as well as interested citizens.

There is a continued need for this regulation. The regulation ensures that retail food stores meet minimum sanitary requirements and provide safe food products to the citizens of Virginia. The regulation provides effective and practical science-based measures and requirements that are designed to ensure the optimal protection of the public's health, safety, and welfare. The regulation ensures that the consuming public has access to food products that are received, processed, held, and sold in a safe manner. The regulation also provides essential requirements that help to ensure that foodborne illnesses do not occur. The board has not received any complaints regarding the regulation. Although the regulation provides comprehensive measures to ensure the safety of food products at retail food stores, the regulation is not overly complex and is easily understood by regulators, the industry, and the citizens of Virginia. The regulation does not overlap, duplicate, or conflict with federal or state law or regulation.

The regulation was evaluated following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) publication of the 2017 Model Food Code. The regulation is regularly evaluated and updated as the FDA publishes the Model Food Code every four years. Since the Model Food Code is updated on a regular basis, the model code keeps pace with changes in technology and economic conditions. A regulatory action to amend 2VAC5-585 to reflect the 2017 Model Food Code and 2019 Model Food Code Supplement is currently underway.

The regulation is science based, practical requirements for retail food businesses. The regulation is not overly burdensome and will help ensure the prevention of food borne illnesses. These requirements take into account and minimize the economic impact of the regulations for small businesses.

Contact Information: Ryan Davis, Program Manager, Office of Dairy and Foods, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 786-8899.

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TITLE 6. CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONS

BOARD OF JUVENILE JUSTICE

Report of Findings

Pursuant to §§ 2.2-4007.1 and 2.2-4017 of the Code of Virginia, the Board of Juvenile Justice conducted a periodic review and a small business impact review of 6VAC35-30, Regulation Governing State Reimbursement of Local Juvenile Residential Facility Costs, and determined that this regulation should be amended to update and clarify the regulation.

The Notice of Intended Regulatory Action to amend 6VAC35-30, which is published in this issue of the Virginia Register, serves as the report of findings.

Contact Information: Kristen Peterson, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Juvenile Justice, P.O. Box 1110, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 588-3902, or email kristen.peterson@djj.virginia.gov.

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TITLE 22. SOCIAL SERVICES

DEPARTMENT FOR AGING AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES

Report of Findings

Pursuant to §§ 2.2-4007.1 and 2.2-4017 of the Code of Virginia, the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services conducted a periodic review and small business impact review of 22VAC30-11, Public Participation Guidelines, and determined that this regulation should be retained in its current form. The department is publishing its report of findings dated January 4, 2021, to support this decision.

The board's public participation guidelines afford interested persons an opportunity to submit data, views, and arguments, either orally or in writing, to the board, including an online public comment forum on the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall, and other specially designated subordinate; and interested persons may be accompanied by and represented by counsel or other representative.

This regulation is clearly written. This regulation meets the criteria set out in Executive Order 14, as amended, July 16, 2018, as it is necessary for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare and is clearly written and easily understandable. There is no negative impact on the regulated community and the regulation does not overlap, duplicate, or conflict with federal or state law or regulation.

This regulation is needed in order to meet the state requirements under Virginia law (§ 2.2-4007.02 of the Code of Virginia). The board received no complaints or comments regarding the need to repeal or amend this regulation, and the regulation is written clearly and is easy to understand. This regulation does not overlap, duplicate, or conflict with any federal or state law or regulation, and was last revised November 30, 2016. As a result of this periodic review, the department has determined that the regulation has no negative economic impact on small business.

Contact Information: Charlotte Arbogast, Policy Analyst, Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, 8004 Franklin Farms Drive, Richmond, VA 23229, telephone (804) 662-7063.

Agency Notice

Pursuant to Executive Order 14 (as amended July 16, 2018) and §§ 2.2-4007.1 and 2.2-4017 of the Code of Virginia, the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services conducted a periodic review and small business impact review of 22VAC30-20, Provision of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. The review of this regulation will be guided by the principles in Executive Order 14 (as amended July 16, 2018). The purpose of this review is to determine whether this regulation should be repealed, amended, or retained in its current form. Public comment is sought on the review of any issue relating to this regulation, including whether the regulation (i) is necessary for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare or for the economical performance of important governmental functions; (ii) minimizes the economic impact on small businesses in a manner consistent with the stated objectives of applicable law; and (iii) is clearly written and easily understandable.

Public comment period begins February 1, 2021, and ends February 22, 2021.

Comments must include the commenter's name and address (physical or email) information in order to receive a response to the comment from the agency.

Following the close of the public comment period, a report of both reviews will be posted on the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall and published in the Virginia Register of Regulations.

NOTICES OF INTENDED REGULATORY ACTION
Vol. 37 Iss. 12 - February 01, 2021

TITLE 6. CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONS
Regulations Governing the Certification Process
Notices of Intended Regulatory Action

Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Juvenile Justice intends to consider amending 6VAC35-20, Regulation Governing the Monitoring, Approval, and Certification of Juvenile Justice Programs and Facilities, and 6VAC35-30, Regulation Governing State Reimbursement of Local Juvenile Residential Facility Costs. The purpose of the proposed action is to update and clarify the regulations to ensure that the agency retains some authority to review plans for applicable local facility projects without subjecting localities to a lengthy process required by the current regulation. The proposed amendments may include (i) repealing provisions that make the regulations applicable to a locality engaged in construction and related local juvenile facility projects, regardless of whether the locality intends to seek state reimbursement for those costs, (ii) establishing in a new chapter a new, separate process for a locality engaging in relevant projects but not seeking reimbursement; (iii) allowing flexibility regarding the deadline for the board's review of certain documents; (iv) allowing for state reimbursement for emergency maintenance projects in accordance with the Appropriation Act; (v) modifying provisions regarding a board-established funding formula to determine constructions costs; (vi) clarifying terminology and provisions that are vague or difficult to understand; (vii) removing certain documents incorporated by reference; and (viii) addressing additional areas of concern that arise during the regulatory process.

The agency does not intend to hold a public hearing at the proposed stage.

Statutory Authority: §§ 16.1-309.5, 16.1-309.9, 16.1-322.7, and 66-10 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: March 3, 2021.

Agency Contact: Kristen Peterson, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Juvenile Justice, P.O. Box 1110, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 588-3902, or email kristen.peterson@djj.virginia.gov.

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-5821; Filed January 07, 2021
TITLE 6. CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONS
Regulation Governing State Reimbursement of Local Juvenile Residential Facility Costs
Notices of Intended Regulatory Action

Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Juvenile Justice intends to consider amending 6VAC35-20, Regulation Governing the Monitoring, Approval, and Certification of Juvenile Justice Programs and Facilities, and 6VAC35-30, Regulation Governing State Reimbursement of Local Juvenile Residential Facility Costs. The purpose of the proposed action is to update and clarify the regulations to ensure that the agency retains some authority to review plans for applicable local facility projects without subjecting localities to a lengthy process required by the current regulation. The proposed amendments may include (i) repealing provisions that make the regulations applicable to a locality engaged in construction and related local juvenile facility projects, regardless of whether the locality intends to seek state reimbursement for those costs, (ii) establishing in a new chapter a new, separate process for a locality engaging in relevant projects but not seeking reimbursement; (iii) allowing flexibility regarding the deadline for the board's review of certain documents; (iv) allowing for state reimbursement for emergency maintenance projects in accordance with the Appropriation Act; (v) modifying provisions regarding a board-established funding formula to determine constructions costs; (vi) clarifying terminology and provisions that are vague or difficult to understand; (vii) removing certain documents incorporated by reference; and (viii) addressing additional areas of concern that arise during the regulatory process.

The agency does not intend to hold a public hearing at the proposed stage.

Statutory Authority: §§ 16.1-309.5, 16.1-309.9, 16.1-322.7, and 66-10 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: March 3, 2021.

Agency Contact: Kristen Peterson, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Juvenile Justice, P.O. Box 1110, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 588-3902, or email kristen.peterson@djj.virginia.gov.

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-5821; Filed January 07, 2021
TITLE 12. HEALTH
Regulations for Children's Residential Facilities
Notice of Intended Regulatory Action

Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services intends to consider amending 12VAC35-46, Regulations for Children's Residential Facilities. The purpose of the proposed action is to align licensing regulations with the American Society of Addiction Medicine Levels of Care Criteria or an equivalent set of criteria to ensure individualized, clinically driven, participant-directed, and outcome-informed treatment pursuant to Item 318 of Chapter 1289 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly (Appropriation Act of 2020). The proposed action incorporates best practices in the department's licensing regulations to promote recovery from the disease of addiction.

The agency does not intend to hold a public hearing at the proposed stage.

Statutory Authority: §§ 37.2-408 and 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: March 3, 2021.

Agency Contact: John Cimino, Licensing Legal and Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, 1220 Bank Street P.O. Box 1797, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 298-3279, FAX (804) 692-0066, TDD (804) 371-8977, or email john.cimino@dbhds.virginia.gov.

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-6440; Filed January 08, 2021
TITLE 12. HEALTH
Rules and Regulations for Licensing Providers by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
Notice of Intended Regulatory Action

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 align the licensing regulations with the American Society of Addiction Medicine Levels of Care Criteria (ASAM) or an equivalent set of criteria to ensure individualized, clinically driven, participant-directed, and outcome-informed treatment pursuant to Item 318 of Chapter 1289 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly (Appropriation Act of 2020). The proposed action incorporates best practices to promote recovery from the disease of addiction.

The agency does not intend to hold a public hearing at the proposed stage.

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

Public Comment Deadline: March 3, 2021.

Agency Contact: Ruth Anne Walker, Director of Regulatory Affairs, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Jefferson Building, 1220 Bank Street, 4th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 225-2252, FAX (804) 371-4609, TDD (804) 371-8977, or email ruthanne.walker@dbhds.virginia.gov.

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-6439; Filed January 08, 2021
TITLE 12. HEALTH
Rules and Regulations for Licensing Providers by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
Notice of Intended Regulatory Action

Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Department 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 Item 318 of Chapter 1289 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly (2020 Appropriation Act) to align the department's licensing regulations with anticipated changes to Medicaid behavioral health regulations in Item 313 of Chapter 1289. The proposed amendments remove provisions that would conflict with newly funded behavioral health services and establish new licensed services for those newly funded behavioral health services that cannot be nested under an existing department license. For most of the department's existing licensed services, including functional family therapy, multisystemic family therapy, intensive outpatient services, partial hospitalization programs, mobile crisis intervention services, 23-hour temporary observation services, crisis stabilization services, and residential crisis stabilization unit services, minimal changes are anticipated in the proposed action. The existing license requirements for Program for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) services, however, are inconsistent with the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) services that will be funded as part of Behavioral Health Enhancement and substantive changes are proposed for the specific licensing regulations for this service to align licensing requirements with ACT service expectations.

The agency does not intend to hold a public hearing at the proposed stage.

Statutory Authority: § 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: March 3, 2021.

Agency Contact: Ruth Anne Walker, Director of Regulatory Affairs, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, 1220 Bank Street, 4th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 225-2252, FAX (804) 371-4609, TDD (804) 371-8977, or email ruthanne.walker@dbhds.virginia.gov.

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-6076; Filed January 08, 2021
TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING
Regulations Governing the Practice of Funeral Directors and Embalmers
Notice of Intended Regulatory Action

Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers intends to consider amending 18VAC65-20, Regulations of the Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers; 18VAC65-30, Regulations for Preneed Funeral Planning; and 18VAC65-40, Regulations for the Funeral Service Internship Program.The purpose of the proposed action is to implement Chapter 943 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly and establish the education, examination, and experience required to be issued a license as a funeral director or a license as an embalmer. Applicants will be required to obtain an associate degree in an accredited mortuary science program or complete a program approved by the board. Coursework in embalming will not be required for the funeral director license, and coursework in funeral directing and preneed financing will not be required for the embalmer license. All funeral interns will be required to complete 2,000 hours of supervised experience in the area of funeral practice for which the interns are seeking licensure. Amendments are also necessary for the three types of licenses and scopes of practice, as applicable, throughout 18VAC65-20, 18VAC65-30, and 18VAC65-40.

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

Statutory Authority: § 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: March 3, 2021.

Agency Contact: Corie Tillman Wolf, Executive Director, Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-4479, FAX (804) 527-4471, or email fanbd@dhp.virginia.gov.

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-6539; Filed January 04, 2021
TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING
Regulations for Preneed Funeral Planning
Notice of Intended Regulatory Action

Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers intends to consider amending 18VAC65-20, Regulations of the Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers; 18VAC65-30, Regulations for Preneed Funeral Planning; and 18VAC65-40, Regulations for the Funeral Service Internship Program.The purpose of the proposed action is to implement Chapter 943 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly and establish the education, examination, and experience required to be issued a license as a funeral director or a license as an embalmer. Applicants will be required to obtain an associate degree in an accredited mortuary science program or complete a program approved by the board. Coursework in embalming will not be required for the funeral director license, and coursework in funeral directing and preneed financing will not be required for the embalmer license. All funeral interns will be required to complete 2,000 hours of supervised experience in the area of funeral practice for which the interns are seeking licensure. Amendments are also necessary for the three types of licenses and scopes of practice, as applicable, throughout 18VAC65-20, 18VAC65-30, and 18VAC65-40.

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

Statutory Authority: § 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: March 3, 2021.

Agency Contact: Corie Tillman Wolf, Executive Director, Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-4479, FAX (804) 527-4471, or email fanbd@dhp.virginia.gov.

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-6539; Filed January 04, 2021
TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING
Regulations for the Funeral Service Internship Program
Notice of Intended Regulatory Action

Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers intends to consider amending 18VAC65-20, Regulations of the Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers; 18VAC65-30, Regulations for Preneed Funeral Planning; and 18VAC65-40, Regulations for the Funeral Service Internship Program.The purpose of the proposed action is to implement Chapter 943 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly and establish the education, examination, and experience required to be issued a license as a funeral director or a license as an embalmer. Applicants will be required to obtain an associate degree in an accredited mortuary science program or complete a program approved by the board. Coursework in embalming will not be required for the funeral director license, and coursework in funeral directing and preneed financing will not be required for the embalmer license. All funeral interns will be required to complete 2,000 hours of supervised experience in the area of funeral practice for which the interns are seeking licensure. Amendments are also necessary for the three types of licenses and scopes of practice, as applicable, throughout 18VAC65-20, 18VAC65-30, and 18VAC65-40.

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

Statutory Authority: § 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: March 3, 2021.

Agency Contact: Corie Tillman Wolf, Executive Director, Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-4479, FAX (804) 527-4471, or email fanbd@dhp.virginia.gov.

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-6539; Filed January 04, 2021
TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING
Regulations Governing the Practice of Pharmacy
Notice of Intended Regulatory Action

Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Pharmacy intends to consider amending 18VAC110-20, Regulations Governing the Practice of Pharmacy. The purpose of the proposed action is to (i) establish the requirements for registration as a pharmacy technician trainee for a person enrolled in a training program and engaging in tasks that may be delegated to a technician, (ii) specify the certification examinations that are acceptable for registration as a pharmacy technician, (iii) set out the requirement for accreditation of training programs that will become effective on July 1, 2022, and (iv) modify other provisions as applicable to changes in the Code of Virginia pursuant to Chapters 102 and 237 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly.

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

Statutory Authority: §§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-3307 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: March 3, 2021.

Agency Contact: Caroline Juran, RPh, Executive Director, Board of Pharmacy, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-4456, FAX (804) 527-4472, or email caroline.juran@dhp.virginia.gov.

VA.R. Doc. No. R20-6513; Filed January 02, 2021
TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING
Regulations Governing the Practice of Pharmacy
Notice of Intended Regulatory Action

Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Pharmacy intends to consider amending 18VAC110-20, Regulations Governing the Practice of Pharmacy, and 18VAC110-21, Regulations Governing the Licensure of Pharmacists and Registration of Pharmacy Technicians. The purpose of the proposed action is to establish (i) the list of drugs and devices that may be initiated by a pharmacist for a patient over 18 years of age and (ii) requirements for notification of a primary care provider, maintenance of patient records, and protection of patient privacy. The proposed action implements Chapter 731 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly.

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

Statutory Authority: §§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-3307 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: March 3, 2021.

Agency Contact: Caroline Juran, RPh, Executive Director, Board of Pharmacy, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233-1463, telephone (804) 367-4456, FAX (804) 527-4472, or email caroline.juran@dhp.virginia.gov.

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-6488; Filed January 01, 2021
TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING
Regulations Governing the Licensure of Pharmacists and Registration of Pharmacy Technicians
Notice of Intended Regulatory Action

Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Pharmacy intends to consider amending 18VAC110-20, Regulations Governing the Practice of Pharmacy. The purpose of the proposed action is to (i) establish the requirements for registration as a pharmacy technician trainee for a person enrolled in a training program and engaging in tasks that may be delegated to a technician, (ii) specify the certification examinations that are acceptable for registration as a pharmacy technician, (iii) set out the requirement for accreditation of training programs that will become effective on July 1, 2022, and (iv) modify other provisions as applicable to changes in the Code of Virginia pursuant to Chapters 102 and 237 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly.

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

Statutory Authority: §§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-3307 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: March 3, 2021.

Agency Contact: Caroline Juran, RPh, Executive Director, Board of Pharmacy, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-4456, FAX (804) 527-4472, or email caroline.juran@dhp.virginia.gov.

VA.R. Doc. No. R20-6513; Filed January 02, 2021
TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING
Regulations Governing the Licensure of Pharmacists and Registration of Pharmacy Technicians
Notice of Intended Regulatory Action

Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Pharmacy intends to consider amending 18VAC110-20, Regulations Governing the Practice of Pharmacy, and 18VAC110-21, Regulations Governing the Licensure of Pharmacists and Registration of Pharmacy Technicians. The purpose of the proposed action is to establish (i) the list of drugs and devices that may be initiated by a pharmacist for a patient over 18 years of age and (ii) requirements for notification of a primary care provider, maintenance of patient records, and protection of patient privacy. The proposed action implements Chapter 731 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly.

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

Statutory Authority: §§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-3307 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: March 3, 2021.

Agency Contact: Caroline Juran, RPh, Executive Director, Board of Pharmacy, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233-1463, telephone (804) 367-4456, FAX (804) 527-4472, or email caroline.juran@dhp.virginia.gov.

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-6488; Filed January 01, 2021
TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING
Regulations for Practitioners of the Healing Arts to Sell Controlled Substances
Notice of Intended Regulatory Action

Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Pharmacy intends to consider amending 18VAC110-30, Regulations for Practitioners of the Healing Arts to Sell Controlled Substances. The purpose of the proposed action is to (i) define the term "practitioner" to include nurse practitioners or physician assistants for the purpose of issuance of a limited-use license and (ii) include the allowance for issuance of a limited-use permit for nonprofit facilities for the sale of Schedule VI drugs and devices used in administration of such drugs. The proposed action is pursuant to Chapters 609 and 610 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly.

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

Statutory Authority: §§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-3307 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: March 3, 2021.

Agency Contact: Caroline Juran, RPh, Executive Director, Board of Pharmacy, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233-1463, telephone (804) 527-4456, FAX (804) 527-4472, or email caroline.juran@dhp.virginia.gov.

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-6380; Filed January 04, 2021
TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING
Regulations Governing the Practice of Psychology
Notice of Intended Regulatory Action

Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Board of Psychology intends to consider amending 18VAC125-20, Regulations Governing the Practice of Psychology. The purpose of the proposed action is to implement Chapter 1162 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly, which mandates membership of the Commonwealth of Virginia in the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact. The proposed amendments (i) add definitions consistent with the compact and (ii) revise the standards of practice and the grounds for disciplinary action to ensure that persons practicing with an E.Passport or temporary authorization to practice in Virginia through the compact are covered by the regulations.

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

Statutory Authority: § 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: March 3, 2021.

Agency Contact: Jaime Hoyle, Executive Director, Board of Psychology, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-4406, FAX (804) 327-4435, or email jaime.hoyle@dhp.virginia.gov.

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-6421; Filed January 01, 2021
TITLE 22. SOCIAL SERVICES
Foster and Adoptive Home Approval Standards for Local Departments of Social Services
Notice of Intended Regulatory Action

Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the State Board of Social Services intends to consider amending 22VAC40-211, Foster and Adoptive Home Approval Standards for Local Departments of Social Services. The purpose of the proposed action is to comply with Chapter 336 of the 2019 Acts of Assembly. The proposed amendments add require a local board of social services and a licensed child-placing agency (LCPA) to provide foster parents with (i) all reasonably ascertainable background, medical, and psychological records of the child prior to placement; (ii) all information relevant to the child's foster care services; and (iii) copies of all documents related to the foster parent, the foster parent's family, and services provided to the foster home on an ongoing basis. The action also requires local boards and LCPAs to notify foster parents of court hearings; scheduled meetings; and decisions made by the court, local board, or LCPA concerning the child's foster care service, changes to the child's case plan, or termination of child's placement in a timely manner. The regulation requires a timely response to requests for information regarding the child's progress after leaving foster care if it is in the child's best interest. The regulation sets forth a dispute resolution process through which a foster parent may contest an alleged violation by the local board or LCPA, including an appeal process for the foster parent.

The agency does not intend to hold a public hearing at the proposed stage.

Statutory Authority: §§ 63.2-217 and 63.2-319 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: March 3, 2021.

Agency Contact: C. Garrett Jones, Resource Family Program Manager, Department of Social Services, 801 East Main Street, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 726-7527, or email garrett.jones@dss.virginia.gov.

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-6042; Filed January 04, 2021

REGULATIONS
Vol. 37 Iss. 12 - February 01, 2021

TITLE 8. EDUCATION
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Fast-Track

Title of Regulation: 8VAC20-250. Regulations Governing the Testing of Sight and Hearing of Pupils (amending 8VAC20-250-10).

Statutory Authority: §§ 22.1-253.13:3 and 22.1-273 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Hearing Information: No public hearings are currently scheduled.

Public Comment Deadline: March 3, 2021.

Effective Date: March 18, 2021.

Agency Contact: Dr. Samantha Hollins, Assistant Superintendent for Special Education and Student Services, Department of Education, 101 North 14th Street, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 786-8079, or email samantha.hollins@doe.virginia.gov.

Basis: The board's authority to establish regulations establishing standards for accrediting public schools is established in § 22.1-253.13:3 of the Code of Virginia.
Purpose: This regulatory action is necessary to conform regulation to statute. This regulatory action also updates the language used in reference to how the hearing and vision screenings are monitored to reflect current practice. The revisions to 8VAC-20-250-10 protects public health and child welfare as the timely implementation of vision and hearing screening of students ensures that all students have access to effective learning environments. Impaired vision and/or hearing in children can seriously impede learning and contribute to the development of educational, emotional and behavioral problems.
Rationale for Using Fast-Track Rulemaking Process: The amendments to 8VAC20-250-10 are mandated to conform with statute. This regulatory action is noncontroversial because its only purpose is to align the regulations with statute.
Substance: The 2017 Virginia General Assembly amended § 22.1-273 of the Code of Virginia, related to the timeline and scheduling of vision screenings. The Virginia Department of Education engaged several stakeholders and gathered input and feedback to draft the proposed revisions to the Regulations. Stakeholder groups included Conexus, Lions Club of Virginia, school nurse coordinators, and licensed hearing and vision providers. Based on the feedback from stakeholders, the proposed revisions to 8VAC-20-250-10 align the chapter with § 22.1-273 of the Code of Virginia regarding the timeline and scheduling of vision screenings and align the hearing screening timeline and scheduling to match that of the required vision screenings. It also updates the language used in reference to how the hearing and vision screenings will be monitored to reflect current practice.
Issues: Early discovery through the timely screenings outlined in 8VAC-20-250-10 can prevent or at least alleviate many of these problems and thus be of great benefit to the public, which is an advantage. There are no disadvantages to the public, the agency, or the Commonwealth. These revisions conform
regulation to § 22.1-273 of the Code of Virginia.

Department of Planning and Budget Economic Impact Analysis:

Summary of the Proposed Amendments to Regulation. The Board of Education (Board) proposes to specify that: 1) mandatory vision and hearing screening can be conducted in either second or third grade rather than just third grade, and 2) mandatory vision and hearing screening for grades K, 2 or 3, 7, and 10 be scheduled within the first 60 administrative working days of the school year (and could occur at any time during the school year), rather than take place within the first 60 administrative working days of the school year.

Background. The current regulation requires that the sight and hearing of pupils in grades K, 3, 7, and 10 be screened within 60 administrative working days of the opening of school. Virginia Code § 22.1-273 as amended by Chapter 312 of the 2017 Acts of Assembly (Chapter 312)1 specifies that vision be screened in grades K, 2 or 3, 7, and 10. Also, Chapter 312 states that the "screenings may be conducted at any time during the school year; however, the scheduling of such screenings shall be completed no later than the sixtieth administrative working day of the school year." Chapter 312 does not specify the grades or timing within the school year for hearing tests.

Estimated Benefits and Costs. Both proposed amendments are potentially beneficial for local school divisions in that there is greater flexibility in when the screenings occur. This may result in fewer disruptions to academics and other activities. Allowing the screening to take place later in the school year may in some cases lead to a later diagnosis of vision or hearing problems than would otherwise occur.

Conversely, screening later in the year may in some cases enable vision or hearing problems that develop after the early part of the school year to be diagnosed sooner than they otherwise would be. Allowing screening to take place in either second or third grade, rather than only third grade, may in some cases lead to an earlier diagnosis of vision or hearing problems than would otherwise occur. Conversely, screening in second grade rather than third grade may in some cases result in vision or hearing problems that develop after the second grade being diagnosed later than they otherwise would be.

Businesses and Other Entities Affected. The proposed amendments affect the 133 public school divisions in the Commonwealth, as well as their staff and students.

Small Businesses2 Affected. The proposed amendments do not appear to substantively affect small businesses.

Localities3 Affected.4 The proposed amendments affect all 133 local school divisions, but none disproportionately. The proposed amendments do not introduce costs for local governments.

Projected Impact on Employment. The proposed amendments do not appear to affect total employment.

Effects on the Use and Value of Private Property. The proposed amendments do not appear to substantively affect the use and value of private property. The proposed amendments do not affect real estate development costs.

_______________________________

1See http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?171 ful CHAP0312

2Pursuant to § 2.2-4007.04 of the Code of Virginia, small business is defined as "a business entity, including its affiliates, that (i) is independently owned and operated and (ii) employs fewer than 500 full-time employees or has gross annual sales of less than $6 million."

3"Locality" can refer to either local governments or the locations in the Commonwealth where the activities relevant to the regulatory change are most likely to occur.

4§ 2.2-4007.04 defines "particularly affected" as bearing disproportionate material impact.

Agency's Response to the Economic Impact Analysis: The agency concurs with the economic impact analysis completed by the Department of Planning and Budget.

Summary:

The amendments align regulation with § 22.1-273 of the Code of Virginia and (i) allow schools to conduct vision and hearing screenings at any time of the school year as long as the scheduling of such screenings is completed no later than the 60th administrative working day of the school year, (ii) provide schools with the option and flexibility to conduct vision and hearing screenings in grade two or three, and (iii) specify that hearing and vision screenings be monitored through the Department of Education's annual data collection process.

8VAC20-250-10. Testing of sight and hearing; monitoring.

That sight and hearing of pupils in grades K, 3, 7, and 10 be screened within 60 administrative working days of the opening of school. The principal of each public elementary and secondary school shall cause the vision and hearing of students enrolled in (i) kindergarten, (ii) grade two or three, (iii) grade seven, and (iv) grade 10 to be screened subject to the conditions and exceptions as established in § 22.1-273 of the Code of Virginia. The vision and hearing screen of students shall be scheduled within the first 60 administrative working days of the school year. Whenever a pupil student is found to have any defect of vision or hearing or a disease of the eyes or ears, the principal shall notify the parent or guardian in writing, of such defect or disease. This screening of pupils students will be monitored through the administrative review department's annual data collection process.

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-6179; Filed January 05, 2021
TITLE 8. EDUCATION
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Fast-Track

Title of Regulation: 8VAC20-730. Regulations Governing the Collection and Reporting of Truancy-Related Data and Student Attendance Policies (amending 8VAC20-730-10, 8VAC20-730-20, 8VAC20-730-30).

Statutory Authority: §§ 22.1-16 and 22.1-258 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Hearing Information: No public hearings are currently scheduled.

Public Comment Deadline: March 3, 2021.

Effective Date: March 18, 2021.

Agency Contact: Maribel Saimre, Director, Office of Student Services, Department of Education, 101 North 14th Street, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 225-2818, or email maribel.saimre@doe.virginia.gov.

Basis: Section 22.1-16 of the Code of Virginia allows that the "Board of Education may adopt bylaws for its own government and promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to carry out its powers and duties and the provisions of this title." Section 22.1-269 of the Code of Virginia "authorizes and requires the Board of Education to enforce Virginia's compulsory school attendance statutes."

Purpose: It is the primary goal of these amendments to align regulation with § 22.1-258 of the Code of Virginia. Students who attend school regularly beginning in kindergarten are more likely to succeed academically. Academic achievement, especially in math, is affected by attendance. Moreover, student nonattendance affects standardized test scores, graduation rates, and dropout rates. The amendments put in place an early identification and intervention process that provides school division personnel additional time to address barriers that disengage a student from school, thus improving school attendance.

Rationale for Using Fast-Track Rulemaking Process: In 2018, the Virginia General Assembly amended § 22.1-258 of the Code of Virginia relating to the appointment of attendance officers, notification when a pupil fails to report to school, attendance plan, conference, and court proceedings. The Virginia Department of Education proposes to use the fast-track rulemaking process as the amendments to 8VAC20-730 align the chapter with the Code of Virginia and therefore are deemed to be noncontroversial.

Substance: The substantive changes conform with § 22.1-258 of the Code of Virginia and reflect feedback from school division personnel across the Commonwealth, including expanding the number of days a parent has to respond to a school division's request for information to make decisions on excused versus unexcused absences from three days to five days. Additionally, changes to the regulation reflect a need to remove specific data element specifications and indicate that data will be collected reflective of § 22.1-258 of the Code of Virginia and definitions within 8VAC20-730. Data specifications regarding the collection of unexcused absences will be outlined in a manner prescribed by the Virginia Department of Education.

Issues: The proposed amendments pose no disadvantage to the public or the Commonwealth. The proposed amendments will serve to collect daily attendance data and nonattendance data and guide an early identification and intervention process that provides school division personnel additional time to thoughtfully and purposefully remove barriers that disengage a student from school, thus improving school attendance.

Department of Planning and Budget's Economic Impact Analysis:

Summary of the Proposed Amendments to Regulation. Chapters 713 and 753 of the 2018 Acts of Assembly (legislation) amended § 22.1-258 of the Code of Virginia, relating to a pupil's unexcused absences and conferences concerning those absences. In response, the Board of Education (Board) proposes several amendments to 8 VAC 20-730, Regulations Governing Unexcused Absences and Truancy, to match the legislation. Additionally, the Board proposes to: 1) expand the number of days a parent has to provide an excuse for an absence from three days to five days, and 2) remove specific data collection requirements from the regulation.

Background. Prior to the legislation, § 22.1-258 indicated that: 1) an attendance conference is to be scheduled if the pupil has accrued six unexcused absences from school, and 2) the conference is to be held no later than 15 school days after the sixth absence. The legislation amended § 22.1- 258 so the attendance conference is to be scheduled after the seventh unexcused absence, and the conference is to be held no later than 10 school days after the seventh absence. The current regulation reflects the pre-legislation rules. The Board proposes to amend the regulation to match the requirements in the current Code of Virginia.

§ 22.1-258 indicates that the school principal or his designee schedule the conference with the pupil, his parent, and school personnel. The legislation added that the conference is to be held "regardless of whether his parent approves of the conference." To reflect this addition, the Board proposes to add to the regulation:

The principal or principal's designee shall make reasonable efforts to contact the student's parent or parents to attend the attendance conference either in person or via communication technology. If the principal or principal's designee, after reasonable efforts have been made, is unable to contact the student's parent or parents, the conference shall be held regardless of whether the student's parent approves of the conference.

Additionally, the current regulation defines "attendance conference" as including parent(s) and the student. The Board proposes to amend the definition so that it may include the parent(s) and student.

Estimated Benefits and Costs. The current regulation defines "unexcused absence" as: "...an absence where (i) the student misses his scheduled instructional school day in its entirety and (ii) no indication has been received by school personnel within three days of the absence that the student's parent is aware and supports the absence, or the parent provides a reason for the absence that is unacceptable to the school administration.

The Board proposes to give the parent five days to notify school staff that he or she is aware and supports the absence. Given busy schedules, this is a reasonable accommodation and would be beneficial for parents and students, without producing an apparent cost for schools.

The current regulation also specifies the following data reporting requirements:

Excused and unexcused absences shall be counted for each individual student and shall be reported to the Virginia Department of Education as follows:

1. All excused and unexcused absences as defined in this chapter for each individual student shall be collected.

2. For each student with five unexcused absences, whether an attendance plan was developed, and if not, the reason.

3. For each student with six unexcused absences, whether an attendance conference was scheduled, and if not, the reason.

4. For each student with six unexcused absences, whether an attendance conference was actually held, and if not, the reason.

5. For each student with seven unexcused absences, whether a court referral was made or if proceedings against the parent or parents were initiated and, if not, the reason.

These data reporting requirements do not match post-legislation § 22.1-258. For example, the statutory requirement for scheduling an attendance conference is now after seven unexcused absences, not six. When there is a conflict between statutory requirements and regulatory requirements, the statute prevails. According to the Department of Education, their Office of Education Information Management has sent guidance to the school divisions to collect and report data so that it matches post-legislation § 22.1-258.

The Board proposes to repeal the language on data collection requirements and instead state that "Data shall be reported to the Virginia Department of Education pursuant to the Code of Virginia § 22.1-258 and 8VAC20-730-20." The Office of Education Information Management would continue to send guidance to the school divisions on how the data is to be collected and sent. This proposal would be beneficial in that the regulation would no longer present misleading information concerning the data to be collected and reported.

Businesses and Other Entities Affected. The proposed amendments affect the 132 local school divisions. No school division is disproportionately affected. The proposed amendments do not appear to impose costs.

Localities1 Affected2. The proposed amendments affect all Virginia localities. No locality is particularly affected. The proposed amendments do not appear to introduce costs for local governments. Accordingly, no additional funds would be required.

Projected Impact on Employment. The proposed amendments do not appear to affect total employment.

Effects on the Use and Value of Private Property. The proposed amendments do not appear to substantively affect the use and value of private property. The proposed amendments do not affect real estate development costs.

Adverse Effect on Small Businesses3. The proposed amendments do not appear to adversely affect small businesses.

________________________________

1"Locality" can refer to either local governments or the locations in the Commonwealth where the activities relevant to the regulatory change are most likely to occur.

2§ 2.2-4007.04 defines "particularly affected" as bearing disproportionate material impact.

3Pursuant to § 2.2-4007.04 of the Code of Virginia, small business is defined as "a business entity, including its affiliates, that (i) is independently owned and operated and (ii) employs fewer than 500 full-time employees or has gross annual sales of less than $6 million."

Agency's Response to Economic Impact Analysis: The agency concurs with the economic impact analysis completed by the Department of Planning and Budget.

Summary:

The amendments (i) increase the number of days a parent has to provide an excuse for an absence from three days to five days; (ii) remove the specific data collection requirements and state that data will be collected based on § 22.1-258 of the Code of Virginia; and (iii) update the requirements for the post-absence conference to align with statute.

8VAC20-730-10. Definitions.

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Attendance conference" means a face-to-face meeting, or an interaction that is conducted through the use of communication technology, at a minimum, scheduled with the student, parent, and school personnel after the sixth unexcused seventh unexcused absence. The attendance conference shall be held no later than 10 school days after the 10th unexcused absence among school staff,. The attendance conference is held by a multi-disciplinary team and may include the parents, and student. The conference may include community representatives to participate in resolving issues related to nonattendance and revisions to the current attendance plan if necessary.

"Attendance plan" means a plan developed jointly by a school representative, such as a school principal or his the principal's designee or attendance officer; parent; and student to resolve the student's nonattendance and engage the student in regular school attendance. The plan shall identify reasons for nonattendance and academic, social, emotional, and familial barriers that impede daily attendance along with positive strategies to address such reasons and impedances impediments and support regular attendance. This plan may include school-based activities or suggested referrals to community supports, or both.

"Court referral" means filing a complaint to with the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court after the student's seventh unexcused absence multi-disciplinary team has held an attendance conference and attempted interventions to address the student's continued nonattendance. Documentation of interventions regarding the student's unexcused absences, such as copies of the attendance plan and documentation of conference meetings, and compliance with § 22.1-258 of the Code of Virginia will be provided to the intake worker.

"Excused absence" means an absence of an entire assigned instructional school day with a reason acceptable to the school administration that is provided by the parent. If circumstances permit, the parent should provide the school administration with the reason for the nonattendance prior to the absence. Examples of an excused absence may include, but are not limited to, the following reasons: funeral, illness (including mental health and substance abuse illnesses), injury, legal obligations, medical procedures, suspensions, religious observances, and military obligation. Expelled and suspended Suspended students continue to remain under the provisions of compulsory school attendance as described in § 22.1-254 of the Code of Virginia. An absence from school attendance resulting from a suspension or expulsion may shall be considered excused recorded in compliance with 8VAC20-730-30 for the period of the suspension or expulsion.

"Instructional school day" means the length of a regularly scheduled school day for an individual student.

"Multi-disciplinary team" means a school-based conference team that may be convened to review student records and to participate in prevention, early intervention, and provision of support services to address unexcused absences, including school-based case management. These services should address academic, social, emotional, and familial issues in order to improve regular school attendance. Team members may include, but are not limited to, the following: an administrator, school counselor, social worker or psychologist, student assistance specialist, special education and regular general education teacher, and attendance officer, and community representatives.

"Parent" means the parent or parents, guardian or guardians, legal custodian or legal custodians, or other person or persons having legal control or charge of the student.

"Truancy" means the act of accruing one or more unexcused absences.

"Unexcused absence" means an absence where (i) the student misses his scheduled instructional school day in its entirety and (ii) no indication has been received by school personnel within three five days of the absence that the student's parent is aware and supports the absence, or the parent provides a reason for the absence that is unacceptable to the school administration. The school administration may change an unexcused absence to an excused absence when it determines that the parent has provided an acceptable reason meeting criteria for the student's absence or there are extenuating circumstances.

8VAC20-730-20. Unexcused absences intervention process and responsibilities.

A. Each local school board shall provide guidance regarding what would constitute an excused absence in order to address when the explanation provided by the parent will be determined to be reasonable and acceptable.

B. Each local school board shall develop procedures to ensure that appropriate interventions will be implemented when a student engages in a pattern of absences less than a full day, the explanation for which, if it were a full-day absence, would not be deemed an excused absence.

C. The following intervention steps shall be implemented to respond to unexcused absences from school and to engage students in regular school attendance.

1. Whenever a student fails to report to school on a regularly scheduled school day and no information has been received by school personnel that the student's parent is aware of and supports the absence, or the parent provides a reason for the absence that is unacceptable to the school administration, the school principal or designee, attendance officer, or other school personnel or volunteer will notify the parent by phone or email or any other electronic means to obtain an explanation. The school staff shall record the student's absence for each day as "excused" or "unexcused." Early intervention with the student and parent or parents shall take place for repeated unexcused absences.

2. When a student has received five unexcused absences, the school principal or designee or the attendance officer shall make a reasonable effort to ensure that direct contact is made with the parent. The parent shall be contacted in a face-to-face conference, by telephone, or through the use of other communication devices. During the direct contact with the parent and the student (if appropriate), reasons for nonattendance shall be documented and the consequences of nonattendance explained. An attendance plan shall be made with the student and parent or parents to resolve the nonattendance issues. The student and parent may be referred to a school-based multi-disciplinary team for assistance implementing the attendance plan and case management.

3. The When the student accrues a seventh unexcused absence, the school principal or principal's designee or the attendance officer shall schedule a face-to-face attendance conference, or an interaction that is conducted through the use of communication technology, within 10 school days from the date of the student's sixth unexcused absence for the school year. The attendance conference must be held within 15 10 school days from the date of the sixth unexcused 10th unexcused absence. The principal or principal's designee shall make reasonable efforts to contact the student's parent or parents to attend the attendance conference either in person or via communication technology. If the principal or principal's designee, after reasonable efforts have been made, is unable to contact the student's parent, the conference shall be held regardless of whether the student's parent approves of the conference. The conference shall include the parent, student, principal or principal's designee and school personnel (which may be a representative or representatives from the multi-disciplinary team ) and may include community service providers.

4. The multi-disciplinary team shall monitor the student's attendance and, as necessary, meet again to address concerns and plan additional interventions if the student's attendance does not improve. If additional meetings are necessary, the principal or principal's designee shall make reasonable efforts to contact the student's parent or parents and schedule a face-to-face meeting, or an interaction that is conducted through the use of communication technology. If the principal or principal's designee, after reasonable efforts have been made, is unable to contact the student's parent, the conference shall be held regardless of whether the student's parent approves of the conference.

5. In circumstances in which the parent is intentionally noncompliant with compulsory attendance requirements or the student is resisting parental efforts to comply with compulsory attendance requirements, the school principal or principal's designee shall notify make a referral to the attendance officer or division superintendent of the student's seventh unexcused absence for the school year. The attendance officer shall schedule a conference with the student and the student's parent or parents within 10 days of receiving the referral. The division superintendent or designee attendance officer shall contact the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court intake to may (i) file a complaint with the juvenile and domestic relations district court alleging the student is a child in need of supervision (CHINSup) as defined in § 16.1-228 of the Code of Virginia or to (ii) institute proceedings against the parent pursuant to § 18.2-371 or 22.1-262 of the Code of Virginia. In addition to written documentation of compliance the efforts to comply with the notice provisions of § 22.1-258 of the Code of Virginia, all records of intervention regarding the student's unexcused absences, such as copies of the conference meeting notes, attendance plan, and description of the supports offered or made available to the student shall be presented to the intake worker.

D. A record shall be maintained of each meeting that includes the attendance plan, the name of individuals in attendance at each conference meeting (including via telephone or electronic devices), the location and date of the conference, a summary of what occurred, and follow-up steps.

8VAC20-730-30. Data collection and reporting.

Data collection shall begin on the first day students attend for the school year. Each school division shall provide student level attendance data for each student that includes the number of unexcused absences in a manner prescribed by the Virginia Department of Education. A student's attendance is cumulative and begins on the first official day of the school year or the first day the student is officially enrolled. All nonattendance days are cumulative and begin with the first absence. For purposes of this data collection, truancy shall start with the first unexcused absence and will be cumulative. Data shall be reported to the Virginia Department of Education pursuant to § 22.1-258 of the Code of Virginia and 8VAC20-730-20.

Excused and unexcused absences shall be counted for each individual student and shall be reported to the Virginia Department of Education as follows:

1. All excused and unexcused absences as defined in this chapter for each individual student shall be collected.

2. For each student with five unexcused absences, whether an attendance plan was developed, and if not, the reason.

3. For each student with six unexcused absences, whether an attendance conference was scheduled, and if not, the reason.

4. For each student with six unexcused absences, whether an attendance conference was actually held, and if not, the reason.

5. For each student with seven unexcused absences, whether a court referral was made or if proceedings against the parent or parents were initiated and, if not, the reason.

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-6016; Filed January 05, 2021
TITLE 9. ENVIRONMENT
STATE WATER CONTROL BOARD
Final Regulation

REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The State Water Control Board is claiming an exemption from the Administrative Process Act in accordance with § 2.2-4006 A 8 of the Code of Virginia, which exempts general permits issued by the State Water Control Board pursuant to the State Water Control Law (§ 62.1-44.2 et seq.) and Chapters 24 (§ 62.1-242 et seq.) and 25 (§ 62.1-254 et seq.) of Title 62.1 of the Code of Virginia if the board (i) provides a Notice of Intended Regulatory Action in conformance with the provisions of § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia; (ii) following the passage of 30 days from the publication of the Notice of Intended Regulatory Action, forms a technical advisory committee composed of relevant stakeholders, including potentially affected citizens groups, to assist in the development of the general permit; (iii) provides notice and receives oral and written comment as provided in § 2.2-4007.03 of the Code of Virginia; and (iv) conducts at least one public hearing on the proposed general permit. The State Water Control Board will receive, consider, and respond to petitions by any interested person at any time with respect to reconsideration or revision.

Title of Regulation: 9VAC25-110. Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) General Permit for Domestic Sewage Discharges of Less Than or Equal to 1,000 Gallons Per Day (amending 9VAC25-110-10, 9VAC25-110-15, 9VAC25-110-20, 9VAC25-110-60, 9VAC25-110-70, 9VAC25-110-80).

Statutory Authority: § 62.1-44.15 of the Code of Virginia; § 402 of the Clean Water Act; 40 CFR Parts 122, 123, and 124.

Effective Date: August 2, 2021.

Agency Contact: Peter Sherman, Department of Environmental Quality, 1111 East Main Street, Suite 1400, P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 698-4044, FAX (804) 698-4032, or email peter.sherman@deq.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The amendments to the general permit include (i) clarifying the definition of "individual single family dwelling"; (ii) revising the term of the general permit to August 2, 2021, through July 31, 2026; (iii) requiring that the owner of an individual single family dwelling must submit a combined application; (iv) making certain language more generic so that dates do not have to be changed each reissuance; (v) adding language regarding continuation of permit coverage to address automatic renewal; (vi) adding latitude and longitude data requirement to the registration statement; (vii) adding State Corporation Commission entity identification data requirement to the registration statement for non-single-family homes (NSFHs); (viii) clarifying the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) notification and documentation necessary for the registration statement that an onsite system is not available; (ix) revising the discharge limits for E. coli and enterococci to reflect revised water quality standards that became effective October 21, 2019; (x) changing the operation and maintenance (O&M) requirements for NSFHs to be consistent with VDH requirements for single family homes to require NSFHs to engage a licensed operator, specify that persons who perform maintenance on discharging systems must hold a Class IV or higher wastewater work operator license or an alternative onsite sewage system operator license, require the licensed operator to visit the system two times per year, remove the requirement for NSFHs to have a maintenance contract, and remove the alternative for NSFHs to conduct O&M under an approved O&M plan; (xi) adding signature requirements for the combined application; (xii) adding conditional requirements for the electronic submission of registration statements; and (xiii) adding conditional requirements for the electronic submission of discharge monitoring reports. The general permit is being amended in order to reissue it.

Chapter 110

Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) General Permit Regulation for Domestic Sewage Discharges of Less Than or Equal to 1,000 Gallons Per Day

9VAC25-110-10. Definitions.

The words and terms used in this chapter shall have the same meanings as given in the State Water Control Law, Chapter 3.1 (§ 62.1-44.2 et seq.) of Title 62.1 of the Code of Virginia and the VPDES Permit Regulation (9VAC25-31), unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, except that for the purposes of this chapter:

"7Q10" means the lowest flow averaged over a period of seven consecutive days that can be statistically expected to occur once every 10 years.

"Board" or "State Water Control Board" means the Virginia State Water Control Board.

"Combined application" means the Virginia Department of Health Discharging System Application for Single Family Dwellings Discharging Sewage Less Than or Equal to 1,000 Gallons per Day and State Water Control Board Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System General Permit Registration Statement for Domestic Sewage Discharges Less Than or Equal to 1,000 Gallons per Day. This application combines the VDH Alternative Discharging Sewage Treatment Regulations for Individual Single Family Dwellings (12VAC5-640) requirements with the board's registration statement requirements.

"Department" or "DEQ" means the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

"Domestic sewage" means the water-carried human wastes from residences, buildings, industrial establishments, or other places.

"Individual single family dwelling" means a residence housing one family or household structure, including any accessory structure such as a garage or pool house, housing one family or household or one that is designed for one family only. When a treatment works serving an individual single family dwelling has additional unused connections, it remains a treatment works serving an individual single family dwelling until such time that an additional single family dwelling is connected to the treatment works.

"Receiving water" means a creek, stream, river, lake, estuary, groundwater formation, or other body of water into which treated waste or untreated waste is discharged.

"Total maximum daily load" or "TMDL" means a calculation of the maximum amount of a pollutant that a waterbody can receive and still meet water quality standards, and an allocation of that amount to the pollutant's sources. A TMDL includes wasteload allocations (WLAs) for point source discharges, and load allocations (LAs) for nonpoint sources or natural background or both, and must include a margin of safety (MOS) and account for seasonal variations.

"VDH" means the Virginia Department of Health.

9VAC25-110-15. Applicability of incorporated references based on the dates that they became effective.

Except as noted, when a regulation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency set forth in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) is referenced and incorporated herein, that regulation shall be as it exists and has been published as of July 1, 2015 2021.

9VAC25-110-20. Purpose; delegation of authority; effective date of permit.

A. This general permit regulation governs domestic sewage discharges to surface waters from treatment works with a design discharge flow of less than or equal to 1,000 gallons per day on a monthly average.

B. The Director of the Department of Environmental Quality, or his designee, may perform any act of the board provided under this chapter, except as limited by § 62.1-44.14 of the Code of Virginia.

C. This general VPDES permit will become effective on August 2, 2016 2021, and it expires on August 1, 2021 July 31, 2026. With respect to a particular dwelling, building, or site served, this general permit shall become effective upon the dwelling, building, or site served owner's compliance with the provisions of 9VAC25-110-60.

9VAC25-110-60. Authorization to discharge.

A. Any owner of a treatment works governed by this general permit is hereby authorized to discharge treated domestic sewage to surface waters of the Commonwealth of Virginia provided that:

1. The owner submits a registration statement, if required to do so, in accordance with 9VAC25-110-70 and that registration statement is accepted by the board. For an individual single family dwelling, the owner may shall submit a combined application in place of a registration statement;

2. The owner complies with the effluent limitations and other requirements of 9VAC25-110-80; and

3. The board has not notified the owner, in accordance with subsection B of this section, that the discharge is not eligible for coverage under this permit.

B. The board will notify an owner that the discharge is not eligible for coverage under this permit in the event of any of the following:

1. The owner is required to obtain an individual VPDES permit in accordance with 9VAC25-31-170 B 3 of the VPDES Permit Regulation;

2. The owner is proposing to discharge to surface waters specifically named in other board regulations that prohibit such discharges;

3. The owner is proposing to discharge to surface waters in an area where there are central sewage facilities reasonably available, as determined by the board;

4. The owner of any proposed treatment works or any treatment works that has not previously been issued a VPDES permit has applied to the Virginia Department of Health for an onsite sewage disposal system permit, and the Virginia Department of Health has determined that an onsite system is available to serve that parcel of land in accordance with the criteria in 12VAC5-640;

5. The discharge would violate the antidegradation policy stated in 9VAC25-260-30 of the Virginia Water Quality Standards; or

6. The discharge is not consistent with the assumptions and requirements of an approved TMDL.

C. Compliance with this general permit constitutes compliance, for purposes of enforcement, with the federal Clean Water Act §§ 301, 302, 306, 307, 318, 403, and 405 (a) through (b), and the State Water Control Law, with the exceptions stated in 9VAC25-31-60 of the VPDES Permit Regulation. Approval for coverage under this general VPDES permit does not relieve any owner of the responsibility to comply with any other applicable federal, state or local statute, ordinance or regulation, including, for owners of sewage treatment works that serve individual single family dwellings, the Alternative Discharging Sewage Treatment Regulations for Individual Single Family Dwellings (12VAC5-640) of the Virginia Department of Health adopted pursuant to §§ 32.1-12, 32.1-163, and 32.1-164 of the Code of Virginia and, for owners of sewage treatment works that serve buildings or dwellings other than individual single family dwellings, the Sewage Collection and Treatment Regulations (9VAC25-790) adopted by the State Water Control Board pursuant to § 62.1-44.19 of the Code of Virginia.

D. Continuation of permit coverage.

1. Any owner that was authorized to discharge under the domestic sewage discharges general permit issued in 2011 and who is required to and submits a complete registration statement, or for an individual single family dwelling a combined application, on or before August 1, 2016, is authorized to continue to discharge treated domestic sewage under the terms of the 2011 general permit Permit coverage shall expire at the end of the applicable permit term. However, expiring permit coverages are continued if the owner has submitted a complete registration statement or, for an individual single family dwelling, a combined application, at least 60 days prior to the expiration date of the permit, or a later submittal date established by the board, which cannot extend beyond the expiration date of the permit. Where the expiring permit coverage was originally based on automatic renewal as found in 9VAC25-110-70 A 2 b, such coverage is continued provided the owner continues to meet the automatic renewal criteria. The permittee is authorized to continue to discharge until such time as the board either:

a. Issues coverage to the owner under this general permit; or

b. Notifies the owner that the discharge is not eligible for coverage under this general permit.

2. When the owner that was covered under the expiring or expired general permit has violated or is violating the conditions of that permit, the board may choose to do any or all of the following:

a. Initiate enforcement action based upon the 2011 general permit coverage that has been continued;

b. Issue a notice of intent to deny coverage under the reissued general permit. If the general permit coverage is denied, the owner would then be required to cease the discharges authorized by the administratively continued coverage under the terms of the 2011 general permit or be subject to enforcement action for operating without a permit;

c. Issue an individual permit with appropriate conditions; or

d. Take other actions authorized by the VPDES Permit Regulation (9VAC25-31).

9VAC25-110-70. Registration statement.

A. Deadlines for submitting registration statement. Any owner seeking coverage under this general permit, and who is required to submit a registration statement, shall submit a complete VPDES general VPDES permit registration statement in accordance with this section, which shall serve as a notice of intent for coverage under the VPDES General VPDES Permit for Domestic Sewage Discharges of Less Than or Equal to 1,000 Gallons per Day. For an individual single family dwelling, the owner may shall submit a combined application in place of the registration statement.

1. New treatment works. Any owner proposing a new discharge shall submit a complete registration statement, or for an individual single family dwelling a combined application, to the department at least 60 days prior to the date planned for commencing operation of the treatment works or a later submittal date established by the board.

2. Existing treatment works.

a. Any owner of an existing treatment works covered by an VPDES individual VPDES permit who is proposing to be covered by this general permit shall notify the department and submit a complete registration statement, or for an individual single family dwelling a combined application, at least 240 days prior to the expiration date of the individual VPDES permit or a later submittal date established by the board.

b. Any owner of a treatment works that was authorized to discharge under the expiring general permit issued in 2011, and who intends to continue coverage under this general permit, is automatically covered by this general permit and is not required to submit a registration statement, or for an individual single family dwelling a combined application, if:

(1) The ownership of the treatment works has not changed since the registration statement or combined application for coverage under the 2011 expiring general permit was submitted, or, if the ownership has changed (i) a new registration statement or combined application or (ii) VPDES Change of Ownership form was submitted to the department by the new owner at the time of the title transfer;

(2) There has been no change in the design or operation, or both, of the treatment works since the registration statement or combined application for coverage under the 2011 expiring general permit was submitted;

(3) For treatment works serving individual single family dwellings, VDH has no objection to the automatic permit coverage renewal for this treatment works based on system performance issues, enforcement issues, or other issues sufficient to the board. If VDH objects to the automatic renewal for this treatment works, the owner will be notified by the board in writing; and

(4) For treatment works serving buildings or dwellings other than individual single family dwellings, the board has no objection to the automatic permit coverage renewal for this treatment works based on system performance issues, enforcement issues, or other issues sufficient to the board. If the board objects to the automatic renewal for this treatment works, the owner will be notified by the board in writing.

c. Any owner of a treatment works that was authorized to discharge under the expiring general permit issued in 2011 that does not qualify for automatic permit coverage renewal shall submit a complete registration statement, or for an individual single family dwelling a combined application, to the department on or before June 2, 2016 at least 60 days prior to the expiration of the existing general permit or a later submittal date established by the board.

3. Late registration statements. Registration statements, or for individual single family dwellings combined applications, for existing treatment works [ not ] covered under subdivision 2 b of this subsection will be accepted after August 1, 2016, but authorization to discharge will not be retroactive. Owners described in subdivision 2 b of this subsection that submit registration statements or combined applications after June 2, 2016, are authorized to discharge under the provisions of 9VAC25-110-60 D if a complete registration statement, or combined application, is submitted before August 2, 2016 the expiration [ date of this permit of the existing general permit but authorization to discharge will not be retroactive ].

B. Registration statement. The registration statement shall contain the following information:

1. a. Indicate if the building served by the treatment works is an individual single family dwelling. (If it is an individual single family dwelling, see the requirement to submit a combined application in 9VAC25-110-60 A 1.) If the building is not an individual single family dwelling, describe the use of the building or site served.

b. Name and street address of the building or site served by the treatment works.

2. a. Name, mailing address, email address (where available), and telephone number of the owner of the treatment works. Indicate if the owner is or will be the occupant of the dwelling or building served by the treatment works.

b. If the owner is not or will not be the occupant of the dwelling or building, provide an alternate contact name, mailing address, email address (where available), and telephone number of the dwelling or building, if available.

3. Name of the water body receiving the discharge. Outfall latitude and longitude. Indicate if the discharge point is on a stream that usually flows during dry weather.

4. The amount of discharge from the treatment works, in gallons per day, on a monthly average, and the design flow of the treatment works, in gallons per day.

5. A description of any pollutants, other than domestic sewage, to be discharged.

6. For a proposed treatment works, indicate if there are central sewage facilities available to serve the building or site.

7. If the treatment works currently has a VPDES permit, provide the permit number. Indicate if the treatment works has been built and begun discharging.

8. For the owner of any proposed treatment works or any treatment works that has not previously been issued a VPDES permit:

a. A 7.5 minute U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) topographic map or equivalent (e.g., a computer generated map) that indicates the discharge point, the location of the property to be served by the treatment works, and the location of any wells, springs, other water bodies, and any residences within 1/2 mile downstream from the discharge point;

b. A site diagram of the existing or proposed treatment works; to include the property boundaries, the location of the dwelling, building, or site served, the individual sewage treatment units, the receiving water body, and the discharge line location; and

c. A copy of the notification from the Virginia Department of Health that an onsite sewage disposal system permit has been was applied for and that the Virginia Department of Health has determined that there is no an onsite system available cannot be constructed to serve that parcel of land.

9. Operation and maintenance.

a. For the owner of a treatment works serving an individual single family dwelling, operation and maintenance requirements are specified in VDH regulations at 12VAC5-640-500 12VAC5-640;

b. For the owner of a treatment works serving a building or dwelling other than an individual single family dwelling, indicate if a valid maintenance contract has been obtained, or if an exception to the maintenance contract requirement has been requested and granted in accordance with subdivision 10 of this subsection. Provide the name of the individual or company contracted to perform the treatment works maintenance and the expiration date of the current contract, if applicable. If the treatment works has not been constructed yet, provide the name after the certificate to construct (CTC) is issued, and prior to requesting a certificate to operate (CTO) operation and maintenance must be consistent with Part I D 2 b, which requires that such owners engage a licensed operator.

10. The owner of a treatment works serving a building or dwelling other than an individual single family dwelling may request an exception to the maintenance contract requirement by submitting an operation and maintenance plan to the board for review and approval. If an operation and maintenance plan has been approved by the board previously and remains current and complete, then it does not need to be resubmitted. In such cases, the owner shall provide the date of approval of the operation and maintenance plan and identify any changes that have been made to the approved plan State Corporation Commission entity identification number for dwellings other than individual single family dwellings if the facility is required to obtain an entity identification number by law.

11. The following certification: "I hereby grant to duly authorized agents of the Department of Environmental Quality, upon presentation of credentials, permission to enter the property where the treatment works is located for the purpose of determining compliance with or the suitability of coverage under the General Permit. I certify under penalty of law that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gather and evaluate the information submitted. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system or those persons directly responsible for gathering the information, the information submitted is to the best of my knowledge and belief true, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information including the possibility of fine and imprisonment for knowing violations."

C. The registration statement or combined application shall be signed in accordance with 9VAC25-31-110 A of the VPDES Permit Regulation.

D. The registration statement may be or combined application shall be delivered to the department department's regional office serving the area where the treatment facility is located by either postal or electronic mail and shall be submitted to the DEQ regional office serving the area where the treatment works is located. Following notification from the department of the start date for the required electronic submission of Notices of Intent to discharge forms (i.e., registration statements or combined applications), as provided for in 9VAC25-31-1020, such forms submitted after that date shall be electronically submitted to the department in compliance with this section and 9VAC25-31-1020. There shall be at least three months' notice provided between the notification from the department and the date after which such forms must be submitted electronically.

9VAC25-110-80. General permit.

Any owner whose registration statement is accepted by the board, or whose permit coverage is automatically renewed, shall comply with the requirements contained herein and be subject to all requirements of 9VAC25-31-170.

General Permit No.: VAG40
Effective Date: August 2, 2016 2021
Expiration Date: August 1 July 31, 2021 2026

GENERAL PERMIT FOR DOMESTIC SEWAGE DISCHARGES OF LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO 1,000 GALLONS PER DAY

AUTHORIZATION TO DISCHARGE UNDER THE VIRGINIA POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM AND THE VIRGINIA STATE WATER CONTROL LAW

In compliance with the provisions of the Clean Water Act (33 USC § 1251 et seq.), as amended, and pursuant to the State Water Control Law and regulations adopted pursuant thereto, owners of treatment works with domestic sewage discharges of a design flow of less than or equal to 1,000 gallons per day on a monthly average are authorized to discharge to surface waters within the boundaries of the Commonwealth of Virginia, except those waters specifically named in board regulations that prohibit such discharges.

The authorized discharge shall be in accordance with the information submitted with the registration statement or combined application, this cover page, Part I-Effluent Limitations, Monitoring Requirements and Special Conditions, and Part II-Conditions Applicable to All VPDES Permits, as set forth herein.

Part I
Effluent Limitations, Monitoring Requirements and Special Conditions

A. Effluent limitations and monitoring requirements - receiving waters where the 7Q10 flows are less than 0.2 MGD.

1. During the period beginning with the permit's effective date and lasting until the permit's expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge from outfall number 001 to receiving waters where the 7Q10 flows are less than 0.2 MGD.

The discharge shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below in the following table:

EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS

DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

Instantaneous Minimum

Instantaneous Maximum

Frequency

Sample Type

Flow (MGD)(1)

NA

NL

1/year

Estimate

BOD5

NA

30 mg/l

1/year

Grab

Total Suspended Solids

NA

30 mg/l

1/year

Grab

Total Residual Chlorine(2)

After contact tank

1.0 mg/l

NA

1/year

Grab

Final effluent

NA

0.016 mg/l(6)

1/year

Grab

E. coli(3)

NA

235 126 CFU/100 ml

1/year

Grab

enterococci(4)

NA

104 35 CFU/100 ml

1/year

Grab

Fecal Coliform Bacteria(5)

NA

200 CFU/100 ml

1/year

Grab

pH (standard units)

6.0

9.0

1/year

Grab

Dissolved Oxygen

5.0 mg/l(6)

NA

1/year

Grab

NL = No Limitation, monitoring required

NA = Not Applicable

(1)The design flow of this treatment works is less than or equal to 1,000 gallons per day.

(2)Applies only when chlorine is used for disinfection and the discharge is into freshwater (see 9VAC25-260-140 C for the classes of waters and boundary designations).

(3)Applies only when methods other than chlorine are used for disinfection and the discharge is into freshwater (see 9VAC25-260-140 C for the classes of waters and boundary designations). When the treatment works is discharging, continuous disinfection shall be provided in order to maintain this effluent limit.

(4)Applies only when the discharge is into saltwater or the transition zone (see 9VAC25-260-140 C for the classes of waters and boundary designations). When the treatment works is discharging, continuous disinfection shall be provided in order to maintain this effluent limit.

(5)Applies only when the discharge is into shellfish waters (see 9VAC25-260-160 for the description of what are shellfish waters). When the treatment works is discharging, continuous disinfection shall be provided in order to maintain this effluent limit.

(6)Does not apply when the receiving stream is an ephemeral stream. "Ephemeral streams" are drainage ways, ditches, hollows, or swales that contain only (i) flowing water during or immediately following periods of rainfall or (ii) water supplied by the discharger. These waterways would normally have no active aquatic community.

2. All monitoring data required by Part I A 1 shall be maintained on site in accordance with Part II B. Monitoring results for treatment works serving buildings or dwellings other than individual single family dwellings shall be submitted to the department on a Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) no later than the 10th of September following the monitoring period. The monitoring period is September 1 through August 31. A copy of the maintenance log required by Part I D 2 b (4) (2) (e) shall also be submitted with the DMR. Monitoring results for treatment works serving individual single family dwellings are submitted to the Virginia Department of Health in accordance with 12VAC5-640.

3. The 30-day average percent removal for BOD5 and total suspended solids shall not be less than 85%.

B. Effluent limitations and monitoring requirements - receiving waters where the 7Q10 flows are equal to or greater than 0.2 MGD.

1. During the period beginning with the permit's effective date and lasting until the permit's expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge from outfall number 001 to receiving waters where the 7Q10 flows are equal to or greater than 0.2 MGD.

The discharge shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below in the following table:

EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS

DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

Instantaneous Minimum

Instantaneous Maximum

Frequency

Sample Type

Flow (MGD)(1)

NA

NL

1/year

Estimate

BOD5

NA

30 mg/l

1/year

Grab

Total Suspended Solids

NA

30 mg/l

1/year

Grab

Total Residual Chlorine(2)

After contact tank

1.0 mg/l

NA

1/year

Grab

Final effluent

NA

2.0 mg/l

1/year

Grab

E. coli(3)

NA

235 126 CFU/100 ml

1/year

Grab

enterococci(4)

NA

104 35 CFU/100 ml

1/year

Grab

Fecal Coliform Bacteria(5)

NA

200 CFU/100 ml

1/year

Grab

pH (standard units)

6.0

9.0

1/year

Grab

NL = No Limitation, monitoring required

NA = Not Applicable

(1)The design flow of this treatment works is less than or equal to 1,000 gallons per day.

(2)Applies only when chlorine is used for disinfection and the discharge is into freshwater (see 9VAC25-260-140 C for the classes of waters and boundary designations).

(3)Applies only when methods other than chlorine are used for disinfection and the discharge is into freshwater (see 9VAC25-260-140 C for the classes of waters and boundary designations). When the treatment works is discharging, continuous disinfection shall be provided in order to maintain this effluent limit.

(4)Applies only when the discharge is into saltwater or the transition zone (see 9VAC25-260-140 C for the classes of waters and boundary designations). When the treatment works is discharging, continuous disinfection shall be provided in order to maintain this effluent limit.

(5)Applies only when the discharge is into shellfish waters (see 9VAC25-260-160 for the description of what are shellfish waters). When the treatment works is discharging, continuous disinfection shall be provided in order to maintain this effluent limit.

2. All monitoring data required by Part I B 1 shall be maintained on site in accordance with Part II B. Monitoring results for treatment works serving buildings or dwellings other than individual single family dwellings shall be submitted to the department on a Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) no later than the 10th of September following the monitoring period. The monitoring period is September 1 through August 31. A copy of the maintenance log required by Part I D 2 b (4) (2) (e) shall also be submitted with the DMR. Monitoring results for treatment works serving individual single family dwellings are submitted to the Virginia Department of Health in accordance with 12VAC5-640.

3. The 30-day average percent removal for BOD5 and total suspended solids shall not be less than 85%.

C. Effluent limitations and monitoring requirements - discharges to receiving waters subject to the Policy for the Potomac River Embayments (9VAC25-415).

1. During the period beginning with the permit's effective date and lasting until the permit's expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge from outfall number 001 to receiving waters subject to the Policy for the Potomac River Embayments (9VAC25-415).

The discharge Discharges subject to the requirements in 9VAC25-415-40(1) shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below in the following table:

EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS

DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

Instantaneous Minimum

Instantaneous Maximum

Frequency

Sample Type

Flow (MGD)(1) (2)

NA

NL

1/3 months

Estimate

pH (standard units)

6.0

9.0

1/3 months

Grab

cBOD5

NA

5 mg/l

1/3 months

Grab

Total Suspended Solids

NA

6.0 mg/l

1/3 months

Grab

Ammonia as N

(Apr 1 - Oct 31)

NA

1.0 mg/l

1/3 months

Grab

Ammonia as N

(Nov 1 - Mar 31)

NA

3.1 mg/l

1/3 months

Grab

Dissolved Oxygen

6.0 mg/l

NA

1/3 months

Grab

E. coli(3) (4)

NA

235 126 CFU/100 ml

1/3 months

Grab

enterococci(4) (5)

NA

104 35 CFU/100 ml

1/3 months

Grab

Total Phosphorus

NA

0.18 mg/l

1/3 months

Grab

Total Residual Chlorine(2) (3)

After contact tank

1.0 mg/l

NA

1/3 months

Grab

Final effluent

NA

0.016 mg/l

1/3 months

Grab

NL = No Limitation, monitoring required

NA = Not Applicable

(1)Note conditional exemptions in 9VAC25-415-30.

(1) (2)The design flow of this treatment works is less than or equal to 1,000 gallons per day.

(2) (3)Applies only when chlorine is used for disinfection and the discharge is into freshwater (see 9VAC25-260-140 C for the classes of waters and boundary designations).

(3) (4)Applies only when methods other than chlorine are used for disinfection and the discharge is into freshwater (see 9VAC25-260-140 C for the classes of waters and boundary designations). When the treatment works is discharging, continuous disinfection shall be provided in order to maintain this effluent limit.

(4) (5)Applies only when the discharge is into saltwater or the transition zone (see 9VAC25-260-140 C for the classes of waters and boundary designations). When the treatment works is discharging, continuous disinfection shall be provided in order to maintain this effluent limit.

2. All monitoring data required by Part I C 1 shall be maintained on site in accordance with Part II B. Monitoring results shall be submitted to the department on a Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) no later than the 10th day of the month following the monitoring period. The quarterly monitoring periods shall be January through March, April through June, July through September, and October through December. A copy of the maintenance log required by Part I D 2 b (4) (2) (e) shall also be submitted with the DMR. Monitoring results for treatment works serving individual single family dwellings shall also be submitted to the Virginia Department of Health in accordance with 12VAC5-640.

3. The 30-day average percent removal for BOD5 and total suspended solids shall not be less than 85%.

D. Special conditions.

1. There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts.

2. Operation and maintenance.

a. Treatment works serving individual single family dwellings. Operation and maintenance requirements for treatment works serving individual single family dwellings are specified in the Virginia Department of Health regulations at 12VAC5-640-500 12VAC5-640.

b. Treatment works serving buildings or dwellings other than individual single family dwellings.

(1) For existing treatment works, the permittee shall keep a maintenance contract in force during the permit term, unless an exception to the maintenance contract requirement has been requested and granted in accordance with Part I D 3. A copy of the maintenance contract, if applicable, shall be kept at the site of the treatment works and made available to DEQ for examination upon request To ensure the treatment works is operated, maintained, monitored, and reported properly, the permittee shall engage a licensed operator as defined in subdivision D 3 of this section.

(2) For proposed treatment works, the permittee shall submit a certification that the permittee has a valid maintenance contract to DEQ prior to operation of the treatment works, unless an exception to the maintenance contract requirement has been requested and granted in accordance with Part I D 3. A maintenance contract shall be kept in force during the permit term. A copy of the maintenance contract shall be kept at the site of the treatment works, and shall be made available to DEQ for examination upon request. The permittee shall:

(a) Have the system operated and maintained by a licensed operator, including the responsibilities specified in Part I D 2 b (3);

(b) Have a licensed operator visit the system at least semiannually;

(c) Have a licensed operator collect, analyze, and submit to the department any samples required under Part I A, Part I B, or Part I C, as appropriate, of this general permit;

(d) Provide prompt maintenance and repair of the treatment works once notified by the operator that repair or maintenance is necessary. The owner is responsible for all costs associated with the maintenance or repair. Immediately upon receipt of notice that repair or maintenance is required, the owner shall begin emergency pump and haul of all sewage generated from the building or dwelling or otherwise ensure that no discharge occurs if full and complete repairs cannot be accomplished within 48 hours;

(e) Maintain a copy of the log provided by the operator on the property where the system is located in electronic or hard copy form, make the log available to the department upon request, and make a reasonable effort to transfer the log to any future owner;

(f) Follow the treatment works operation and maintenance (O&M) manual (where available) and keep a copy of the O&M manual in electronic or hard copy form on the property where the system is located, make the O&M manual available to the department upon request, and make a reasonable effort to transfer the O&M manual to any future owner;

(3) At a minimum, the maintenance contract shall provide for the following The licensed operator has the following responsibilities:

(a) Performance of Perform all testing monitoring required in accordance with either Part I A, Part I B, or Part I C, as appropriate, and periodic (at least annual) semiannually) inspections of the treatment works. Note: Discharges from the treatment works should to the maximum extent feasible be sampled during normal discharging operations or normal discharging conditions (i.e., operations that are normal for that treatment works). The owner or maintenance provider should not force a discharge in order to collect a sample;

(b) During visits required by this subsection, fulfill the operator responsibilities specified in this subsection through observing the system and through laboratory or field tests required by this permit or that the operator deems appropriate. In performing a required visit, the operator is responsible for the entire system and, where applicable, shall follow the O&M manual;

(b) A (c) Provide a written or electronic notification to the owner within 24 hours whenever the contract provider operator becomes aware that maintenance or repair of the owner's treatment works is necessary. The owner is responsible for prompt maintenance and repair of the treatment works including all costs associated with the maintenance or repair. Immediately upon receipt of notice that repair or maintenance is required, the owner shall begin emergency pump and haul of all sewage generated from the building or dwelling or otherwise ensure that no discharge occurs if full and complete repairs cannot be accomplished within 48 hours;

(c) A log of the following items shall be maintained at the treatment works by the contract provider: (d) Report monitoring results to DEQ as required in Part I A 2, Part I B 2, and Part I C 2, as applicable, as well as Part II C, and maintain at the treatment works and provide to the permittee a log of the following items:

(i) Results of all tests and sampling. Note: If sampling is attempted, but no sample was taken or possible, the log shall show all sampling attempts and document and explain why no sample was taken or possible;

(ii) Alarm activation incidents, including the date and time of equipment failure and return to service;

(iii) Maintenance, corrective, including the date and amount of disinfection chemicals added to the chlorinator, the date and amount of dechlorination chemicals added if applicable, the date and approximate volume of sludge removed, and date receipts for chemicals and equipment purchased and maintenance performed;

(iv) Corrective or repair activities performed;

(iv) (v) Recommended repair or replacement items; and

(v) (vi) Copies of all reports prepared by the contract provider operator; and

(d) An (vii) Sludge or solids removal; and

(e) Conduct an inspection shall be conducted by the contract provider within 48 hours after notification by the owner that a problem may be occurring.

(4) The permittee shall keep a log of all maintenance performed on the treatment works including, but not limited to, the following:

(a) The date and amount of disinfection chemicals added to the chlorinator.

(b) If dechlorination is used, the date and amount of any dechlorination chemicals that are added.

(c) The date and time of equipment failure and the date and time the equipment was restored to service.

(d) The date and approximate volume of sludge removed.

(e) Dated receipts for chemicals purchased, equipment purchased, and maintenance performed.

3. Operation and maintenance plan. The owner of any treatment works serving a building or dwelling other than an individual single family dwelling may request an exception to the maintenance contract requirement by submitting an operation and maintenance plan to the board for review and approval. At a minimum, the operation and maintenance plan shall contain the following information:

a. An up-to-date operation and maintenance manual for the treatment works;

b. A log of all maintenance performed on the treatment works including, but not limited to, the following:

(1) The date and amount of disinfection chemicals added to the chlorinator (if applicable).

(2) If dechlorination is used, the date and amount of any dechlorination chemicals that are added.

(3) The date and time of equipment failure and the date and time the equipment was restored to service.

(4) The date and approximate volume of sludge removed.

(5) Results of all tests and sampling. Note: If sampling is attempted, but no sample was taken or possible, the log shall show all sampling attempts and document and explain why no sample was taken or possible;

c. Dated receipts for chemicals purchased, equipment purchased, and maintenance performed; and

d. An effluent monitoring plan to conform with the requirements of Part I A, Part I B, or Part I C, as appropriate, including all sample collection, preservation, and analysis procedures. Note: Discharges from the treatment works should be sampled during normal discharging operations or normal discharging conditions (i.e., operations that are normal for that treatment works). The owner or maintenance provider should not force a discharge in order to collect a sample.

Should the permittee fail to implement the approved operation and maintenance plan, or if there are violations of effluent limitations, the board reserves the right to require the permittee to obtain a maintenance contract.

3. All individuals who perform maintenance on discharging systems pursuant to this general permit are required to hold a valid Class IV or higher wastewater works operator license or an alternative onsite sewage system operator license issued by the Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals. For purposes of this general permit, this requirement is satisfied where an individual is directly supervised by and under the direction of a licensed operator who remains responsible for such maintenance.

4. Compliance recordkeeping under Part I A, Part I B, and Part I C.

a. The quantification levels (QL) shall be less than or equal to the following concentrations:

Effluent Parameter

Quantification Level

BOD5

2 mg/l

cBOD5

2 mg/l

Ammonia as N

0.20 mg/l

Total Phosphorus

0.10 mg/l

TSS

1.0 mg/l

Chlorine

0.10 mg/l

The QL is defined as the lowest concentration used to calibrate a measurement system in accordance with the procedures published for the test method.

b. Recording results. Any concentration data below the QL used in the analysis shall be recorded as "<QL" if it is less than the QL in subdivision 4 a of this subsection. Otherwise the numerical value shall be recorded.

c. Monitoring results shall be recorded using the same number of significant digits as listed in the permit. Regardless of the rounding convention used by the permittee (e.g., 5 always rounding up or to the nearest even number), the permittee shall use the convention consistently, and shall ensure that consulting laboratories employed by the permittee use the same convention.

5. The discharges authorized by this permit shall be controlled as necessary to meet water quality standards.

Part II
Conditions Applicable to All VPDES Permits

A. Monitoring.

1. Samples and measurements taken as required by this permit shall be representative of the monitored activity.

2. Monitoring shall be conducted according to procedures approved under 40 CFR Part 136 or alternative methods approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, unless other procedures have been specified in this permit.

3. The permittee shall periodically calibrate and perform maintenance procedures on all monitoring and analytical instrumentation at intervals that will ensure accuracy of measurements.

4. Samples taken as required by this permit shall be analyzed in accordance with 1VAC30-45 (Certification for Noncommercial Environmental Laboratories) or 1VAC30-46 (Accreditation for Commercial Environmental Laboratories).

B. Records.

1. Records of monitoring information shall include:

a. The date, exact place, and time of sampling or measurements;

b. The individual(s) individuals who performed the sampling or measurements;

c. The date(s) dates and time(s) times analyses were performed;

d. The individual(s) individuals who performed the analyses;

e. The analytical techniques or methods used; and

f. The results of such analyses.

2. Except for records of monitoring information required by this permit related to the permittee's sewage sludge use and disposal activities, which shall be retained for a period of at least five years, the permittee shall retain records of all monitoring information, including all calibration and maintenance records and all original strip chart recordings for continuous monitoring instrumentation, copies of all reports required by this permit, and records of all data used to complete the registration statement for this permit, for a period of at least three years from the date of the sample, measurement, report, or request for coverage. This period of retention shall be extended automatically during the course of any unresolved litigation regarding the regulated activity or regarding control standards applicable to the permittee, or as requested by the board.

C. Reporting monitoring results. Monitoring results under this permit are not required to be submitted to the department must be submitted consistent with the requirements in Part I A 2, Part I B 2, and Part I C 2, as applicable. However, should the board request that the permittee submit monitoring results, the following subsections would apply.

1. The permittee shall submit the results of the monitoring required by this permit not later than the 10th day of the month after monitoring takes place, unless another reporting schedule is specified elsewhere in this permit. Monitoring results shall be submitted to the department's regional office.

2. 1. Monitoring results submitted to the department shall be reported on a Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) or on forms provided, approved or specified by the department. Following notification from the department of the start date for the required electronic submission of monitoring reports, as provided for in 9VAC25-31-1020, such forms and reports submitted after that date shall be electronically submitted to the department in compliance with this section and 9VAC25-31-1020. There shall be at least three months' notice provided between the notification from the department and the date after which such forms and reports must be submitted electronically.

3. 2. If the permittee monitors any pollutant specifically addressed by this permit more frequently than required by this permit using test procedures approved under 40 CFR Part 136 or using other test procedures approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or using procedures specified in this permit, the results of this monitoring shall be included in the calculation and reporting of the data submitted on the DMR or reporting form specified by the department.

4. 3. Calculations for all limitations that require averaging of measurements shall utilize an arithmetic mean unless otherwise specified in this permit.

D. Duty to provide information. The permittee shall furnish to the department, within a reasonable time, any information that the board may request to determine whether cause exists for modifying, revoking and reissuing, or terminating coverage under this permit or to determine compliance with this permit. The board may require the permittee to furnish, upon request, such plans, specifications, and other pertinent information as may be necessary to determine the effect of the wastes from the discharge on the quality of state waters, or such other information as may be necessary to accomplish the purposes of the State Water Control Law. The permittee shall also furnish to the department, upon request, copies of records required to be kept by this permit.

E. Compliance schedule reports. Reports of compliance or noncompliance with, or any progress reports on, interim and final requirements contained in any compliance schedule of this permit shall be submitted no later than 14 days following each schedule date.

F. Unauthorized discharges. Except in compliance with this permit, or another permit issued by the board, it shall be unlawful for any person to:

1. Discharge into state waters sewage, industrial wastes, other wastes, or any noxious or deleterious substances; or

2. Otherwise alter the physical, chemical or biological properties of such state waters and make them detrimental to the public health, to animal or aquatic life, to the use of such waters for domestic or industrial consumption, for recreation, or for other uses.

G. Reports of unauthorized discharges. Any permittee who that discharges or causes or allows a discharge of sewage, industrial waste, other wastes or any noxious or deleterious substance into or upon state waters in violation of Part II F, or who that discharges or causes or allows a discharge that may reasonably be expected to enter state waters in violation of Part II F, shall notify the department of the discharge immediately upon discovery of the discharge, but in no case later than 24 hours after said discovery. A written report of the unauthorized discharge shall be submitted to the department within five days of discovery of the discharge. The written report shall contain:

1. A description of the nature and location of the discharge;

2. The cause of the discharge;

3. The date on which the discharge occurred;

4. The length of time that the discharge continued;

5. The volume of the discharge;

6. If the discharge is continuing, how long it is expected to continue;

7. If the discharge is continuing, what the expected total volume of the discharge will be; and

8. Any steps planned or taken to reduce, eliminate, and prevent a recurrence of the present discharge or any future discharges not authorized by this permit.

Discharges reportable to the department under the immediate reporting requirements of other regulations are exempted from this requirement.

H. Reports of unusual or extraordinary discharges. If any unusual or extraordinary discharge including a bypass or upset should occur from a treatment works and the discharge enters or could be expected to enter state waters, the permittee shall promptly notify, in no case later than 24 hours, the department by telephone after the discovery of the discharge. This notification shall provide all available details of the incident, including any adverse effects on aquatic life and the known number of fish killed. The permittee shall reduce the report to writing and shall submit it to the department within five days of discovery of the discharge in accordance with Part II I 2. Unusual and extraordinary discharges include, but are not limited to, any discharge resulting from:

1. Unusual spillage of materials resulting directly or indirectly from processing operations;

2. Breakdown of processing or accessory equipment;

3. Failure or taking out of service some or all of the treatment works; and

4. Flooding or other acts of nature.

I. Reports of noncompliance.

1. The permittee shall report any noncompliance that may adversely affect state waters or may endanger public health.

1. a. An oral report shall be provided within 24 hours from the time the permittee becomes aware of the circumstances. The following shall be included as information that shall be reported within 24 hours under this [ paragraph subdivision ]:

a. (1) Any unanticipated bypass; and

b. (2) Any upset that causes a discharge to surface waters.

2. b. A written report shall be submitted within five days and shall contain:

a. (1) A description of the noncompliance and its cause;

b. (2) The period of noncompliance, including exact dates and times, and if the noncompliance has not been corrected, the anticipated time it is expected to continue; and

c. (3) Steps taken or planned to reduce, eliminate, and prevent reoccurrence of the noncompliance.

The board may waive the written report on a case-by-case basis for reports of noncompliance under Part II I if the oral report has been received within 24 hours and no adverse impact on state waters has been reported.

3. 2. The permittee shall report all instances of noncompliance not reported under Part II I 1 [ or 2 ], in writing, at the time the next monitoring reports are submitted. The reports shall contain the information listed in Part II I [ 2 1 ].

3. [ The immediate (within 24 hours) reports required in Part II G, H, and I may be made to the department's regional office. Reports may be made by telephone, FAX, or online at http://www.deq.virginia.gov/Programs/PollutionResponsePreparedness/MakingaReport.aspx. For reports outside normal working hours, a message may be left and this shall fulfill the immediate reporting requirement. For emergencies, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management maintains a 24-hour telephone service at 1-800-468-8892.

4. ] Where the permittee becomes aware that it failed to submit any relevant facts in a permit registration statement or submitted incorrect information in a permit registration statement or in any report to the department, it shall promptly submit such facts or information.

[ NOTE: The immediate (within 24 hours) reports required in Parts II G, H and I may be made to the department's regional office. Reports may be made by telephone, FAX, or online at http://www.deq.virginia.gov/Programs/PollutionResponsePreparedness/MakingaReport.aspx. For reports outside normal working hours, a message may be left and this shall fulfill the immediate reporting requirement. For emergencies, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management maintains a 24-hour telephone service at 1-800-468-8892. ]

J. Notice of planned changes

1. The permittee shall give notice to the department as soon as possible of any planned physical alterations or additions to the permitted facility. Notice is required only when:

a. The permittee plans alteration or addition to any building, structure, facility, or installation from which there is or may be a discharge of pollutants, the construction of which commenced:

(1) After promulgation of standards of performance under § 306 of the Clean Water Act (33 USC § 1251 et seq.) that are applicable to such source; or

(2) After proposal of standards of performance in accordance with § 306 of the Clean Water Act that are applicable to such source, but only if the standards are promulgated in accordance with § 306 within 120 days of their proposal;

b. The alteration or addition could significantly change the nature or increase the quantity of pollutants discharged. This notification applies to pollutants that are subject neither to effluent limitations nor to notification requirements specified elsewhere in this permit; or

c. The alteration or addition results in a significant change in the permittee's sludge use or disposal practices, and such alteration, addition, or change may justify the application of permit conditions that are different from or absent in the existing permit, including notification of additional use or of disposal sites not reported during the permit application process or not reported pursuant to an approved land application plan.

2. The permittee shall give advance notice to the department of any planned changes in the permitted facility or activity that may result in noncompliance with permit requirements.

K. Signatory requirements.

1. Registration statement. All registration statements shall be signed as follows:

a. For a corporation: by a responsible corporate officer. For the purpose of this section, a responsible corporate officer means: (i) a president, secretary, treasurer, or vice-president of the corporation in charge of a principal business function, or any other person who performs similar policy-making or decision-making functions for the corporation,; or (ii) the manager of one or more manufacturing, production, or operating facilities, provided the manager is authorized to make management decisions which govern the operation of the regulated facility including having the explicit or implicit duty of making major capital investment recommendations, and initiating and directing other comprehensive measures to assure long term environmental compliance with environmental laws and regulations; the manager can ensure that the necessary systems are established or other actions taken to gather complete and accurate information for permit registration requirements; and where authority to sign documents has been assigned or delegated to the manager in accordance with corporate procedures;

b. For a partnership or sole proprietorship: by a general partner or the proprietor, respectively; or

c. For a municipality, state, federal, or other public agency: by either a principal executive officer or ranking elected official. For purposes of this section, a principal executive officer of a public agency includes: (i) the chief executive officer of the agency or (ii) a senior executive officer having responsibility for the overall operations of a principal geographic unit of the agency.

2. Reports, etc. All reports required by permits and other information requested by the board shall be signed by a person described in Part II K 1 or by a duly authorized representative of that person. A person is a duly authorized representative only if:

a. The authorization is made in writing by a person described in Part II K 1;

b. The authorization specifies either an individual or a position having responsibility for the overall operation of the regulated facility or activity such as the position of plant manager, operator of a well or a well field, superintendent, position of equivalent responsibility, or an individual or position having overall responsibility for environmental matters for the company. A duly authorized representative may thus be either a named individual or any individual occupying a named position; and

c. The written authorization is submitted to the department.

3. Changes to authorization. If an authorization under Part II K 2 is no longer accurate because a different individual or position has responsibility for the overall operation of the facility, a new authorization satisfying the requirements of Part II K 2 shall be submitted to the department prior to or together with any reports or information to be signed by an authorized representative.

4. Certification. Any person signing a document under Part II K 1 or 2 shall make the following certification:

"I certify under penalty of law that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gather and evaluate the information submitted. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system, or those persons directly responsible for gathering the information, the information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possibility of fine and imprisonment for knowing violations."

L. Duty to comply. The permittee shall comply with all conditions of this permit. Any permit noncompliance constitutes a violation of the State Water Control Law and the Clean Water Act, except that noncompliance with certain provisions of this permit may constitute a violation of the State Water Control Law but not the Clean Water Act. Permit noncompliance is grounds for enforcement action; or for permit coverage termination, revocation and reissuance, or modification; or for denial of a permit coverage renewal application.

The permittee shall comply with effluent standards or prohibitions established under § 307(a) of the Clean Water Act for toxic pollutants and with standards for sewage sludge use or disposal established under § 405(d) of the Clean Water Act within the time provided in the regulations that establish these standards or prohibitions or standards for sewage sludge use or disposal, even if this permit has not yet been modified to incorporate the requirement.

M. Duty to reapply.

1. If the permittee wishes to continue an activity regulated by this permit after the expiration date of this permit, and the permittee does not qualify for automatic permit coverage renewal, the permittee shall submit a new registration statement, or for an individual single family dwelling a combined application, at least 60 days before the expiration date of the existing permit, unless permission for a later date has been granted by the board. The board shall not grant permission for registration statements or combined applications to be submitted later than the expiration date of the existing permit.

2. A permittee qualifies for automatic permit coverage renewal and is not required to submit a registration statement, or for an individual single family dwelling a combined application, if:

a. The ownership of the treatment works has not changed since this general permit went into effect on August 2, [ 2016 2021, ] or, if the ownership has changed, (i) a new registration statement or for an individual single family dwelling a combined application or (ii) a VPDES Change of Ownership form was submitted to the department by the new owner at the time of the title transfer;

b. There has been no change in the design or operation, or both, of the treatment works since this general permit went into effect on August 2, [ 2016 2021 ];

c. For treatment works serving individual single family dwellings, the Virginia Department of Health does not object to the automatic permit coverage renewal for this treatment works based on system performance issues, enforcement issues, or other issues sufficient to the board. If the Virginia Department of Health objects to the automatic renewal for this treatment works, the permittee will be notified by the board in writing; and

d. For treatment works serving buildings or dwellings other than single family dwellings, the board has no objection to the automatic permit coverage renewal for this treatment works based on system performance issues, enforcement issues, or other issues sufficient to the board. If the board objects to the automatic renewal for this treatment works, the permittee will be notified by the board in writing.

3. Any permittee that does not qualify for automatic permit coverage renewal shall submit a new registration statement, or for an individual single family dwelling a combined application, in accordance with Part II M 1.

N. Effect of a permit. This permit does not convey any property rights in either real or personal property or any exclusive privileges, nor does it authorize any injury to private property or invasion of personal rights, or any infringement of federal, state, or local law or regulations.

O. State law. Nothing in this permit shall be construed to preclude the institution of any legal action under, or relieve the permittee from any responsibilities, liabilities, or penalties established pursuant to, any other state law or regulation or under authority preserved by § 510 of the Clean Water Act. Except as provided in permit conditions on "bypassing" (Part II U) and "upset" (Part II V) nothing in this permit shall be construed to relieve the permittee from civil and criminal penalties for noncompliance.

P. Oil and hazardous substance liability. Nothing in this permit shall be construed to preclude the institution of any legal action or relieve the permittee from any responsibilities, liabilities, or penalties to which the permittee is or may be subject under §§ 62.1-44.34:14 through 62.1-44.34:23 of the State Water Control Law.

Q. Proper operation and maintenance. The permittee shall at all times properly operate and maintain all facilities and systems of treatment and control (and related appurtenances) that are installed or used by the permittee to achieve compliance with the conditions of this permit. Proper operation and maintenance also include effective plant performance, adequate funding, adequate staffing, and adequate laboratory and process controls, including appropriate quality assurance procedures. This provision requires the operation of back-up or auxiliary facilities or similar systems that are installed by the permittee only when the operation is necessary to achieve compliance with the conditions of this permit.

R. Disposal of solids or sludges. Solids, sludges, or other pollutants removed in the course of treatment or management of pollutants shall be disposed of in a manner so as to prevent any pollutant from such materials from entering state waters.

S. Duty to mitigate. The permittee shall take all reasonable steps to minimize or prevent any discharge or sludge use or disposal in violation of this permit that has a reasonable likelihood of adversely affecting human health or the environment.

T. Need to halt or reduce activity not a defense. It shall not be a defense for a permittee in an enforcement action that it would have been necessary to halt or reduce the permitted activity in order to maintain compliance with the conditions of this permit.

U. Bypass.

1. "Bypass" means the intentional diversion of waste streams from any portion of a treatment facility. The permittee may allow any bypass to occur that does not cause effluent limitations to be exceeded, but only if it also is for essential maintenance to ensure efficient operation. These bypasses are not subject to the provisions of Parts Part II U 2 and 3.

2. Notice.

a. Anticipated bypass. If the permittee knows in advance of the need for a bypass, prior notice shall be submitted, if possible, at least 10 days before the date of the bypass.

b. Unanticipated bypass. The permittee shall submit notice of an unanticipated bypass as required in Part II I.

3. Prohibition of bypass.

a. Bypass is prohibited, and the board may take enforcement action against a permittee for bypass, unless:

(1) Bypass was unavoidable to prevent loss of life, personal injury, or severe property damage;

(2) There were no feasible alternatives to the bypass, such as the use of auxiliary treatment facilities, retention of untreated wastes, or maintenance during normal periods of equipment downtime. This condition is not satisfied if adequate back-up equipment should have been installed in the exercise of reasonable engineering judgment to prevent a bypass that occurred during normal periods of equipment downtime or preventive maintenance; and

(3) The permittee submitted notices as required under Part II U 2.

b. The board may approve an anticipated bypass after considering its adverse effects if the board determines that it will meet the three conditions listed in Part II U 3 a.

V. Upset.

1. An upset, defined in 9VAC25-31-10, constitutes an affirmative defense to an action brought for noncompliance with technology-based permit effluent limitations if the requirements of Part II V 2 are met. A determination made during administrative review of claims that noncompliance was caused by upset, and before an action for noncompliance, is not a final administrative action subject to judicial review.

2. A permittee who wishes to establish the affirmative defense of upset shall demonstrate through properly signed, contemporaneous operating logs, or other relevant evidence that:

a. An upset occurred and that the permittee can identify the cause(s) cause of the upset;

b. The permitted facility was at the time being properly operated;

c. The permittee submitted notice of the upset as required in Part II I; and

d. The permittee complied with any remedial measures required under Part II S.

3. In any enforcement proceeding the permittee seeking to establish the occurrence of an upset has the burden of proof.

W. Inspection and entry. The permittee shall allow the director, or an authorized representative (including an authorized contractor acting as a representative of the administrator), upon presentation of credentials and other documents as may be required by law, to:

1. Enter upon the permittee's premises where a regulated facility or activity is located or conducted, or where records must be kept under the conditions of this permit;

2. Have access to and copy, at reasonable times, any records that must be kept under the conditions of this permit;

3. Inspect at reasonable times any facilities, equipment (including monitoring and control equipment), practices, or operations regulated or required under this permit; and

4. Sample or monitor at reasonable times, for the purposes of assuring permit compliance or as otherwise authorized by the Clean Water Act and the State Water Control Law, any substances or parameters at any location.

For purposes of this section, the time for inspection shall be deemed reasonable during regular business hours, and whenever the facility is discharging. Nothing contained herein shall make an inspection unreasonable during an emergency.

X. Permit actions. Permits may be modified, revoked and reissued, or terminated for cause. The filing of a request by the permittee for a permit modification, revocation and reissuance, termination, or notification of planned changes or anticipated noncompliance does not stay any permit condition.

Y. Transfer of permits permit coverage. Permits are Permit coverage is not transferable to any person except after notice to the department. Coverage under this permit may be automatically transferred to a new permittee if:

1. The current permittee notifies the department within 30 days of the transfer of the title to the facility or property, unless permission for a later date has been granted by the board;

2. The notice includes a written agreement between the existing and new permittees containing a specific date for transfer of permit responsibility, coverage, and liability between them; and

3. The board does not notify the existing permittee and the proposed new permittee of its intent to deny the new permittee coverage under the permit. If this notice is not received, the transfer is effective on the date specified in the agreement mentioned in Part II Y 2.

Z. Severability. The provisions of this permit are severable, and if any provision of this permit or the application of any provision of this permit to any circumstance is held invalid, the application of such provision to other circumstances, and the remainder of this permit, shall not be affected thereby.

VA.R. Doc. No. R19-5864; Filed January 12, 2021
TITLE 9. ENVIRONMENT
STATE WATER CONTROL BOARD
Final Regulation

REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The State Water Control Board is claiming an exemption from the Administrative Process Act in accordance with § 2.2-4006 A 8 of the Code of Virginia, which exempts general permits issued by the State Water Control Board pursuant to the State Water Control Law (§ 62.1-44.2 et seq.) and Chapters 24 (§ 62.1-242 et seq.) and 25 (§ 62.1-254 et seq.) of Title 62.1 of the Code of Virginia if the board (i) provides a Notice of Intended Regulatory Action in conformance with the provisions of § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia; (ii) following the passage of 30 days from the publication of the Notice of Intended Regulatory Action, forms a technical advisory committee composed of relevant stakeholders, including potentially affected citizens groups, to assist in the development of the general permit; (iii) provides notice and receives oral and written comment as provided in § 2.2-4007.03 of the Code of Virginia; and (iv) conducts at least one public hearing on the proposed general permit. The State Water Control Board will receive, consider, and respond to petitions by any interested person at any time with respect to reconsideration or revision.

Title of Regulation: 9VAC25-115. General Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) Permit for Seafood Processing Facilities (amending 9VAC25-115-10, 9VAC25-115-15, 9VAC25-115-20, 9VAC25-115-30, 9VAC25-115-40, 9VAC25-115-50, 9VAC25-115-9999).

Statutory Authority: § 62.1-44.15 of the Code of Virginia; § 402 of the Clean Water Act; 40 CFR Parts 122, 123, and 124.

Effective Date: July 24, 2021.

Agency Contact: Elleanore M. Daub, State Water Control Board, 1111 East Main Street, Suite 1400, P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 698-4111, FAX (804) 698-4178, or email elleanore.daub@deq.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The amendments (i) update the industrial stormwater requirements to be consistent with other industries subject to stormwater permitting and to be consistent with other VPDES general permits, including adding quarterly visual monitoring and annual inspections for nonstormwater discharges; (ii) exclude aquaculture from the requirements of the permit; and (iii) update definitions, including the definition of "seafood processing" to exclude shellfish aquaculture and to include NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) codes. The general permit is being amended in order to reissue it.

Chapter 115

GENERAL VIRGINIA POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (VPDES) GENERAL PERMIT REGULATION FOR SEAFOOD PROCESSING FACILITIES

9VAC25-115-10. Definitions.

The words and terms used in this chapter shall have the meanings defined in the State Water Control Law, Chapter 3.1 (§ 62.1-44.2 et seq.) of Title 62.1 of the Code of Virginia and the Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) Permit Regulation (9VAC25-31) unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Additionally, for the purposes of this chapter:

"Best management practices" or "BMPs" means schedules of activities, practices, prohibitions of practices, structures, vegetation, maintenance procedures, and other management practices, including both structural and nonstructural practices, to prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants to surface waters.

"Control measure" means any best management practice or other method, including effluent limitations, used to prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants to surface waters.

"Corrective action" means any action to (i) repair, modify, or replace any stormwater control used at the facility; (ii) clean up and properly dispose of spills, releases, or other deposits at the facility; or (iii) return to compliance with permit requirements.

"Industrial activity" means the facilities classified under NAICS 311710 and SIC Code 2091 or 2092.

"Minimize" means reduce or eliminate to the extent achievable using control measures, including best management practices, that are technologically available and economically practicable and achievable in light of best industry practice.

"NAICS" means North American Industry Classification System from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, 2017 edition.

"No exposure" means all industrial materials or activities are protected by a storm-resistant shelter to prevent exposure to rain, snow, snowmelt, or runoff.

"Seafood" includes crabs, oysters, hand-shucked clams, scallops, squid, eels, turtles, fish, conchs, and crayfish.

"Seafood processing facility" means any facility classified under SIC Code 2091, 2092, 5142, or 5146, which that processes or handles seafood intended for human consumption or as bait, except a mechanized clam facility. Seafood includes but is not limited to crabs, oysters, hand-shucked clams, scallops, squid, eels, turtles, fish, conchs and crayfish., where the primary purpose is classified under the following NAICS and SIC codes:

1. NAICS Code 311710 – Seafood Product Preparation and Packaging and SIC Code 2091 – Canned and Cured Fish and Seafoods, 2092 – Prepared Fresh or Frozen Fish and Seafoods;

2. NAICS Code 424420 – Packaged Frozen Food Merchant Wholesalers and SIC Code 5142 – Packaged Frozen Foods; and

3. NAICS Code 424460 – Fish and Seafood Merchant Wholesalers and SIC Code 5146 – Fish and Seafoods.

This definition does not include aquaculture facilities (including hatcheries) classified under SIC Code 0272 or 0921 and NAICS Code 112512.

"SIC" means the Standard Industrial Classification Code or Industrial Grouping from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget Standard Industrial Classification Manual, 1987 edition.

"Significant materials" includes, but is not limited to, raw materials; fuels; materials such as solvents, detergents, and plastic pellets; finished materials such as metallic products; raw materials used in food processing or production (except oyster, clam or scallop shells); hazardous substances designated under § 101(14) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) (42 USC § 9601); any chemical the facility is required to report pursuant to § 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) (42 USC § 11023); fertilizers; pesticides; and waste products such as ashes, slag, and sludge that have the potential to be released with stormwater discharges.

"Stormwater discharge associated with industrial activity" means the discharge from any conveyance that is used for collecting and conveying stormwater and that is directly related to manufacturing, processing, or raw materials storage areas at an industrial plant. The term does not include discharges from facilities or activities excluded from the VPDES program under 9VAC25-31. For the categories of industries identified in the "industrial activity" definition, the term includes, but is not limited to, stormwater discharges from industrial plant yards; immediate access roads and rail lines used or traveled by carriers of raw materials, manufactured products, waste material, or byproducts (except for oyster, clam or scallop shells) used or created by the facility; material handling sites; refuse sites; sites used for the application or disposal of process wastewaters; sites used for the storage and maintenance of material handling equipment; sites used for residual treatment, storage, or disposal; shipping and receiving areas; manufacturing buildings; storage area (including tank farms) for raw materials and intermediate and finished final products; and areas where industrial activity has taken place in the past and significant materials remain and are exposed to stormwater. For the purposes of this paragraph definition, material handling activities include the storage, loading and unloading, transportation, or conveyance of any raw material, intermediate product, finished final product, byproduct, or waste product (except for oyster, clam or scallop shells). The term excludes areas located on plant lands separate from the plant's industrial activities, such as office buildings and accompanying parking lots, as long as the drainage from the excluded areas is not mixed with stormwater drained from the above described areas. Industrial facilities, including industrial facilities that are federally, state, or municipally owned or operated that meet the description of the facilities listed in the "industrial activity" definition, include those facilities designated under the provisions of 9VAC25-31-120 A 1 c or A 7 a (1) or (2) of the VPDES Permit Regulation.

"Total maximum daily load" or "TMDL" means a calculation of the maximum amount of a pollutant that a waterbody can receive and still meet water quality standards, and an allocation of that amount to the pollutant's sources. A TMDL includes wasteload allocations (WLAs) for point source discharges, and load allocations (LAs) for nonpoint sources or natural background, or both, and must include a margin of safety (MOS) and account for seasonal variations.

"Virginia Environmental Excellence Program" or "VEEP" means a voluntary program established by the department to provide public recognition and regulatory incentives to encourage higher levels of environmental performance for program participants that develop and implement environmental management systems (EMSs). The program is based on the use of EMSs that improve compliance, prevent pollution, and utilize other measures to improve environmental performance.

9VAC25-115-15. Applicability of incorporated references based on the dates that they became effective.

Except as noted, when a regulation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency set forth in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations is referenced or adopted in this chapter and incorporated by reference, that regulation shall be as it exists and has been published as of July 1, 2015 2020.

9VAC25-115-20. Purpose; delegation of authority; effective date of permit.

A. This general permit regulation governs the discharge of wastewater from seafood processing facilities and stormwater associated with industrial activity from seafood processing facilities classified NAICS Code 311710 and as SIC Code Codes 2091 and 2092.

B. The director, or an authorized representative, may perform any act of the board provided under this regulation, except as limited by § 62.1-44.14 of the Code of Virginia.

C. This general permit will become effective on July 24, 2016 2021, and will expire on July 23, 2021 June 30, 2026. For any covered owner, this general permit is effective upon compliance with all the provisions of 9VAC25-115-30.

9VAC25-115-30. Authorization to discharge.

A. Any owner governed by this general permit is hereby authorized to discharge process wastewater and stormwater as described in 9VAC25-115-20 A to surface waters of the Commonwealth of Virginia provided that:

1. The owner files a registration statement, in accordance with 9VAC25-115-40, and that registration statement is accepted by the board;

2. The owner submits the required permit fee;

3. The owner complies with the applicable effluent limitations and other requirements of 9VAC25-115-50; and

4. The owner has not been notified by the board that the discharge is not eligible for coverage under this permit in accordance with subsection B of this section.

B. The board will notify an owner that the discharge is not eligible for coverage under this permit in the event of any of the following:

1. The owner is required to obtain an individual permit in accordance with 9VAC25-31-170 B 3 of the VPDES Permit Regulation;

2. The owner is proposing to discharge to state waters specifically named in other board regulations that prohibit such discharges;

3. The owner is proposing to discharge annual mass loadings of total nitrogen in excess of 2,300 pounds per year or of total phosphorus in excess of 300 pounds per year;

4. The discharge would violate the antidegradation policy stated in 9VAC25-260-30 of the Virginia Water Quality Standards; or

5. The discharge is not consistent with the assumptions and requirements of an approved TMDL.

C. Conditional exclusion for no exposure to stormwater. Any owner covered by this permit that becomes eligible for a no exposure exclusion from stormwater permitting under 9VAC25-31-120 E may file a no exposure certification. Upon submission and acceptance by the board of a complete and accurate no exposure certification, the permit requirements for stormwater no longer apply. A no exposure certification must be submitted to the board once every five years.

D. Compliance with this general permit constitutes compliance, for purposes of enforcement, with the federal Clean Water Act §§ 301, 302, 306, 307, 318, 403, and 405 (a) through (b) and the State Water Control Law, with the exceptions stated in 9VAC25-31-60 of the VPDES Permit Regulation. Approval for coverage under this general permit does not relieve any owner of the responsibility to comply with any other applicable federal, state or local statute, ordinance or regulation.

D. E. Continuation of permit coverage.

1. Any owner that was authorized to discharge under the seafood processing facilities general permit issued in 2011, and who submits a complete registration statement on or before July 23, 2016, is authorized to continue to discharge under the terms of the 2011 general permit Permit coverage shall expire at the end of the applicable permit term. However, expiring permit coverages are automatically continued if the owner has submitted a complete registration statement at least 60 days prior to the expiration date of the permit or a later submittal date established by the board, which cannot extend beyond the expiration date of the permit. The permittee is authorized to continue to discharge until such time as the board either:

a. Issues coverage to the owner under this general permit; or

b. Notifies the owner that the discharge is not eligible for coverage under this general permit.

2. When the owner that was covered under the expiring or expired general permit has violated or is violating the conditions of that permit, the board may choose to do any or all of the following:

a. Initiate enforcement action based upon the 2011 general permit coverage that has been continued;

b. Issue a notice of intent to deny coverage under the reissued amended general permit. If the general permit coverage is denied, the owner would then be required to cease the discharges authorized by coverage under the 2011 the continued general permit coverage or be subject to enforcement action for discharging without a permit;

c. Issue an individual permit with appropriate conditions; or

d. Take other actions authorized by the VPDES Permit Regulation (9VAC25-31).

9VAC25-115-40. Registration statement.

A. Deadlines for submitting registration statement. Any owner seeking coverage under this general permit shall submit a complete general VPDES permit registration statement in accordance with this chapter, which shall serve as a notice of intent for coverage under the general VPDES general permit regulation for seafood processing facilities.

1. New facilities. Any owner proposing a new discharge shall submit a complete registration statement to the board at least 30 60 days prior to the date planned for commencement of the discharge.

2. Existing facilities.

a. Any owner of an existing seafood processing facility covered by an individual VPDES permit that is proposing to be covered by this general permit shall submit a complete registration statement at least 240 days prior to the expiration date of the individual VPDES permit or a later submittal established by the board.

b. Any owner that was authorized to discharge under the general an expiring or expired VPDES general permit for seafood processing facilities that became effective on July 24, 2011, and that intends to continue coverage under this general permit shall submit a complete registration statement to the board on or before June 24, 2016 at least 60 days prior to the expiration date of the existing permit or a later submittal established by the board.

c. Any owner of an existing seafood processing facility adding a new process after coverage under the general permit is obtained shall submit an amended registration statement to the board at least 30 60 days prior to commencing operation of the new process or a later submittal established by the board.

3. Late registration statements. Registration statements for existing facilities covered under subdivision 2 b of this subsection will be accepted after July 23, 2016 the expiration date of the permit, but authorization to discharge will not be retroactive. Owners described in subdivision 2 b of this subsection that submit registration statements after June 24, 2016, are authorized to discharge under the provisions of 9VAC25-115-30 D if a complete registration statement is submitted before July 24, 2016.

B. The registration statement shall contain the following information:

1. Facility name, owner name, mailing address, email address (where available), and telephone number;

2. Facility street address (if different from mailing address);

3. Facility operator name, mailing address, email address, and telephone number if different than owner;

4. Does the facility discharge to surface waters? Name of receiving stream or streams if yes and, if no, describe the discharge or discharges;

5. Does the facility have a current VPDES Permit? Include the permit number if yes;

6. The original date of construction of the seafood processing facility building and dates and description of all subsequent facility construction;

7. A U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5 minute topographic map or other equivalent computer generated map with sufficient resolution to clearly show the facility location, the discharge location or locations, and the receiving water body;

8. Facility SIC code or codes;

9. Nature of business at the facility;

10. Discharge outfall information including latitude and longitude, seafood process, receiving stream, discharge flow, and days per year of discharge for each outfall;

11. Facility maximum production information;

12. Facility line (water balance) drawing;

13. Discharge and outfall descriptions for different seafood processes that operate simultaneously;

14. Treatment and solid waste disposal information;

15. Information on use of chemicals at the facility; and

16. State Corporation Commission entity identification number if the facility is required to obtain an entity identification number by law; and

17. The following certification: "I certify under penalty of law that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gather and evaluate the information submitted. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system or those persons directly responsible for gathering the information, the information submitted is to the best of my knowledge and belief true, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information including the possibility of fine and imprisonment for knowing violations."

The registration statement shall be signed in accordance with 9VAC25-31-110 of the VPDES Permit Regulation.

C. The registration statement may shall be delivered to the department department's regional office where the seafood processing facility is located by either postal or electronic mail and shall be submitted to the DEQ regional office serving the area where the seafood processing facility is located. Following notification from the department of the start date for the required electronic submission of Notices of Intent to discharge forms (i.e., registration statements) as provided for in 9VAC25-31-1020, such forms submitted after that date shall be electronically submitted to the department in compliance with this section and 9VAC25-31-1020. There shall be at least three months' notice provided between the notification from the department and the date after which such forms must be submitted electronically.

9VAC25-115-50. General permit.

Any owner whose registration statement is accepted by the board shall comply with the requirements of the general permit and be subject to all requirements of 9VAC25-31-170 of the VPDES Permit Regulation.

General Permit No.: VAG52
Effective Date: July 24, 2016 2021
Expiration Date: July 23, 2021 June 30, 2026

GENERAL PERMIT FOR SEAFOOD PROCESSING FACILITIES

AUTHORIZATION TO DISCHARGE UNDER THE VIRGINIA POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM AND THE VIRGINIA STATE WATER CONTROL LAW

In compliance with the provisions of the Clean Water Act, as amended, and pursuant to the State Water Control Law and regulations adopted pursuant to it, owners of seafood processing facilities, other than mechanized clam processing facilities, are authorized to discharge to surface waters within the boundaries of the Commonwealth of Virginia, except those specifically named in board regulations that prohibit such discharges.

The authorized discharge shall be in accordance with the information submitted with the registration statement, this cover page, Part I-Effluent Limitations [ and, ] Monitoring Requirements, [ and ] Special Conditions, [ and ] Part II-Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans [ , ] and Part III-Conditions Applicable to All VPDES Permits, as set forth in this general permit.

Part I

A. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

1. SEAFOOD PROCESSING NOT LIMITED ELSEWHERE IN PART I. A.— SIC 2091, 2092, 5142 AND 5146 SOURCES EXCEPT MECHANIZED CLAM FACILITIES

During the period beginning with the permittee's coverage under this general permit and lasting until the permit's expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge wastewater from seafood processing not otherwise classified from outfall(s) __________.

Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:

EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS kg/day

DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS kg/kkg

Sample Frequency

Sample Type

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Daily Min

Flow (MGD)

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/YEAR

Estimate

pH (S.U.)

NA

NA

NA

9.0

6.0

1/YEAR

Grab

TSS

NL

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/YEAR

Composite

Oil and Grease

NL

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/YEAR

Grab

Production

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/YEAR

Measurement

NL = No limitation, monitoring required.

NA = Not applicable.

Grab = Individual grab sample is to be taken in the middle of a composite sampling period.

Composite = Hourly grab samples taken over the duration of a processing cycle (including cleanup) combined to form one representative sample, not to exceed eight grab samples.

Production = See Special Condition No. 5 (Part I B 5).

Samples shall be collected by the end of the calendar year and reported by the 10th of January of the following calendar year on the facility's Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR). All calculations shall be submitted with the DMR.

Part I

A. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

2. CONVENTIONAL (HANDPICKED) BLUE CRAB PROCESSING—EXISTING SOURCES PROCESSING MORE THAN 3,000 POUNDS OF RAW MATERIAL PER DAY ON ANY DAY

During the period beginning with the permittee's coverage under this general permit and lasting until the permit's expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge wastewater from conventional blue crab processing, from outfall(s) __________.

Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:

EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS kg/day

DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS kg/kkg

Sample Frequency

Sample Type

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Daily Min

Flow (MGD)

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Estimate

pH (S.U.)

NA

NA

NA

9.0

6.0

1/3 Months

Grab

TSS

NL

NL

0.74

2.2

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

Oil and Grease

NL

NL

0.20

0.60

NA

1/3 Months

Grab

Production

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Measurement

NL = No limitation, monitoring required.

NA = Not applicable.

Grab = Individual grab sample is to be taken in the middle of a composite sampling period.

Composite = Hourly grab samples taken over the duration of a processing cycle (including cleanup) combined to form one representative sample, not to exceed eight grab samples.

Production = See Special Condition No. 5 (Part I B 5).

Samples shall be collected by March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 and reported by the 10th of the following month on the facility's Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR). All calculations shall be submitted with the DMR.

Part I

A. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

3. CONVENTIONAL (HANDPICKED) BLUE CRAB PROCESSING—ALL NEW SOURCES

During the period beginning with the permittee's coverage under this general permit and lasting until the permit's expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge wastewater from conventional blue crab processing, from outfall(s) __________.

Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:

EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS kg/day

DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS kg/kkg

Sample Frequency

Sample Type

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Daily Min

Flow (MGD)

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Estimate

pH (S.U.)

NA

NA

NA

9.0

6.0

1/3 Months

Grab

BOD5

NL

NL

0.15

0.30

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

TSS

NL

NL

0.45

0.90

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

Oil and Grease

NL

NL

0.065

0.13

NA

1/3 Months

Grab

Production

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Measurement

NL = No limitation, monitoring required.

NA = Not applicable.

Grab = Individual grab sample is to be taken in the middle of a composite sampling period.

Composite = Hourly grab samples taken over the duration of a processing cycle (including cleanup) combined to form one representative sample, not to exceed eight grab samples.

Production = See Special Condition No. 5 (Part I B 5).

Samples shall be collected by March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 and reported by the 10th of the following month on the facility's Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR). All calculations shall be submitted with the DMR.

Part I

A. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

4. MECHANIZED BLUE CRAB PROCESSING—ALL EXISTING SOURCES

During the period beginning with the permittee's coverage under this general permit and lasting until the permit's expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge wastewater from mechanized blue crab processing, from outfall(s) __________.

Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:

EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS kg/day

DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS kg/kkg

Sample Frequency

Sample Type

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Daily Min

Flow (MGD)

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Estimate

pH (S.U.)

NA

NA

NA

9.0

6.0

1/3 Months

Grab

TSS

NL

NL

12

36

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

Oil and Grease

NL

NL

4.2

13

NA

1/3 Months

Grab

Production

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Measurement

NL = No limitation, monitoring required.

NA = Not applicable.

Grab = Individual grab sample is to be taken in the middle of a composite sampling period.

Composite = Hourly grab samples taken over the duration of a processing cycle (including cleanup) combined to form one representative sample, not to exceed eight grab samples.

Production = See Special Condition No. 5 (Part I B 5).

Samples shall be collected by March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 and reported by the 10th of the following month on the facility's Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR). All calculations shall be submitted with the DMR.

Part I

A. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

5. MECHANIZED BLUE CRAB PROCESSING—ALL NEW SOURCES

During the period beginning with the permittee's coverage under this general permit and lasting until the permit's expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge wastewater from mechanized blue crab processing, from outfall(s) __________.

Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:

EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS kg/day

DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS kg/kkg

Sample Frequency

Sample Type

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Daily Min

Flow (MGD)

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Estimate

pH (S.U.)

NA

NA

NA

9.0

6.0

1/3 Months

Grab

BOD5

NL

NL

2.5

5.0

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

TSS

NL

NL

6.3

13

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

Oil and Grease

NL

NL

1.3

2.6

NA

1/3 Months

Grab

Production

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Measurement

NL = No limitation, monitoring required.

NA = Not applicable.

Grab = Individual grab sample is to be taken in the middle of a composite sampling period.

Composite = Hourly grab samples taken over the duration of a processing cycle (including cleanup) combined to form one representative sample, not to exceed eight grab samples.

Production = See Special Condition No. 5 (Part I B 5).

Samples shall be collected by March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 and reported by the 10th of the following month on the facility's Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR). All calculations shall be submitted with the DMR.

Part I

A. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

6. NON-BREADED SHRIMP PROCESSING—EXISTING SOURCES PROCESSING MORE THAN 2,000 POUNDS OF RAW MATERIAL PER DAY ON ANY DAY

During the period beginning with the permittee's coverage under this general permit and lasting until the permit's expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge wastewater from non-breaded shrimp processing, from outfall(s) __________.

Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:

EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS kg/day

DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS kg/kkg

Sample Frequency

Sample Type

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Daily Min

Flow (MGD)

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Estimate

pH (S.U.)

NA

NA

NA

9.0

6.0

1/3 Months

Grab

TSS

NL

NL

38

110

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

Oil and Grease

NL

NL

12

36

NA

1/3 Months

Grab

Production

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Measurement

NL = No limitation, monitoring required.

NA = Not applicable.

Grab = Individual grab sample is to be taken in the middle of a composite sampling period.

Composite = Hourly grab samples taken over the duration of a processing cycle (including cleanup) combined to form one representative sample, not to exceed eight grab samples.

Production = See Special Condition No. 5 (Part I B 5).

Samples shall be collected by March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 and reported by the 10th of the following month on the facility's Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR). All calculations shall be submitted with the DMR.

Part I

A. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

7. NON-BREADED SHRIMP PROCESSING—ALL NEW SOURCES

During the period beginning with the permittee's coverage under this general permit and lasting until the permit's expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge wastewater from non-breaded shrimp processing, from outfall(s) __________.

Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:

EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS kg/day

DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS kg/kkg

Sample Frequency

Sample Type

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Daily Min

Flow (MGD)

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Estimate

pH (S.U.)

NA

NA

NA

9.0

6.0

1/3 Months

Grab

BOD5

NL

NL

25

63

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

TSS

NL

NL

10

25

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

Oil and Grease

NL

NL

1.6

4.0

NA

1/3 Months

Grab

Production

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Measurement

NL = No limitation, monitoring required.

NA = Not applicable.

Grab = Individual grab sample is to be taken in the middle of a composite sampling period.

Composite = Hourly grab samples taken over the duration of a processing cycle (including cleanup) combined to form one representative sample, not to exceed eight grab samples.

Production = See Special Condition No. 5 (Part I B 5).

Samples shall be collected by March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 and reported by the 10th of the following month on the facility's Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR). All calculations shall be submitted with the DMR.

Part I

A. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

8. BREADED SHRIMP PROCESSING—EXISTING SOURCES PROCESSING MORE THAN 2,000 POUNDS OF RAW MATERIAL PER DAY ON ANY DAY

During the period beginning with the permittee's coverage under this general permit and lasting until the permit's expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge wastewater from breaded shrimp processing, from outfall(s) __________.

Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:

EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS kg/day

DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS kg/kkg

Sample Frequency

Sample Type

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Daily Min

Flow (MGD)

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Estimate

pH (S.U.)

NA

NA

NA

9.0

6.0

1/3 Months

Grab

TSS

NL

NL

93

280

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

Oil and Grease

NL

NL

12

36

NA

1/3 Months

Grab

Production

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Measurement

NL = No limitation, monitoring required.

NA = Not applicable.

Grab = Individual grab sample is to be taken in the middle of a composite sampling period.

Composite = Hourly grab samples taken over the duration of a processing cycle (including cleanup) combined to form one representative sample, not to exceed eight grab samples.

Production = See Special Condition No. 5 (Part I B 5).

Samples shall be collected by March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 and reported by the 10th of the following month on the facility's Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR). All calculations shall be submitted with the DMR.

Part I

A. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

9. BREADED SHRIMP PROCESSING—ALL NEW SOURCES

During the period beginning with the permittee's coverage under this general permit and lasting until the permit's expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge wastewater from breaded shrimp processing, from outfall(s) __________.

Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:

EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS kg/day

DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS kg/kkg

Sample Frequency

Sample Type

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Daily Min

Flow (MGD)

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Estimate

pH (S.U.)

NA

NA

NA

9.0

6.0

1/3 Months

Grab

BOD5

NL

NL

40

100

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

TSS

NL

NL

22

55

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

Oil and Grease

NL

NL

1.5

3.8

NA

1/3 Months

Grab

Production

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Measurement

NL = No limitation, monitoring required.

NA = Not applicable.

Grab = Individual grab sample is to be taken in the middle of a composite sampling period.

Composite = Hourly grab samples taken over the duration of a processing cycle (including cleanup) combined to form one representative sample, not to exceed eight grab samples.

Production = See Special Condition No. 5 (Part I B 5).

Samples shall be collected by March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 and reported by the 10th of the following month on the facility's Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR). All calculations shall be submitted with the DMR.

Part I

A. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

10. TUNA PROCESSING—ALL EXISTING SOURCES

During the period beginning with the permittee's coverage under this general permit and lasting until the permit's expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge wastewater from tuna processing, from outfall(s) __________.

Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:

EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS kg/day

DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS kg/kkg

Sample Frequency

Sample Type

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Daily Min

Flow (MGD)

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Estimate

pH (S.U.)

NA

NA

NA

9.0

6.0

1/3 Months

Grab

TSS

NL

NL

3.3

8.3

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

Oil and Grease

NL

NL

0.84

2.1

NA

1/3 Months

Grab

Production

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Measurement

NL = No limitation, monitoring required.

NA = Not applicable.

Grab = Individual grab sample is to be taken in the middle of a composite sampling period.

Composite = Hourly grab samples taken over the duration of a processing cycle (including cleanup) combined to form one representative sample, not to exceed eight grab samples.

Production = See Special Condition No. 5 (Part I B 5).

Samples shall be collected by March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 and reported by the 10th of the following month on the facility's Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR). All calculations shall be submitted with the DMR.

Part I

A. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

11. TUNA PROCESSING—ALL NEW SOURCES

During the period beginning with the permittee's coverage under this general permit and lasting until the permit's expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge wastewater from tuna processing, from outfall(s) __________.

Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:

EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS kg/day

DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS kg/kkg

Sample Frequency

Sample Type

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Daily Min

Flow (MGD)

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Estimate

pH (S.U.)

NA

NA

NA

9.0

6.0

1/3 Months

Grab

BOD5

NL

NL

8.1

20

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

TSS

NL

NL

3.0

7.5

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

Oil and Grease

NL

NL

0.76

1.9

NA

1/3 Months

Grab

Production

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Measurement

NL = No limitation, monitoring required.

NA = Not applicable.

Grab = Individual grab sample is to be taken in the middle of a composite sampling period.

Composite = Hourly grab samples taken over the duration of a processing cycle (including cleanup) combined to form one representative sample, not to exceed eight grab samples.

Production = See Special Condition No. 5 (Part I B 5).

Samples shall be collected by March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 and reported by the 10th of the following month on the facility's Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR). All calculations shall be submitted with the DMR.

Part I

A. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

12. CONVENTIONAL BOTTOM FISH PROCESSING—EXISTING SOURCES PROCESSING MORE THAN 4,000 POUNDS OF RAW MATERIAL PER DAY ON ANY DAY

During the period beginning with the permittee's coverage under this general permit and lasting until the permit's expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge wastewater from conventional bottom fish processing, from outfall(s) __________.

Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:

EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS kg/day

DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS kg/kkg

Sample Frequency

Sample Type

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Daily Min

Flow (MGD)

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Estimate

pH (S.U.)

NA

NA

NA

9.0

6.0

1/3 Months

Grab

TSS

NL

NL

2.0

3.6

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

Oil and Grease

NL

NL

0.55

1.0

NA

1/3 Months

Grab

Production

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Measurement

NL = No limitation, monitoring required.

NA = Not applicable.

Grab = Individual grab sample is to be taken in the middle of a composite sampling period.

Composite = Hourly grab samples taken over the duration of a processing cycle (including cleanup) combined to form one representative sample, not to exceed eight grab samples.

Production = See Special Condition No. 5 (Part I B 5).

Samples shall be collected by March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 and reported by the 10th of the following month on the facility's Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR). All calculations shall be submitted with the DMR.

Part I

A. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

13. CONVENTIONAL BOTTOM FISH PROCESSING—ALL NEW SOURCES

During the period beginning with the permittee's coverage under this general permit and lasting until the permit's expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge wastewater from conventional bottom fish processing, from outfall(s) __________.

Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:

EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS kg/day

DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS kg/kkg

Sample Frequency

Sample Type

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Daily Min

Flow (MGD)

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Estimate

pH (S.U.)

NA

NA

NA

9.0

6.0

1/3 Months

Grab

BOD5

NL

NL

0.71

1.2

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

TSS

NL

NL

0.73

1.5

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

Oil and Grease

NL

NL

0.042

0.077

NA

1/3 Months

Grab

Production

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Measurement

NL = No limitation, monitoring required.

NA = Not applicable.

Grab = Individual grab sample is to be taken in the middle of a composite sampling period.

Composite = Hourly grab samples taken over the duration of a processing cycle (including cleanup) combined to form one representative sample, not to exceed eight grab samples.

Production = See Special Condition No. 5 (Part I B 5).

Samples shall be collected by March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 and reported by the 10th of the following month on the facility's Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR). All calculations shall be submitted with the DMR.

Part I

A. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

14. MECHANIZED BOTTOM FISH PROCESSING—ALL EXISTING SOURCES

During the period beginning with the permittee's coverage under this general permit and lasting until the permit's expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge wastewater from mechanized bottom fish processing, from outfall(s) __________.

Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:

EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS kg/day

DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS kg/kkg

Sample Frequency

Sample Type

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Daily Min

Flow (MGD)

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Estimate

pH (S.U.)

NA

NA

NA

9.0

6.0

1/3 Months

Grab

TSS

NL

NL

12

22

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

Oil and Grease

NL

NL

3.9

9.9

NA

1/3 Months

Grab

Production

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Measurement

NL = No limitation, monitoring required.

NA = Not applicable.

Grab = Individual grab sample is to be taken in the middle of a composite sampling period.

Composite = Hourly grab samples taken over the duration of a processing cycle (including cleanup) combined to form one representative sample, not to exceed eight grab samples.

Production = See Special Condition No. 5 (Part I B 5).

Samples shall be collected by March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 and reported by the 10th of the following month on the facility's Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR). All calculations shall be submitted with the DMR.

Part I

A. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

15. MECHANIZED BOTTOM FISH PROCESSING—ALL NEW SOURCES

During the period beginning with the permittee's coverage under this general permit and lasting until the permit's expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge wastewater from mechanized bottom fish processing, from outfall(s) __________.

Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:

EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS kg/day

DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS kg/kkg

Sample Frequency

Sample Type

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Daily Min

Flow (MGD)

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Estimate

pH (S.U.)

NA

NA

NA

9.0

6.0

1/3 Months

Grab

BOD5

NL

NL

7.5

13

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

TSS

NL

NL

2.9

5.3

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

Oil and Grease

NL

NL

0.47

1.2

NA

1/3 Months

Grab

Production

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Measurement

NL = No limitation, monitoring required.

NA = Not applicable.

Grab = Individual grab sample is to be taken in the middle of a composite sampling period.

Composite = Hourly grab samples taken over the duration of a processing cycle (including cleanup) combined to form one representative sample, not to exceed eight grab samples.

Production = See Special Condition No. 5 (Part I B 5).

Samples shall be collected by March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 and reported by the 10th of the following month on the facility's Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR). All calculations shall be submitted with the DMR.

Part I

A. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

16. HAND-SHUCKED CLAM PROCESSING—EXISTING SOURCES PROCESSING MORE THAN 4,000 POUNDS OF RAW MATERIAL PER DAY ON ANY DAY

During the period beginning with the permittee's coverage under this general permit and lasting until the permit's expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge wastewater from hand-shucked clam processing, from outfall(s) __________.

Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:

EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS kg/day

DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS kg/kkg

Sample Frequency

Sample Type

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Daily Min

Flow (MGD)

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Estimate

pH (S.U.)

NA

NA

NA

9.0

6.0

1/3 Months

Grab

TSS

NL

NL

18

59

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

Oil and Grease

NL

NL

0.23

0.60

NA

1/3 Months

Grab

Production

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Measurement

NL = No limitation, monitoring required.

NA = Not applicable.

Grab = Individual grab sample is to be taken in the middle of a composite sampling period.

Composite = Hourly grab samples taken over the duration of a processing cycle (including cleanup) combined to form one representative sample, not to exceed eight grab samples.

Production = See Special Condition No. 5 (Part I B 5).

Samples shall be collected by March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 and reported by the 10th of the following month on the facility's Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR). All calculations shall be submitted with the DMR.

Part I

A. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

17. HAND-SHUCKED CLAM PROCESSING—ALL NEW SOURCES

During the period beginning with the permittee's coverage under this general permit and lasting until the permit's expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge wastewater from hand-shucked clam processing, from outfall(s) __________.

Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:

EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS kg/day

DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS kg/kkg

Sample Frequency

Sample Type

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Daily Min

Flow (MGD)

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Estimate

pH (S.U.)

NA

NA

NA

9.0

6.0

1/3 Months

Grab

TSS

NL

NL

17

55

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

Oil and Grease

NL

NL

0.21

0.56

NA

1/3 Months

Grab

Production

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Measurement

NL = No limitation, monitoring required.

NA = Not applicable.

Grab = Individual grab sample is to be taken in the middle of a composite sampling period.

Composite = Hourly grab samples taken over the duration of a processing cycle (including cleanup) combined to form one representative sample, not to exceed eight grab samples.

Production = See Special Condition No. 5 (Part I B 5).

Samples shall be collected by March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 and reported by the 10th of the following month on the facility's Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR). All calculations shall be submitted with the DMR.

Part I

A. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

18. HAND-SHUCKED OYSTER PROCESSING—EXISTING SOURCES PROCESSING MORE THAN 1,000 POUNDS OF RAW MATERIAL PER DAY ON ANY DAY

During the period beginning with the permittee's coverage under this general permit and lasting until the permit's expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge wastewater from hand-shucked oyster processing, from outfall(s) __________.

Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:

EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS kg/day

DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS kg/kkg

Sample Frequency

Sample Type

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Daily Min

Flow (MGD)

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Estimate

pH (S.U.)

NA

NA

NA

9.0

6.0

1/3 Months

Grab

TSS

NL

NL

16

23

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

Oil and Grease

NL

NL

0.77

1.1

NA

1/3 Months

Grab

Production

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Measurement

NL = No limitation, monitoring required.

NA = Not applicable.

Raw material = The weight of oyster meat after shucking.

Grab = Individual grab sample is to be taken in the middle of a composite sampling period.

Composite = Hourly grab samples taken over the duration of a processing cycle (including cleanup) combined to form one representative sample, not to exceed eight grab samples.

Production = See Special Condition No. 5 (Part I B 5).

Samples shall be collected by March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 and reported by the 10th of the following month on the facility's Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR). All calculations shall be submitted with the DMR.

Part I

A. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

19. HAND-SHUCKED OYSTER PROCESSING—ALL NEW SOURCES

During the period beginning with the permittee's coverage under this general permit and lasting until the permit's expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge wastewater from hand-shucked oyster processing, from outfall(s) __________.

Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:

EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS kg/day

DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS kg/kkg

Sample Frequency

Sample Type

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Daily Min

Flow (MGD)

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Estimate

pH (S.U.)

NA

NA

NA

9.0

6.0

1/3 Months

Grab

TSS

NL

NL

16

23

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

Oil and Grease

NL

NL

0.77

1.1

NA

1/3 Months

Grab

Production

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Measurement

NL = No limitation, monitoring required.

NA = Not applicable.

Grab = Individual grab sample is to be taken in the middle of a composite sampling period.

Composite = Hourly grab samples taken over the duration of a processing cycle (including cleanup) combined to form one representative sample, not to exceed eight grab samples.

Production = See Special Condition No. 5 (Part I B 5).

Samples shall be collected by March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 and reported by the 10th of the following month on the facility's Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR). All calculations shall be submitted with the DMR.

Part I

A. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

20. STEAMED AND CANNED OYSTER PROCESSING—ALL EXISTING SOURCES

During the period beginning with the permittee's coverage under this general permit and lasting until the permit's expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge wastewater from mechanized oyster processing, from outfall(s) __________.

Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:

EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS kg/day

DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS kg/kkg

Sample Frequency

Sample Type

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Daily Min

Flow (MGD)

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Estimate

pH (S.U.)

NA

NA

NA

9.0

6.0

1/3 Months

Grab

TSS

NL

NL

190

270

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

Oil and Grease

NL

NL

1.7

2.3

NA

1/3 Months

Grab

Production

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Measurement

NL = No limitation, monitoring required.

NA = Not applicable.

Grab = Individual grab sample is to be taken in the middle of a composite sampling period.

Composite = Hourly grab samples taken over the duration of a processing cycle (including cleanup) combined to form one representative sample, not to exceed eight grab samples.

Production = See Special Condition No. 5 (Part I B 5).

Samples shall be collected by March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 and reported by the 10th of the following month on the facility's Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR). All calculations shall be submitted with the DMR.

Part I

A. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

21. STEAMED AND CANNED OYSTER PROCESSING—ALL NEW SOURCES

During the period beginning with the permittee's coverage under this general permit and lasting until the permit's expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge wastewater from mechanized oyster processing, from outfall(s) __________.

Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:

EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS kg/day

DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS kg/kkg

Sample Frequency

Sample Type

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Daily Min

Flow (MGD)

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Estimate

pH (S.U.)

NA

NA

NA

9.0

6.0

1/3 Months

Grab

BOD5

NL

NL

17

67

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

TSS

NL

NL

39

56

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

Oil and Grease

NL

NL

0.42

0.84

NA

1/3 Months

Grab

Production

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Measurement

NL = No limitation, monitoring required.

NA = Not applicable.

Grab = Individual grab sample is to be taken in the middle of a composite sampling period.

Composite = Hourly grab samples taken over the duration of a processing cycle (including cleanup) combined to form one representative sample, not to exceed eight grab samples.

Production = See Special Condition No. 5 (Part I B 5).

Samples shall be collected by March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 and reported by the 10th of the following month on the facility's Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR). All calculations shall be submitted with the DMR.

Part I

A. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

22. SCALLOP PROCESSING—ALL EXISTING SOURCES

During the period beginning with the permittee's coverage under this general permit and lasting until the permit's expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge wastewater from scallop processing, from outfall(s) __________.

Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:

EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS kg/day

DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS kg/kkg

Sample Frequency

Sample Type

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Daily Min

Flow (MGD)

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Estimate

pH (S.U.)

NA

NA

NA

9.0

6.0

1/3 Months

Grab

TSS

NL

NL

1.4

5.7

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

Oil and Grease

NL

NL

0.23

7.3

NA

1/3 Months

Grab

Production

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Measurement

NL = No limitation, monitoring required.

NA = Not applicable.

Grab = Individual grab sample is to be taken in the middle of a composite sampling period.

Composite = Hourly grab samples taken over the duration of a processing cycle (including cleanup) combined to form one representative sample, not to exceed eight grab samples.

Production = See Special Condition No. 5 (Part I B 5).

Samples shall be collected by March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 and reported by the 10th of the following month on the facility's Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR). All calculations shall be submitted with the DMR.

Part I

A. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

23. SCALLOP PROCESSING—ALL NEW SOURCES

During the period beginning with the permittee's coverage under this general permit and lasting until the permit's expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge wastewater from scallop processing, from outfall(s) __________.

Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:

EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS kg/day

DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS kg/kkg

Sample Frequency

Sample Type

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Daily Min

Flow (MGD)

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Estimate

pH (S.U.)

NA

NA

NA

9.0

6.0

1/3 Months

Grab

TSS

NL

NL

1.4

5.7

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

Oil and Grease

NL

NL

0.23

7.3

NA

1/3 Months

Grab

Production

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Measurement

NL = No limitation, monitoring required.

NA = Not applicable.

Grab = Individual grab sample is to be taken in the middle of a composite sampling period.

Composite = Hourly grab samples taken over the duration of a processing cycle (including cleanup) combined to form one representative sample, not to exceed eight grab samples.

Production = See Special Condition No. 5 (Part I B 5).

Samples shall be collected by March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 and reported by the 10th of the following month on the facility's Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR). All calculations shall be submitted with the DMR.

Part I

A. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

24. FARM-RAISED CATFISH PROCESSING—EXISTING SOURCES PROCESSING MORE THAN 3,000 POUNDS OF RAW MATERIAL PER DAY ON ANY DAY

During the period beginning with the permittee's coverage under this general permit and lasting until the permit's expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge wastewater from farm-raised catfish processing, from outfall(s) __________.

Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:

EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS kg/day

DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS kg/kkg

Sample Frequency

Sample Type

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Daily Min

Flow (MGD)

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Estimate

pH (S.U.)

NA

NA

NA

9.0

6.0

1/3 Months

Grab

TSS

NL

NL

9.2

28

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

Oil and Grease

NL

NL

3.4

10

NA

1/3 Months

Grab

Production

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Measurement

NL = No limitation, monitoring required.

NA = Not applicable.

Grab = Individual grab sample is to be taken in the middle of a composite sampling period.

Composite = Hourly grab samples taken over the duration of a processing cycle (including cleanup) combined to form one representative sample, not to exceed eight grab samples.

Production = See Special Condition No. 5 (Part I B 5).

Samples shall be collected by March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 and reported by the 10th of the following month on the facility's Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR). All calculations shall be submitted with the DMR.

Part I

A. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

25. FARM-RAISED CATFISH PROCESSING—ALL NEW SOURCES

During the period beginning with the permittee's coverage under this general permit and lasting until the permit's expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge wastewater from farm-raised catfish processing, from outfall(s) __________.

Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:

EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS kg/day

DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS kg/kkg

Sample Frequency

Sample Type

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Daily Min

Flow (MGD)

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Estimate

pH (S.U.)

NA

NA

NA

9.0

6.0

1/3 Months

Grab

BOD5

NL

NL

2.3

4.6

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

TSS

NL

NL

5.7

11

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

Oil and Grease

NL

NL

0.45

0.90

NA

1/3 Months

Grab

Production

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Measurement

NL = No limitation, monitoring required.

NA = Not applicable.

Grab = Individual grab sample is to be taken in the middle of a composite sampling period.

Composite = Hourly grab samples taken over the duration of a processing cycle (including cleanup) combined to form one representative sample, not to exceed eight grab samples.

Production = See Special Condition No. 5 (Part I B 5).

Samples shall be collected by March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 and reported by the 10th of the following month on the facility's Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR). All calculations shall be submitted with the DMR.

Part I

A. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

26. HERRING PROCESSING—ALL

During the period beginning with the permittee's coverage under this general permit and lasting until the permit's expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge wastewater from herring processing, from outfall(s) __________.

Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:

EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS kg/day

DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS kg/kkg

Sample Frequency

Sample Type

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Daily Min

Flow (MGD)

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Estimate

pH (S.U.)

NA

NA

NA

9.0

6.0

1/3 Months

Grab

TSS

NL

NL

24

32

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

Oil and Grease

NL

NL

10

27

NA

1/3 Months

Grab

Production

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Measurement

NL = No limitation, monitoring required.

NA = Not applicable.

Grab = Individual grab sample is to be taken in the middle of a composite sampling period.

Composite = Hourly grab samples taken over the duration of a processing cycle (including cleanup) combined to form one representative sample, not to exceed eight grab samples.

Production = See Special Condition No. 5 (Part I B 5).

Samples shall be collected by March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 and reported by the 10th of the following month on the facility's Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR). All calculations shall be submitted with the DMR.

Part I

A. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

27. HERRING PROCESSING—ALL NEW SOURCES

During the period beginning with the permittee's coverage under this general permit and lasting until the permit's expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge wastewater from herring processing, from outfall(s) __________.

Such discharges shall be limited and monitored by the permittee as specified below:

EFFLUENT CHARACTERISTICS

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS kg/day

DISCHARGE LIMITATIONS kg/kkg

Sample Frequency

Sample Type

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Monthly Avg

Daily Max

Daily Min

Flow (MGD)

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Estimate

pH (S.U.)

NA

NA

NA

9.0

6.0

1/3 Months

Grab

BOD5

NL

NL

15

16

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

TSS

NL

NL

5.2

7.0

NA

1/3 Months

Composite

Oil and Grease

NL

NL

1.1

2.9

NA

1/3 Months

Grab

Production

NA

NL

NA

NA

NA

1/3 Months

Measurement

NL = No limitation, monitoring required.

NA = Not applicable.

Grab = Individual grab sample is to be taken in the middle of a composite sampling period.

Composite = Hourly grab samples taken over the duration of a processing cycle (including cleanup) combined to form one representative sample, not to exceed eight grab samples.

Production = See Special Condition No. 5 (Part I B 5).

Samples shall be collected by March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 and reported by the 10th of the following month on the facility's Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR). All calculations shall be submitted with the DMR.

B. SPECIAL CONDITIONS APPLYING TO PART I A 1 THROUGH PART I A 27.

1. No sewage shall be discharged from a point source to surface waters at this facility except under the provisions of another VPDES permit specifically issued for that purpose.

2. There shall be no chemicals added to the water or waste to be discharged, other than those listed on the owner's accepted registration statement.

3. Wastewater should be reused or recycled to the maximum extent practicable.

4. The permittee shall comply with the following solids management plan:

a. There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts.

b. All floors, machinery, conveyor belts, dock areas, etc. shall be dry swept or dry brushed prior to washdown.

c. All settling basins shall be cleaned frequently in order to achieve effective settling.

d. All solids resulting from the seafood processes covered under this general permit, other than oyster, clam, or scallop shells, shall be handled, stored, and disposed of so as to prevent a discharge to state waters of such solids or industrial wastes or other wastes from those solids.

e. The permittee shall install and properly maintain wastewater treatment necessary in order to remove organic solids present in the wastewater that may settle and accumulate on the substrate of the receiving waters in other than trace amounts.

f. All employees shall receive training relative to preventive measures to be taken to control the release of solids from the facility into surface waters.

5. Production to be reported and used in calculating effluent discharge levels in terms of kg/kkg shall be the weight in kilograms of raw material processed, in the form in which it is received at the processing plant, on the day of effluent sampling, except for the hand-shucked oyster, steamed and canned oyster, and scallop processing subcategories, for which production shall mean the weight of oyster or scallop meat after processing. The effluent levels in terms of kg/kkg shall be calculated by dividing the measured pollutant load in kg/day by the production level in kkg (thousands of kilograms).

6. The permittee shall notify the department as soon as they know or have reason to believe:

a. That any activity has occurred or will occur that would result in the discharge on a routine or frequent basis of any toxic pollutant that is not limited in the permit, if that discharge will exceed the highest of the following notification levels:

(1) One hundred micrograms per liter (100 μg/l) of the toxic pollutant;

(2) Two hundred micrograms per liter (200 μg/l) for acrolein and acrylonitrile; five hundred micrograms per liter (500 μg/l) for 2,4-dinitrophenol and for 2-methyl-4,6-dinitrophenol; and one milligram per liter (1 mg/l) for antimony;

(3) Five times the maximum concentration value reported for that pollutant in the permit application; or

(4) The level established by the board.

b. That any activity has occurred or will occur that would result in any discharge on a nonroutine or infrequent basis of a toxic pollutant that is not limited in the permit if that discharge will exceed the highest of the following notification levels:

(1) Five hundred micrograms per liter (500 μg/l) of the toxic pollutant;

(2) One milligram per liter (1 mg/l) for antimony;

(3) Ten times the maximum concentration value reported for that pollutant in the permit application; or

(4) The level established by the board.

7. Compliance reporting and recordkeeping under Part I A.

a. The quantification levels (QL) shall be less than or equal to the following concentrations:

Effluent Parameter

Quantification Level

BOD

2 mg/l

TSS

1.0 mg/l

Oil and Grease

5.0 mg/l

The QL is defined as the lowest concentration used to calibrate a measurement system in accordance with the procedures published for the test method.

b. Recording results. Any concentration below the QL used in the analysis shall be recorded as "<QL" if it is less than the QL used in the analysis (the QL must be less than or equal to the QL in subdivision 7 a of this subsection. Otherwise the numerical value shall be recorded.

c. Monitoring results shall be recorded using the same number of significant digits as listed in the permit. Regardless of the rounding conventions used by the permittee (e.g., five always rounding up or to the nearest even number), the permittee shall use the convention consistently, and shall ensure that consulting laboratories employed by the permittee use the same convention.

8. The discharges authorized by this permit shall be controlled as necessary to meet water quality standards in 9VAC25-260.

9. If a new process is added after coverage under the general permit is obtained, an amended registration statement must be submitted at least 30 60 days prior to commencing operation of the new process or a later submittal approved by the board.

10. Notice of termination.

a. The owner may terminate coverage under this general permit by filing a complete notice of termination. The notice of termination may be filed after one or more of the following conditions have been met:

(1) Operations have ceased at the facility and there are no longer discharges of process wastewater or stormwater associated with the industrial activity;

(2) A new owner has assumed responsibility for the facility. A notice of termination does not have to be submitted if a VPDES Change of Ownership Agreement Form has been submitted;

(3) All discharges associated with this facility have been covered by an individual VPDES permit or an alternative VPDES permit; or

(4) Termination of coverage is being requested for another reason, provided the board agrees that coverage under this general permit is no longer needed.

b. The notice of termination shall contain the following information:

(1) Owner's name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address (if available);

(2) Facility name and location;

(3) VPDES general permit registration number for the facility; and

(4) The basis for submitting the notice of termination, including:

(a) A statement indicating that a new owner has assumed responsibility for the facility;

(b) A statement indicating that operations have ceased at the facility, and there are no longer discharges from the facility;

(c) A statement indicating that all discharges have been covered by an individual VPDES permit or an alternative VPDES permit; or

(d) A statement indicating that termination of coverage is being requested for another reason (state the reason).

(5) The following certification: "I certify under penalty of law that all wastewater and stormwater discharges from the identified facility that are authorized by this VPDES general permit have been eliminated, or covered under a VPDES individual or alternative permit, or that I am no longer the owner of the facility, or permit coverage should be terminated for another reason listed above. I understand that by submitting this notice of termination, that I am no longer authorized to discharge seafood processing wastewater or, for facilities classified as SIC Code 2091 or 2092, stormwater associated with industrial activity in accordance with the general permit, and that discharging pollutants to surface waters is unlawful where the discharge is not authorized by a VPDES permit. I also understand that the submittal of this notice of termination does not release an owner from liability for any violations of this permit or the Clean Water Act."

C. c. The notice of termination shall be submitted to the department and signed in accordance with Part III K.

Part II
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans Stormwater Management

A stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) shall be developed for each facility covered by this permit, The following stormwater management requirements apply only to seafood processors classified as Standard Industrial Classifications (SIC) Codes 2091 and 2092.

A. Monitoring and inspections.

1. Quarterly visual monitoring of stormwater quality. The permittee shall perform and document visual monitoring of stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity from each outfall, except discharges waived in subdivision d of this subsection. The visual monitoring must be made during normal working hours, at least once in each of the following three-month periods: January through March, April through June, July through September, and October through December.

a. Samples will be in clean, colorless glass or plastic containers and examined in a well-lit area;

b. Samples will be collected within the first 30 minutes (or as soon thereafter as practical, but not to exceed three hours, provided that the permittee explains in the stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) why an examination during the first 30 minutes was impractical) of when the runoff or snowmelt begins discharging. All such samples shall be collected from the discharge resulting from a storm event that results in an actual discharge from the site (defined as a "measurable storm event") providing the interval from the preceding measurable storm event is at least 72 hours. The required 72-hour storm event interval is waived where the preceding measurable storm event did not result in a measurable discharge from the facility. The 72-hour storm event interval may also be waived where the permittee documents that less than a 72-hour interval is representative for local storm events during the season when sampling is being conducted.

c. The examination shall observe color, odor, clarity, floating solids, settled solids, suspended solids, foam, oil sheen, and other obvious indicators of stormwater pollution.

d. If no qualifying storm event resulted in discharge from the facility during a monitoring period, or adverse weather conditions create dangerous conditions for personnel during each measurable storm event during a monitoring period, visual monitoring is exempted provided this is documented in the SWPPP. Acceptable documentation includes dates and times the outfalls were viewed or sampling was attempted, national Climatic Data Center weather station data, local weather station data, facility rainfall logs, and other appropriate supporting data.

e. Representative outfalls – substantially identical stormwater discharges. If the facility has two or more outfalls that discharge substantially identical stormwater effluents, based on similarities of the industrial activities, significant materials, size of drainage areas, frequency of discharges, and stormwater management practices occurring within the drainage areas of the outfalls, the permittee may conduct quarterly visual monitoring on the stormwater discharges of just one representative outfall.

f. Visual monitoring reports shall be maintained on-site with the SWPPP. The report shall include:

(1) Outfall location;

(2) Monitoring date and time;

(3) Duration of storm event;

(4) Rainfall measurement or estimate (in inches) of the storm event that generated the discharge;

(5) Duration between the storm event sampled and the end of the previous measurable storm event;

(6) Monitoring personnel;

(7) Nature of the discharge (i.e., runoff or snow melt);

(8) Visual quality of the stormwater discharge, including observations of color, odor, clarity, floating solids, settled solids, suspended solids, foam, oil sheen, and other obvious indicators of stormwater pollution;

(9) Probable sources of any observed stormwater contamination;

(10) Why it was not possible to take the sample within the first 30 minutes (if applicable); and

(11) Documentation to support substantially identical outfalls (if applicable) required by Part II A 1 e.

g. Corrective action. Whenever the visual monitoring shows evidence of stormwater pollution, the SWPPP and stormwater control measures shall be updated per Part II B.

2. Routine facility inspections. Personnel who possess the knowledge and skills to assess conditions and activities that could impact stormwater quality at the facility and who can also evaluate the effectiveness of control measures shall regularly inspect all areas of the facility where industrial materials or activities are exposed to stormwater.

a. Inspections include loading and unloading areas, storage areas, including associated containment areas, waste management units, vents and stacks emanating from industrial activities, spoiled product and broken product container hold areas, animal holding pens, staging areas, air pollution control equipment, areas where spills or leaks have occurred in the past three years, discharge points, and control measures.

b. At least one member of the pollution prevention team shall participate in the routine facility inspections.

c. The inspection frequency shall be specified in the SWPPP based upon a consideration of the level of industrial activity at the facility but shall be at a minimum of once per calendar quarter unless written approval is received from the department for less frequent intervals. Inspections shall be performed during operating hours. At least once each calendar year, the routine facility inspection shall be conducted during a period when a stormwater discharge is occurring.

d. Any deficiencies in the implementation of the SWPPP that are found shall be corrected as soon as practicable, but not later than within 60 days of the inspection, unless permission for a later date is granted in writing by the director. The results of the inspections shall be documented in the SWPPP and shall include at a minimum:

(1) The inspection date;

(2) The names of the inspectors;

(3) Weather information and a description of any discharges occurring at the time of the inspection;

(4) Any previously unidentified discharges of pollutants from the site;

(5) Any control measures needing maintenance or repairs;

(6) Any failed control measures that need replacement;

(7) Any incidents of noncompliance observed; and

(8) Any additional control measures needed to comply with the permit requirements.

e. Corrective action. Whenever the routine inspection shows evidence of stormwater pollution, the SWPPP and stormwater control measures shall be updated per Part II B.

f. The requirement for routine facility inspections is waived for facilities that have maintained an active VEEP E3/E4 status.

3. Nonstormwater discharges.

a. Allowable nonstormwater discharges. Discharges of certain sources of nonstormwater listed in Part II A 3 c are allowable discharges under this permit. All other nonstormwater discharges are not authorized and shall be either eliminated, covered under this permit, or covered under a separate VPDES permit.

b. Annual outfall inspection for unauthorized discharges. The SWPPP shall include documentation that all stormwater outfalls associated with industrial activity have been evaluated annually for the presence of unauthorized discharges. The documentation shall include:

(1) The date of the evaluation;

(2) A description of the evaluation criteria used;

(3) A list of the outfalls or on-site drainage points that were directly observed during the evaluation;

(4) A description of the results of the evaluation for the presence of unauthorized discharges; and

(5) The actions taken to eliminate unauthorized discharges if any were identified.

c. The following nonstormwater discharges are authorized by this permit:

(1) Discharges from emergency firefighting activities;

(2) Fire hydrant flushing, managed in a manner to avoid an instream impact;

(3) Potable water, including water line flushing, managed in a manner to avoid an instream impact;

(4) Uncontaminated condensate from air conditioners, coolers, and other compressors and from the outside storage of refrigerated gases or liquids;

(5) Irrigation drainage;

(6) Landscape watering provided all pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers have been applied in accordance with the approved labeling;

(7) Pavement wash waters where no detergents or hazardous cleaning products are used and no spills or leaks of toxic or hazardous materials have occurred, unless all spilled material has been removed. Pavement wash waters shall be managed in a manner to avoid an instream impact;

(8) Routine external building washdown that does not use detergents or hazardous cleaning products;

(9) Uncontaminated groundwater or spring water;

(10) Foundation or footing drains where flows are not contaminated with process materials; and

(11) Incidental windblown mist from cooling towers that collects on rooftops or adjacent portions of the facility, but not intentional discharges from the cooling tower (e.g., "piped" cooling tower blowdown or drains).

B. Corrective actions. The permittee shall take corrective action whenever:

1. Routine facility inspections, visual monitoring, inspections by local, state, or federal officials, or any other process, observation, or event result in a determination that modifications to the stormwater control measures are necessary to meet the permit requirements;

2. The department determines, or the permittee becomes aware, that the stormwater control measures are not stringent enough for the discharge to meet applicable water quality standards.

3. The permittee shall review the SWPPP and modify it as necessary to address any deficiencies. Revisions to the SWPPP shall be completed within 60 days following the discovery of the deficiency. When control measures need to be modified or added, implementation shall be completed before the next anticipated storm event if possible, but no later than 60 days after the deficiency is discovered, or as otherwise provided or approved by the department. In cases where construction is necessary to implement control measures, the permittee shall include a schedule in the SWPPP that provides for the completion of the control measures as expeditiously as practicable, but no later than three years after the deficiency is discovered. Where a construction compliance schedule is included in the SWPPP, the SWPPP shall include appropriate nonstructural and temporary controls to be implemented in the affected portion of the facility prior to completion of the permanent control measure. The amount of time taken to modify a control measure or implement additional control measures shall be documented in the SWPPP.

4. Any corrective actions taken shall be documented and retained with the SWPPP. Reports of corrective actions shall be signed in accordance with Part III K.

C. Stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPPs). An SWPPP shall be developed and implemented for the facility covered by this permit, which has stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity and is classified under SIC Code 2091 or 2092. The SWPPP is intended to document the selection, design, and installation of control measures, including BMPs, to minimize the pollutants in all stormwater discharges from the facility and to meet applicable effluent limitations and water quality standards.

The SWPPP shall be prepared in accordance with good engineering practices and shall identify potential sources of pollution that may reasonably be expected to affect the quality of stormwater discharges from the facility. In addition, the plan shall describe and ensure the implementation of practices that will be used to reduce the pollutants in stormwater discharges from the facility and shall assure compliance with the terms and conditions of this permit. Permittees must implement the provisions of the SWPPP as a condition of this permit.

The SWPPP requirements of this general permit may be fulfilled, in part, by incorporating by reference other plans or documents such as an erosion and sediment control (ESC) plan, a spill prevention control and countermeasure (SPCC) plan developed for the facility under § 311 of the Clean Water Act or best management practices (BMP) programs otherwise required for the facility provided that the incorporated plan meets or exceeds the plan requirements of this section. Part II C 2 (Contents of the SWPPP). If an ESC plan is being incorporated by reference, it shall have been approved by the locality in which the activity is to occur or by another appropriate plan approving authority authorized under the Erosion and Sediment Control Regulations, 9VAC25-840. All plans incorporated by reference into the SWPPP become enforceable under this permit. If a plan incorporated by reference does not contain all of the required elements of the SWPPP of Part III C 2, the permittee shall develop the missing SWPPP elements and include them in the required plan.

A. 1. Deadlines for plan SWPPP preparation and compliance.

1. Facilities that were covered under the 2011 Seafood Processing Facilities General Permit. a. Owners of facilities that were covered under the 2011 2016 Seafood Processing Facilities General Permit who are continuing coverage under this general permit shall update and implement any revisions to the SWPPP required by this part within 60 days of the board granting coverage under this permit.

2. New facilities, facilities previously covered by an expiring individual permit, and existing facilities not currently covered by a VPDES permit. b. Owners of new facilities, facilities previously covered by an expiring individual permit, and existing facilities not currently covered by a VPDES permit that elect to be covered under this general permit must shall prepare and implement the SWPPP within 60 days of the board granting coverage under this permit.

3. New owners of existing facilities. c. Where the owner of an existing facility that is covered by this permit changes, the new owner of the facility must update and implement any revisions to the SWPPP within 60 days of the transfer of title of the facility ownership change.

4. Extensions. d. Upon a showing of good cause, the director may establish a later date in writing for preparation of and compliance with the SWPPP.

B. 2. Contents of the SWPPP. The contents of the SWPPP shall include, at a minimum, the following items:

1. a. Pollution prevention team. The SWPPP shall identify the staff individuals by name or title who comprise the facility's stormwater pollution prevention team. The pollution prevention team is responsible for assisting the facility or plant manager in developing, implementing, maintaining, revising, and maintaining ensuring compliance with the facility's SWPPP. Specific responsibilities of each staff individual on the team shall be identified and listed.

2. b. Site description. The SWPPP shall include the following:

a. Activities at the facility. (1) A description of the nature of the industrial activities at the facility.

b. General location map. A general location map (e.g., USGS quadrangle or other map) with enough detail to identify the location of the facility and the receiving waters within one mile of the facility.

c. (2) Site map. A site map identifying the following:

(1) The size of the property (in acres) (a) The boundaries of the property and the size of the property in acres;

(2) (b) The location and extent of significant structures and impervious surfaces (roofs, paved areas, and any other impervious areas);

(3) (c) Locations of all stormwater conveyances, including ditches, pipes, swales, and inlets, and the directions of stormwater flow (e.g., use arrows to show which ways stormwater will flow), using arrows to indicate which direction stormwater will flow;

(4) (d) Locations of all existing structural and source control BMPs stormwater control measures, including BMPs;

(5) (e) Locations of all surface water bodies receiving discharges from the site, including wetlands;

(6) (f) Locations of identified potential pollutant sources identified in Part II C 2 c;

(7) (g) Locations where significant spills or leaks identified under Part II C 2 c (3) have occurred;

(8) Locations of the following activities where such activities are exposed to precipitation: fueling stations; vehicle and equipment maintenance or cleaning areas; loading or unloading areas; locations used for the treatment, storage or disposal of wastes; liquid storage tanks; processing and storage areas; access roads, rail cars and tracks; transfer areas for substances in bulk; and machinery; (9) (h) Locations of stormwater outfalls and, monitoring locations, an approximate outline of the area draining to each outfall, and the drainage area of each outfall in acres, the longitude and latitude of each outfall, the location of any municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s), if the stormwater from the facility discharges to them; system (MS4) conveyance receiving discharge from the facility, and each outfall identified with a unique numerical identification codes. For example: Outfall Number 001, Outfall Number 002, etc.;

(10) (i) Location and description of all nonstormwater discharges;

(11) (j) Location of any storage piles containing salt used for deicing or other commercial or industrial purposes; and;

(12) (k) Location and source of runon suspected run-on to the site from an adjacent property, where the runon contains property if the run-on is suspected of containing significant quantities of pollutants; and

(l) Locations of vents and stacks from cooking, drying, and similar operations; dry product vacuum transfer lines; animal holding pens; spoiled product; and broken product container storage area if exposed to precipitation or runoff.

d. Receiving waters and wetlands. The name of all surface waters receiving discharges from the site, including intermittent streams. A description of wetland sites that may receive discharges from the facility shall also be provided. If the facility discharges through an MS4, the MS4 operator and the receiving water to which the MS4 discharges shall also be identified.

3. c. Summary of potential pollutant sources. The SWPPP shall identify each separate area at the facility where industrial materials or activities are exposed to stormwater. Industrial materials or activities include, but are not limited to, material handling equipment or activities, industrial machinery, raw materials, industrial production and processes, intermediate products, byproducts, final products, and waste products, and application and storage of pest control chemicals used on facility grounds. Material handling activities include, but are not limited to, the storage, loading and unloading, transportation, disposal, or conveyance of any raw material, intermediate product, final product or waste product. For each separate area identified, the description shall include:

a. (1) Activities in area. A list of the industrial activities (e.g., material storage, equipment fueling and cleaning, cutting steel beams); exposed to stormwater;

b. (2) Pollutants. A list of the associated pollutant(s) or pollutant parameter(s) (e.g., crankcase oil, zinc, sulfuric acid, cleaning solvents, etc.) for each activity pollutants, pollutant constituents, or industrial chemicals associated with each industrial activity that could potentially be exposed to stormwater. The pollutant list shall include all significant materials handled, treated, stored, or disposed that have been exposed to stormwater in the three years prior to the date the SWPPP was prepared or amended. The list shall include any hazardous substance substances or oil at the facility.

4. (3) Spills and leaks. The SWPPP shall clearly identify areas where potential spills and leaks that can contribute pollutants to stormwater discharges can occur and their corresponding outfalls. The SWPPP shall include a list of significant spills and leaks of toxic or hazardous pollutants that actually occurred at exposed areas, or that drained to a stormwater conveyance during the three-year period prior to the date this SWPPP was prepared or amended. The list shall be updated within 60 days of the incident if significant spills or leaks occur in exposed areas of the facility during the term of the permit. Significant spills and leaks include, but are not limited to, releases of oil or hazardous substances in excess of reportable quantities.

5. Stormwater controls.

a. BMPs d. Control measure considerations. Control measures shall be implemented for all the areas identified in Part II B 3 C 2 c (Summary of potential pollutant sources) to prevent or control pollutants in stormwater discharges from the facility. If applicable, steps shall be taken to control or address the quality of discharges from the site that do not originate at the facility. regulated stormwater discharges from the facility include stormwater run-on that commingles with stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity at the facility. The SWPPP shall describe the type, location, and implementation of all BMPs control measures for each area where industrial materials or activities are exposed to stormwater. Selection of BMPs control measures shall take into consideration:

(1) That preventing stormwater from coming into contact with polluting materials is generally more effective, and less costly, than trying to remove pollutants from stormwater;

(2) BMPs Control measures generally must be used in combination with each other for most effective water quality protection;

(3) Assessing the type and quantity of pollutants, including their potential to impact receiving water quality, is critical to designing effective control measures;

(4) That minimizing impervious areas at the facility can reduce runoff and improve groundwater recharge and stream base flows in local streams (however, care must be taken to avoid groundwater contamination);

(5) Flow attenuation by use of open vegetated swales and natural depressions can reduce in-stream instream impacts of erosive flows;

(6) Conservation or restoration of riparian buffers will help protect streams from stormwater runoff and improve water quality; and

(7) Treatment interceptors (e.g., swirl separators and sand filters) may be appropriate in some instances to minimize the discharge of pollutants.

b. e. Control measures. The permittee shall implement the following types of BMPs control measures to prevent and control pollutants in the stormwater discharges from the facility, unless it can be demonstrated and documented that such controls are not relevant to the discharges (e.g., there are no storage piles containing salt).

(1) Good housekeeping. The permittee shall keep clean all exposed areas of the facility that are potential sources of pollutants to stormwater discharges. Typical problem areas include areas around trash containers, storage areas, loading docks, and vehicle fueling and maintenance areas. The SWPPP shall include a schedule for regular pickup and disposal of waste materials, along with routine inspections for leaks and of the conditions of drums, tanks, and containers. The introduction of raw, final or waste materials to exposed areas of the facility shall be minimized. The generation of dust, along with off-site vehicle tracking of raw, final or waste materials, or sediments, shall be minimized. The permittee shall perform the following good housekeeping measures to minimize pollutant discharges:

(a) The SWPPP shall include a schedule for regular pickup and disposal of waste materials along with routine inspections for leaks and conditions of drums, tanks, and containers;

(b) Sweep or vacuum as feasible;

(c) Store materials in containers constructed of appropriate materials;

(d) Manage all waste containers to prevent a discharge of pollutants;

(e) Minimize the potential for waste, garbage, and floatable debris to be discharged by keeping areas exposed to stormwater free of such materials or by intercepting such materials prior to discharge; and

(f) Implement BMPs to eliminate stormwater discharges of plastics.

(2) Eliminating and minimizing exposure. To the maximum extent practicable, industrial materials and activities manufacturing, processing, and material storage areas, including loading and unloading, storage, disposal, cleaning, maintenance, and fueling operations, shall be located inside, or protected by a storm-resistant covering to prevent exposure to rain, snow, snowmelt, and runoff. Unless infeasible, facilities shall implement the following:

(a) Use grading, berming, or curbing to prevent runoff of contaminated flows and divert run-on away from potential sources of pollutants;

(b) Locate materials, equipment, and activities so that potential leaks and spills are contained, or able to be contained, or diverted before discharge;

(c) Clean up spills and leaks immediately, upon discovery of the spills or leaks, using dry methods (e.g., absorbents) to prevent the discharge of pollutants;

(d) Store leaking vehicles and equipment indoors, or if stored outdoors, use drip pans and adsorbents;

(e) Utilize appropriate spill or overflow protections equipment;

(f) Perform all vehicle maintenance or equipment cleaning operations indoors, under cover, or in bermed areas that prevent runoff and run-on and also capture any overspray; and

(g) Drain fluids from equipment and vehicles that will be decommissioned, and for any equipment and vehicles that remain unused for extended periods of time, inspect at least monthly for leaks.

(3) Preventive maintenance. The permittee shall have a preventive maintenance program that includes regular inspection, testing, SWPPP shall include preventive maintenance that includes a description of procedures and a regular schedule for inspection of the following:

(a) All control measures that includes a description of the back-up practices that are in place should a runoff event occur while a control measure is off line; and

(b) Testing, maintenance, and repairing of all industrial equipment and systems to avoid breakdowns or failures situations that could result in leaks, spills, and other releases. This program is in addition to the specific BMP maintenance required under Part II C (Maintenance of BMPs) of the permit of pollutants in stormwater discharged from the facility.

(4) Spill prevention and response procedures. The SWPPP shall describe the procedures that will be followed for preventing and responding to spills and leaks., including:

(a) Preventive measures include, such as barriers between material storage and traffic areas, secondary containment provisions, and procedures for material storage and handling.;

(b) Response procedures shall include (i), including notification of appropriate facility personnel, emergency agencies, and regulatory agencies; and (ii) procedures for stopping, containing, and cleaning up spills. Measures for cleaning up hazardous material spills or leaks shall be consistent with applicable RCRA the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act regulations at 40 CFR Part 264 and 40 CFR Part 265. Employees who may cause, detect, or respond to a spill or leak shall be trained in these procedures and have necessary spill response equipment available. One If possible, one of these individuals shall be a member of the pollution prevention team.;

(c) Procedures for plainly labeling containers (e.g., "used oil," "spent solvents," and "fertilizers and pesticides") that could be susceptible to spillage or leakage to encourage proper handling and facilitate rapid response if spills or leaks occur; and

(c) (d) Contact information for individuals and agencies that must be notified in the event of a spill shall be included in the SWPPP and maintained in other locations where it will be readily available.

(5) Routine facility inspections. Facility personnel who possess the knowledge and skills to assess conditions and activities that could impact stormwater quality at the facility, and who can also evaluate the effectiveness of BMPs shall regularly inspect all areas of the facility where industrial materials or activities are exposed to stormwater. These inspections are in addition to, or as part of, the comprehensive site evaluation required under Part II D. At least one member of the pollution prevention team shall participate in the routine facility inspections. The inspection frequency shall be specified in the SWPPP and be based upon a consideration of the level of industrial activity at the facility, but shall be a minimum of quarterly unless more frequent intervals are specified elsewhere in the permit or written approval is received from the department for less frequent intervals. Any deficiencies in the implementation of the SWPPP that are found shall be corrected as soon as practicable, but not later than within 30 days of the inspection, unless permission for a later date is granted in writing by the director. The results of the inspections shall be documented in the SWPPP, along with the date(s) and description(s) of any corrective actions that were taken in response to any deficiencies or opportunities for improvement that were identified.

(6) (5) Employee training. The permittee shall implement a stormwater employee training program for the facility. The SWPPP shall include a schedule for all training and shall document all training sessions and the employees who received the training. Training shall be provided at least annually for all employees who work in areas where industrial materials or activities are exposed to stormwater, and for employees who are responsible for implementing activities identified in the SWPPP (e.g., inspectors and maintenance personnel). The training shall cover the components and goals of the SWPPP and include such topics as spill response, good housekeeping, material management practices, BMP operation and maintenance, etc. and pest control. The SWPPP shall include a summary of any training performed.

(7) (6) Sediment and erosion control. The SWPPP shall identify areas at the facility that, due to topography, land disturbance (e.g., construction, landscaping, site grading), or other factors, have a potential for soil erosion. The permittee shall identify and implement structural, vegetative, or stabilization BMPs control measures to prevent or control on-site and off-site erosion and sedimentation. Flow velocity dissipation devices shall be placed at discharge locations and along the length of any outfall channel if the flows would otherwise create erosive conditions.

(8) (7) Management of runoff. The plan shall describe the stormwater runoff management practices (i.e., permanent structural BMPs) control measures) for the facility. These types of BMPs are typically control measures shall be used to divert, infiltrate, reuse, or otherwise reduce pollutants in stormwater discharges from the site.

Structural BMPs control measures may require a separate permit under § 404 of the federal Clean Water Act and the Virginia Water Protection Permit Program Regulation (9VAC25-210) before installation begins.

C. Maintenance. All BMPs identified in the SWPPP shall be maintained in effective operating condition. Stormwater BMPs identified in the SWPPP shall be observed during active operation (i.e., during a stormwater runoff event) to ensure that they are functioning correctly. The observations shall be documented in the SWPPP.

The SWPPP shall include a description of procedures and a regular schedule for preventive maintenance of all BMPs and shall include a description of the back-up practices that are in place should a runoff event occur while a BMP is off line. The effectiveness of nonstructural BMPs shall also be maintained (e.g., spill response supplies available and personnel trained).

If site inspections required by Part II B 5 b (5) (Routine facility inspections) or Part II D (Comprehensive site compliance evaluation) identify BMPs that are not operating effectively, repairs or maintenance shall be performed before the next anticipated storm event. In the interim, back-up measures shall be employed and documented in the SWPPP until repairs or maintenance is complete. Documentation shall be kept with the SWPPP of maintenance and repairs of BMPs, including the date or dates of regular maintenance, date or dates of discovery of areas in need of repair or replacement, and for repairs, date or dates that the BMPs returned to full function, and the justification for any extended maintenance or repair schedules.

D. Comprehensive site compliance evaluation. The permittee shall conduct comprehensive site compliance evaluations at least once a year. The evaluations shall be done by qualified personnel who possess the knowledge and skills to assess conditions and activities that could impact stormwater quality at the facility, and who can also evaluate the effectiveness of BMPs. The personnel conducting the evaluations may be either facility employees or outside constituents hired by the facility.

1. Scope of the compliance evaluation. Evaluations shall include all areas where industrial materials or activities are exposed to stormwater, as identified in Part II B 3. The personnel shall evaluate:

a. Industrial materials, residue or trash that may have or could come into contact with stormwater;

b. Leaks or spills from industrial equipment, drums, barrels, tanks or other containers that have occurred within the past three years;

c. Off-site tracking of industrial or waste materials or sediment where vehicles enter or exit the site;

d. Tracking or blowing of raw, final, or waste materials from areas of no exposure to exposed areas;

e. Evidence of, or the potential for, pollutants entering the drainage system;

f. Evidence of pollutants discharging to surface waters at all facility outfalls, and the condition of and around the outfall, including flow dissipation measures to prevent scouring;

g. Review of training performed, inspections completed, maintenance performed, quarterly visual examinations, and effective operation of BMPs; and

h. Review of the results of both visual and any analytical monitoring done during the past year.

2. Based on the results of the evaluation, the SWPPP shall be modified as necessary (e.g., show additional controls on the map required by Part II B 2 c; revise the description of controls required by Part II B 5 to include additional or modified BMPs designed to correct problems identified). Revisions to the SWPPP shall be completed within 30 days following the evaluation, unless permission for a later date is granted in writing by the director. If existing BMPs need to be modified or if additional BMPs are necessary, implementation shall be completed before the next anticipated storm event, if practicable, but not more than 60 days after completion of the comprehensive site evaluation, unless permission for a later date is granted in writing by the department.

3. Compliance evaluation report. A report shall be written summarizing the scope of the evaluation, the name or names of personnel making the evaluation, the date or dates of the evaluation, and all observations relating to the implementation of the SWPPP, including elements stipulated in Part II D 1 (a) through (f) of this general permit. Observations shall include such things as: the location or locations of discharges of pollutants from the site; the location or locations of previously unidentified sources of pollutants; the location or locations of BMPs that need to be maintained or repaired; the location or locations of failed BMPs that need replacement; and location or locations where additional BMPs are needed. The report shall identify any incidents of noncompliance that were observed. Where a report does not identify any incidents of noncompliance, the report shall contain a certification that the facility is in compliance with the SWPPP and this permit. The report shall be signed in accordance with Part III K and maintained with the SWPPP.

4. Where compliance evaluation schedules overlap with routine inspections required under Part II B 5 b (5), the annual compliance evaluation may be used as one of the routine inspections.

E. 3. Signature and plan SWPPP review.

1. Signature/location. a. Signature and location. The SWPPP, including revisions to the SWPPP to document any corrective actions taken as required by Part II B, shall be signed in accordance with Part III K, dated, and retained on-site at the facility covered by this permit. All other changes to the SWPPP, and other permit compliance documentation, must be signed and dated by the person preparing the change or documentation.

2. b. Availability. The permittee shall make the SWPPP, annual site compliance evaluation report, and other information available to the department retain a copy of the current SWPPP required by this permit at the facility, and it shall be immediately available to the department, EPA, or the operator of an MS4 receiving discharges from the site at the time of an on-site inspection or upon request.

3. c. Required modifications. The permittee shall modify the SWPPP whenever necessary to address all corrective actions required by Part II B. Changes to the SWPPP shall be made in accordance with the corrective action deadlines in Part II B and shall be signed and dated in accordance with Part III K. The director may notify the permittee at any time that the SWPPP, BMPs control measures, or other components of the facility's stormwater program do not meet one or more of the requirements of this permit. The notification shall identify specific provisions of the permit that are not being met and may include required modifications to the stormwater program, additional monitoring requirements, and special reporting requirements. The permittee shall make any required changes to the SWPPP within 60 days of receipt of such notification, unless permission for a later date is granted in writing by the director, and shall submit a written certification to the director that the requested changes have been made.

F. 4. Maintaining an updated SWPPP. 1. The permittee shall review and amend the SWPPP as appropriate whenever:

a. There is construction or a change in design, operation, or maintenance at the facility that has an effect on the discharge, or the potential for the discharge, of pollutants from the facility sufficient to impact water quality;

b. Routine inspections or compliance evaluations visual monitoring determine that there are deficiencies in the control measures, including BMPs;

c. Inspections by local, state, or federal officials determine that modifications to the SWPPP are necessary;

d. There is a significant spill, leak or other release at the facility; or

e. There is an unauthorized discharge from the facility.

2. f. SWPPP modifications shall be made within 30 60 calendar days after the discovery, observation, or event requiring a SWPPP modification. Implementation of new or modified BMPs (distinct from regular preventive maintenance of existing BMPs described in Part II C) control measures shall be initiated before the next storm event if possible, but no later than 60 days after discovery, or as otherwise provided or approved by the director. The amount of time taken to modify a BMP control measure or implement additional BMPs control measures shall be documented in the SWPPP.

3. g. If the SWPPP modification is based on a significant spill, leak, release, or unauthorized discharge, include a description and date of the release incident, the circumstances leading to the release incident, actions taken in response to the release incident, and measures to prevent the recurrence of such releases. Unauthorized releases and discharges are subject to the reporting requirements of Part III G of this permit.

G. Allowable nonstormwater discharges. The following nonstormwater discharges are authorized by this permit:

1. Discharges from fire-fighting activities;

2. Fire hydrant flushings;

3. Potable water including water line flushings;

4. Uncontaminated condensate from air conditioners, coolers, and other compressors and from the outside storage of refrigerated gases or liquids;

5. Irrigation drainage;

6. Landscape watering provided all pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizer have been applied in accordance with the approved labeling;

7. Pavement wash waters where no detergents are used and no spills or leaks of toxic or hazardous materials have occurred, unless all spilled material has been removed;

8. Routine external building wash down that does not use detergents;

9. Uncontaminated groundwater or spring water;

10. Foundation or footing drains where flows are not contaminated with process materials; and

11. Incidental windblown mist from cooling towers that collects on rooftops or adjacent portions of the facility, but not intentional discharges from the cooling tower, for example, "piped" cooling tower blowdown or drains.

Part III
Conditions Applicable to All VPDES Permits

A. Monitoring.

1. Samples and measurements taken as required by this permit shall be representative of the monitored activity.

2. Monitoring shall be conducted according to procedures approved under 40 CFR Part 136 or alternative methods approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, unless other procedures have been specified in this permit.

3. The permittee shall periodically calibrate and perform maintenance procedures on all monitoring and analytical instrumentation at intervals that will ensure accuracy of measurements.

4. Samples taken as required by this permit shall be analyzed in accordance with 1VAC30-45, Certification for Noncommercial Environmental Laboratories, or 1VAC30-46, Accreditation for Commercial Environmental Laboratories.

B. Records.

1. Records of monitoring information shall include:

a. The date, exact place, and time of sampling or measurements;

b. The individual(s) individuals who performed the sampling or measurements;

c. The date(s) and time(s) dates and times analyses were performed;

d. The individual(s) individuals who performed the analyses;

e. The analytical techniques or methods used; and

f. The results of such analyses.

2. The permittee shall retain records of all monitoring information, including all calibration and maintenance records and all original strip chart recordings for continuous monitoring instrumentation, copies of all reports required by this permit, and records of all data used to complete the registration statement for this permit, for a period of at least three years from the date of the sample, measurement, report or request for coverage. This period of retention shall be extended automatically during the course of any unresolved litigation regarding the regulated activity or regarding control standards applicable to the permittee, or as requested by the board.

C. Reporting monitoring results.

1. The permittee shall submit the results of the monitoring required by this permit not later than the 10th day of the month after monitoring takes place, unless another reporting schedule is specified elsewhere in this permit. Monitoring results shall be submitted to the department's regional office.

2. Monitoring results shall be reported on a Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) or on forms provided, approved or specified by the department. Following notification from the department of the start date for the required electronic submission of monitoring reports, as provided for in 9VAC25-31-1020, such forms and reports submitted after that date shall be electronically submitted to the department in compliance with this section and 9VAC25-31-1020. There shall be at least three months' notice provided between the notification from the department and the date after which such forms and reports must be submitted electronically.

3. If the permittee monitors any pollutant specifically addressed by this permit more frequently than required by this permit using test procedures approved under 40 CFR Part 136 or using other test procedures approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or using procedures specified in this permit, the results of this monitoring shall be included in the calculation and reporting of the data submitted in the DMR or reporting form specified by the department.

4. Calculations for all limitations that require averaging of measurements shall utilize an arithmetic mean unless otherwise specified in this permit.

D. Duty to provide information. The permittee shall furnish to the department, within a reasonable time, any information that the board may request to determine whether cause exists for modifying, revoking and reissuing, or terminating coverage under this permit or to determine compliance with this permit. The board may require the permittee to furnish, upon request, such plans, specifications, and other pertinent information as may be necessary to determine the effect of the wastes from his the permittee's discharge on the quality of state waters, or such other information as may be necessary to accomplish the purposes of the State Water Control Law. The permittee shall also furnish to the department, upon request, copies of records required to be kept by this permit.

E. Compliance schedule reports. Reports of compliance or noncompliance with, or any progress reports on, interim and final requirements contained in any compliance schedule of this permit shall be submitted no later than 14 days following each schedule date.

F. Unauthorized discharges. Except in compliance with this permit or another permit issued by the board, it shall be unlawful for any person to:

1. Discharge into state waters sewage, industrial wastes, other wastes, or any noxious or deleterious substances; or

2. Otherwise alter the physical, chemical or biological properties of such state waters and make them detrimental to the public health, or to animal or aquatic life, or to the use of such waters for domestic or industrial consumption, or for recreation, or for other uses.

G. Reports of unauthorized discharges. Any permittee who discharges or causes or allows a discharge of sewage, industrial waste, other wastes or any noxious or deleterious substance into or upon state waters in violation of Part III F (Unauthorized discharges); or who discharges or causes or allows a discharge that may reasonably be expected to enter state waters in violation of Part III F, shall notify (see [ NOTE in Part III I) Part III I 3) ] the department of the discharge immediately upon discovery of the discharge, but in no case later than 24 hours after said discovery. A written report of the unauthorized discharge shall be submitted to the department within five days of discovery of the discharge. The written report shall contain:

1. A description of the nature and location of the discharge;

2. The cause of the discharge;

3. The date on which the discharge occurred;

4. The length of time that the discharge continued;

5. The volume of the discharge;

6. If the discharge is continuing, how long it is expected to continue;

7. If the discharge is continuing, what the expected total volume of the discharge will be; and

8. Any steps planned or taken to reduce, eliminate and prevent a recurrence of the present discharge or any future discharges not authorized by this permit.

Discharges reportable to the department under the immediate reporting requirements of other regulations are exempted from this requirement.

H. Reports of unusual or extraordinary discharges. If any unusual or extraordinary discharge including a bypass or upset, should occur from a treatment works and the discharge enters or could be expected to enter state waters, the permittee shall promptly notify, in no case later than 24 hours, the department by telephone after the discovery of the discharge. This notification shall provide all available details of the incident, including any adverse effects on aquatic life and the known number of fish killed. The permittee shall reduce the report to writing and shall submit it to the department within five days of discovery of the discharge in accordance with Part III I 2. Unusual and extraordinary discharges include but are not limited to any discharge resulting from:

1. Unusual spillage of materials resulting directly or indirectly from processing operations;

2. Breakdown of processing or accessory equipment;

3. Failure or taking out of service some or all of the treatment works; and

4. Flooding or other acts of nature.

I. Reports of noncompliance.

1. The permittee shall report any noncompliance that may adversely affect state waters or may endanger public health.

1. a. An oral report shall be provided within 24 hours from the time the permittee becomes aware of the circumstances. The following shall be included as information that shall be reported within 24 hours under this subdivision:

a. (1) Any unanticipated bypass; and

b. (2) Any upset that causes a discharge to surface waters.

2. b. A written report shall be submitted within five days and shall contain:

a. (1) A description of the noncompliance and its cause;

b. (2) The period of noncompliance, including exact dates and times, and if the noncompliance has not been corrected, the anticipated time it is expected to continue; and

c. (3) Steps taken or planned to reduce, eliminate, and prevent reoccurrence of the noncompliance.

The board may waive the written report on a case-by-case basis for reports of noncompliance under Part III I if the oral report has been received within 24 hours and no adverse impact on state waters has been reported.

3. 2. The permittee shall report all instances of noncompliance not reported under Parts III I 1 or 2, in writing, at the time the next monitoring reports are submitted. The reports shall contain the information listed in Part III I 2.

NOTE: 3. The immediate (within 24 hours) reports required in Part III G, H, and I may be made to the department's regional office. Reports may be made by telephone, FAX, or online at http://www.deq.virginia.gov/Programs/PollutionResponsePreparedness/MakingaReport.aspx.

For reports outside normal working hours, leave a message and this shall fulfill the immediate reporting requirement. For emergencies, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management maintains a 24-hour telephone service at 1-800-468-8892.

4. Where the permittee becomes aware that it failed to submit any relevant facts in a permit registration statement or submitted incorrect information in a permit registration statement or in any report to the department, it shall promptly submit such facts or information.

J. Notice of planned changes.

1. The permittee shall give notice to the department as soon as possible of any planned physical alterations or additions to the permitted facility. Notice is required only when:

a. The permittee plans alteration or addition to any building, structure, facility, or installation from which there is or may be a discharge of pollutants, the construction of which commenced:

(1) After promulgation of standards of performance under § 306 of the federal Clean Water Act that are applicable to such source; or

(2) After proposal of standards of performance in accordance with § 306 of the federal Clean Water Act that are applicable to such source, but only if the standards are promulgated in accordance with § 306 within 120 days of their proposal;

b. The alteration or addition could significantly change the nature or increase the quantity of pollutants discharged. This notification applies to pollutants that are subject neither to effluent limitations nor to notification requirements specified elsewhere in this permit; under Part I B 6; or

c. The alteration or addition results in a significant change in the permittee's sludge use or disposal practices and such alteration, addition, or change may justify the application of permit conditions that are different from or absent in the existing permit, including notification of additional use or disposal sites not reported during the permit application registration process or not reported pursuant to an approved land application plan.

2. The permittee shall give advance notice to the department of any planned changes in the permitted facility or activity that may result in noncompliance with permit requirements.

K. Signatory requirements.

1. Registration statement. All registration statements shall be signed as follows:

a. For a corporation: by a responsible corporate officer. For the purposes of this section, a responsible corporate officer means: (i) a president, secretary, treasurer, or vice-president of the corporation in charge of a principal business function, or any other person who performs similar policy-making or decision-making functions for the corporation, or (ii) the manager of one or more manufacturing, production, or operating facilities provided the manager is authorized to make management decisions that govern the operation of the regulated facility, including having the explicit or implicit duty of making capital investment recommendations, and initiating and directing other comprehensive measures to assure long term environmental compliance with environmental laws and regulations; the manager can ensure that the necessary systems are established or other actions taken to gather complete and accurate information for permit application requirements; and where authority to sign documents has been assigned or delegated to the manager in accordance with corporate procedures;

b. For a partnership or sole proprietorship: by a general partner or the proprietor, respectively; or

c. For a municipality, state, federal, or other public agency: by either a principal executive officer or ranking elected official. For purposes of this section, a principal executive officer of a public agency includes: (i) the chief executive officer of the agency or (ii) a senior executive officer having responsibility for the overall operations of a principal geographic unit of the agency.

2. Reports and other requested information. All reports required by permits, and other information requested by the board, shall be signed by a person described in Part III K 1 or by a duly authorized representative of that person. A person is a duly authorized representative only if:

a. The authorization is made in writing by a person described in Part III K 1;

b. The authorization specifies either an individual or a position having responsibility for the overall operation of the regulated facility or activity such as the position of plant manager, operator of a well or a well field, superintendent, position of equivalent responsibility, or an individual or position having overall responsibility for environmental matters for the company. A duly authorized representative may thus be either a named individual or any individual occupying a named position; and

c. The written authorization is submitted to the department.

3. Changes to authorization. If an authorization under Part III K 2 is no longer accurate because a different individual or position has responsibility for the overall operation of the facility, a new authorization satisfying the requirements of Part III K 2 shall be submitted to the department prior to or together with any reports or information to be signed by an authorized representative.

4. Certification. Any person signing a document under Part III K 1 or 2 shall make the following certification:

"I certify under penalty of law that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gather and evaluate the information submitted. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system, or those persons directly responsible for gathering the information, the information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possibility of fine and imprisonment for knowing violations."

L. Duty to comply. The permittee shall comply with all conditions of this permit. Any permit noncompliance constitutes a violation of the State Water Control Law and the federal Clean Water Act, except that noncompliance with certain provisions of this permit may constitute a violation of the State Water Control Law but not the federal Clean Water Act. Permit noncompliance is grounds for enforcement action; for permit coverage termination, revocation and reissuance, or modification; or denial of a permit renewal application.

The permittee shall comply with effluent standards or prohibitions established under § 307(a) of the Clean Water Act for toxic pollutants within the time provided in the regulations that establish these standards, even if this permit has not yet been modified to incorporate the requirement.

M. Duty to reapply. If the permittee wishes to continue an activity regulated by this permit after the expiration date of this permit, the permittee shall submit a new registration statement at least 30 60 days before the expiration date of the existing permit, unless permission for a later date has been granted by the board. The board shall not grant permission for registration statements to be submitted later than the expiration date of the existing permit.

N. Effect of a permit. This permit does not convey any property rights in either real or personal property or any exclusive privileges, nor does it authorize any injury to private property or invasion of personal rights or any infringement of federal, state or local laws or regulations.

O. State law. Nothing in this permit shall be construed to preclude the institution of any legal action under, or relieve the permittee from any responsibilities, liabilities, or penalties established pursuant to, any other state law or regulation or under authority preserved by § 510 of the federal Clean Water Act. Except as provided in permit conditions in Part III U (Bypass) and Part III V (Upset) nothing in this permit shall be construed to relieve the permittee from civil and criminal penalties for noncompliance.

P. Oil and hazardous substance liability. Nothing in this permit shall be construed to preclude the institution of any legal action or relieve the permittee from any responsibilities, liabilities, or penalties to which the permittee is or may be subject under §§ 62.1-44.34:14 through 62.1-44.34:23 of the State Water Control Law.

Q. Proper operation and maintenance. The permittee shall at all times properly operate and maintain all facilities and systems of treatment and control (and related appurtenances) that are installed or used by the permittee to achieve compliance with the conditions of this permit. Proper operation and maintenance also includes effective plant performance, adequate funding, adequate staffing, and adequate laboratory and process controls, including appropriate quality assurance procedures. This provision requires the operation of back-up or auxiliary facilities or similar systems that are installed by the permittee only when the operation is necessary to achieve compliance with the conditions of this permit.

R. Disposal of solids or sludges. Solids, sludges, or other pollutants removed in the course of treatment or management of pollutants shall be disposed of in a manner so as to prevent any pollutant from such materials from entering state waters.

S. Duty to mitigate. The permittee shall take all reasonable steps to minimize or prevent any discharge or sludge use or disposal in violation of this permit that has a reasonable likelihood of adversely affecting human health or the environment.

T. Need to halt or reduce activity not a defense. It shall not be a defense for a permittee in an enforcement action that it would have been necessary to halt or reduce the permitted activity in order to maintain compliance with the conditions of this permit.

U. Bypass.

1. "Bypass" means the intentional diversion of waste streams from any portion of a treatment facility. The permittee may allow any bypass to occur that does not cause effluent limitations to be exceeded, but only if it also is for essential maintenance to ensure efficient operation. These bypasses are not subject to the provisions of Part III U 2 and U 3.

2. Notice.

a. Anticipated bypass. If the permittee knows in advance of the need for a bypass, prior notice shall be submitted if possible at least 10 days before the date of the bypass.

b. Unanticipated bypass. The permittee shall submit notice of an unanticipated bypass as required in Part III I (Reports of noncompliance).

3. Prohibition of bypass.

a. Bypass is prohibited, and the board may take enforcement action against a permittee for bypass, unless:

(1) Bypass was unavoidable to prevent loss of life, personal injury, or severe property damage;

(2) There were no feasible alternatives to the bypass, such as the use of auxiliary treatment facilities, retention of untreated wastes, or maintenance during normal periods of equipment downtime. This condition is not satisfied if adequate back-up equipment should have been installed in the exercise of reasonable engineering judgment to prevent a bypass that occurred during normal periods of equipment downtime or preventive maintenance; and

(3) The permittee submitted notices as required under Part III U 2.

b. The board may approve an anticipated bypass, after considering its adverse effects, if the board determines that it will meet the three conditions listed in Part III U 3 a.

V. Upset.

1. An upset, defined in 9VAC25-31-10, constitutes an affirmative defense to an action brought for noncompliance with technology-based permit effluent limitations if the requirements of Part III V 2 are met. A determination made during administrative review of claims that noncompliance was caused by upset, and before an action for noncompliance, is not a final administrative action subject to judicial review.

2. A permittee that wishes to establish the affirmative defense of upset shall demonstrate, through properly signed, contemporaneous operating logs or other relevant evidence that:

a. An upset occurred and that the permittee can identify the cause(s) causes of the upset;

b. The permitted facility was at the time being properly operated;

c. The permittee submitted notice of the upset as required in Part III I; and

d. The permittee complied with any remedial measures required under Part III S.

3. In any enforcement proceeding, the permittee seeking to establish the occurrence of an upset has the burden of proof.

W. Inspection and entry. The permittee shall allow the director or an authorized representative, (including an authorized contractor acting as a representative of the administrator), upon presentation of credentials and other documents as may be required by law, to:

1. Enter upon the permittee's premises where a regulated facility or activity is located or conducted or where records must be kept under the conditions of this permit;

2. Have access to and copy, at reasonable times, any records that must be kept under the conditions of this permit;

3. Inspect at reasonable times any facilities, equipment (including monitoring and control equipment), practices, or operations regulated or required under this permit; and

4. Sample or monitor at reasonable times, for the purposes of ensuring permit compliance or as otherwise authorized by the federal Clean Water Act and the State Water Control Law, any substances or parameters at any location.

For purposes of this section, the time for inspection shall be deemed reasonable during regular business hours and or whenever the facility is discharging. Nothing contained herein shall make an inspection unreasonable during an emergency.

X. Permit actions. Permits may be modified, revoked and reissued, or terminated for cause. The filing of a request by the permittee for a permit modification, revocation and reissuance, or termination, or a notification of planned changes or anticipated noncompliance does not stay any permit condition.

Y. Transfer of permits. Permits are permit coverage.

1. Permit coverage is not transferable to any person except after notice to the department.

2. Coverage under this permit may be automatically transferred to a new permittee if:

1. a. The current permittee notifies the department within 30 days of the transfer of the title to the facility or property unless permission for a later date has been granted by the board;

2. b. The notice includes a written agreement between the existing and new permittees containing a specific date for transfer of permit responsibility, coverage, and liability between them; and

3. c. The board does not notify the existing permittee and the proposed new permittee of its intent to deny the permittee coverage under the permit. If this notice is not received, the transfer is effective on the date specified in the agreement mentioned in Part III Y 2.

Z. Severability. The provisions of this permit are severable, and if any provision of this permit or the application of any provision of this permit to any circumstance is held invalid, the application of such provision to other circumstances and the remainder of this permit shall not be affected thereby.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) 2091, 2092, 5142 or 5046 (Office of Management and Budget (OMB) SIC Manual, 1987). U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) SIC Manual, 1987

North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) U.S. Office of Management and Budget, 2017

VA.R. Doc. No. R19-5819; Filed January 12, 2021
TITLE 9. ENVIRONMENT
STATE WATER CONTROL BOARD
Proposed

REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The State Water Control Board is claiming an exemption from Article 2 (§ 2.2-4006 et seq.) of the Administrative Process Act in accordance with the second enactment of Chapter 1207 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly, which exempts the actions of the board relating to the initial adoption of regulations necessary to implement the provisions of the act; however, the board is required to provide a public comment period of at least 60 days prior to adoption of final regulations.

Title of Regulation: 9VAC25-830. Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Designation and Management Regulations (adding 9VAC25-830-155).

Statutory Authority: §§ 62.1-44.15:69 and 62.1-44.15:72 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Hearing Information: No public hearings are currently scheduled.

Public Comment Deadline: May 3, 2021.

Agency Contact: Justin L. Williams, State Water Control Board, 1111 East Main Street, Suite 1400, P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 698-4185, FAX (804) 698-4178, or email justin.williams@deq.virginia.gov.

Summary:

Pursuant to Chapter 1207 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly, which amended the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (§ 62.1-44.15:72 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) and added coastal resilience and adaptation to sea-level rise and climate change to the criteria requirements for regulations to be established by the State Water Control Board for use by local governments under the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, the proposed amendments define specific criteria related to coastal resilience for Tidewater Virginia localities to consider in land development activities.

9VAC25-830-155. Climate change resilience and adaptation criteria.

A. This section applies in addition to 9VAC25-830-130 and 9VAC25-830-140. Local governments shall incorporate these provisions into all relevant ordinances and ensure their enforcement through implementation of appropriate processes and documentation for oversight and enforcement. Localities shall update and amend their ordinances to adopt and incorporate these performance criteria by (insert date three years after effective date of this amendment).

B. Land development and adaption measures or activities, including buffer modifications or encroachments necessary to install adaptation measures, mitigation measures, or other actions necessary to address the impacts of climate change, including sea-level rise, recurrent flooding, and storm surge, may be allowed in a Chesapeake Bay Preservation area provided the activity complies with all other applicable provisions of this chapter. Nothing in these provisions shall preclude a locality from adopting requirements or criteria in addition to the requirements of these provisions to address the impacts of climate change and sea-level rise in Chesapeake Bay Preservation areas in the locality, including extension of the Resource Protection Areas, further restrictions on development, or further preservation of existing vegetation.

C. Local governments shall consider the impacts of climate change or sea-level rise on any proposed land development in the Resource Protection Area. Based upon this consideration, local governments may require the installation of additional measures or design features as part of the proposed land development consistent with the requirements of the Act and this chapter. In considering the future impact, local governments shall:

1. Consider a potential impact range of no less than 30 years;

2. Utilize an appropriate model or forecast to aid in the consideration of impacts through use of:

a. The most updated 2017 National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Intermediate–High scenario projection curve;

b. A model or forecast that incorporates or utilizes the 2017 National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Intermediate–High scenario projection curve; or

c. A peer-reviewed model or forecast that includes NOAA 2017 projections, including the Intermediate–High scenario projection curve and has been developed, utilized, or recognized by a state or federal agency and is not based solely upon extrapolation of historical data;

3. Include the consideration of future floodplain, water level, storm surge, or other impacts in altering the Resource Protection Area or diminishing the protection of water quality due to the proposed development from these impacts; and

4. Identify measures, conditions, or alterations to the proposed land development to address these impacts as necessary and appropriate based upon site conditions, type of proposed land development, and projected potential impacts. This includes measures such as state or federally recognized or approved best management practices appropriate for the site conditions and land development to address such impacts.

D. Local governments shall not grant exceptions to the requirements of 9VAC25-830-130, 9VAC250-830-140, or 9VAC20-830-155 where:

1. The impact of climate change, including sea-level rise on the land development is not considered as outlined in subsection C or this section for exceptions in the Resource Protection Area;

2. The exception consists of approval solely for the use of fill or other material to the Resource Protection Area or within 100 feet of the Resource Protection Area; or

3. The exception permits encroachment into seaward 50 feet of the buffer area of the Resource Protection Area notwithstanding permitted modifications and adaptive measures.

E. Local governments may allow adaption measures or activities within the Resource Protection Area to address climate change, including sea-level rise subject to the following criteria. These criteria and requirements shall apply to such adaptation measure or activity in lieu of the criteria in 9VAC25-830-130 and 9VAC25-830-140:

1. Where the adaptation measure or activity is within a Resource Protection Area that has been previously developed, including Intensely Developed Areas, and is not naturally vegetated, the adaptation measure or activity shall:

a. Be designed, implemented, and maintained in accordance with best management practices applicable to the adaptation measure or activity as recognized or approved by a state or federal agency;

b. Not consist solely of the use of fill or other materials to raise the elevation of a Resource Protection Area;

c. Incorporate natural features or measures such as the planting of vegetation or trees, maximize preservation of existing natural vegetation and trees particularly mature trees, and minimize land disturbance and impervious cover to the maximum extent practicable consistent with the applicable best management practices; and

d. Where applicable, obtain any applicable federal, state, and local permits and comply with any applicable federal, state, and local requirements.

2. Where the adaptation measure or activity is within a Resource Protection Area that is naturally vegetated or has not been previously developed, the measure or activity shall:

a. Be designed and implemented in accordance with best management practices applicable to the adaptation measure or activity as recognized or approved by state or federal agencies;

b. Preserve to the maximum extent practicable any existing vegetation in the additional 50 feet landward from the Resource Protection Area;

c. Not consist solely of the use of fill or other materials to raise the elevation of a Resource Protection Area;

d. Maximize the preservation of existing vegetation and trees, particularly mature trees, incorporate the planting and establishment of vegetation, particularly trees, and minimize land disturbance and impervious cover to the maximum extent practicable consistent with the applicable best management practices; and

e. Where applicable, obtain any applicable federal, state, and local permits and comply with any applicable federal, state, and local requirements.

3. Where the adaptation measure or activity is a best management practice recognized or approved by a state or federal agency to reduce runoff, prevent erosion, and filter nonpoint source pollution, a Water Quality Impact Assessment in accordance with subdivision 6 of 9VAC25-830-140 shall not be required. All other measures or activities shall require a Water Quality Impact Assessment in accordance with subdivision 6 of 9VAC25-830-140.

4. Where the proposed adaptation measure is a living shoreline project or related activity, the locality otherwise approves of the project, the projects maintains or establishes a vegetative buffer inland of the living shoreline to the maximum extent practicable, minimizes land disturbance to the maximum extent practicable, and the project receives approval from the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, including a permit as applicable, and any other necessary permits or approvals, the adaptation measure shall be exempt from additional requirements or criteria, including a Water Quality Impact Assessment.

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-6647; Filed January 12, 2021
TITLE 9. ENVIRONMENT
STATE WATER CONTROL BOARD
Exempt Proposed

REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The State Water Control Board is claiming an exemption from Article 2 (§ 2.2-4006 et seq.) of the Administrative Process Act in accordance with the second enactment of Chapter 1207 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly, which exempts the actions of the board relating to the initial adoption of regulations necessary to implement the provisions of the act; however, the board is required to provide a public comment period of at least 60 days prior to adoption of final regulations.

Title of Regulation: 9VAC25-830. Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Designation and Management Regulations (amending 9VAC25-830-130, 9VAC25-830-140).

Statutory Authority: §§ 62.1-44.15:69 and 62.1-44.15:72 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Hearing Information: No public hearings are currently scheduled.

Public Comment Deadline: May 3, 2021.

Agency Contact: Justin L. Williams, State Water Control Board, 1111 East Main Street, Suite 1400, P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 698-4185, FAX (804) 698-4178, or email justin.williams@deq.virginia.gov.

Summary:

Pursuant to Chapter 1207 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly, which amended the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (§ 62.1-44.15:72 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) and added coastal resilience and adaptation to sea-level rise and climate change to the criteria requirements for regulations to be established by the State Water Control Board for use by local governments under the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, the proposed amendments provide performance criteria requirements related to trees, particularly mature trees, under the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act program, including (i) requiring preservation and protection of mature trees, including in instances where existing vegetation is removed that includes trees and that trees are utilized in reestablishing vegetation to the maximum extent practicable; and (ii) providing that where vegetation or buffers must be established, the planting of trees should be utilized where practicable.

9VAC25-830-130. General performance criteria.

Through their applicable land use ordinances, regulations, and enforcement mechanisms, local governments shall require that any use, development, or redevelopment of land in Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas meets the following performance criteria:

1. No more land shall be disturbed than is necessary to provide for the proposed use or development.

2. Indigenous vegetation shall be preserved to the maximum extent practicable, consistent with the use or development proposed. Mature trees shall only be removed where determined to be necessary to provide for the proposed use or development and protected during development to the maximum extent practicable.

3. All development exceeding 2,500 square feet of land disturbance shall be accomplished through a plan of development review process consistent with § 15.2-2286 A 8 of the Code of Virginia and subdivision 1 e of 9VAC25-830-240.

4. Land development shall minimize impervious cover consistent with the proposed use or development.

5. Any land disturbing activity that exceeds an area of 2,500 square feet (including construction of all single family houses, septic tanks, and drainfields, but otherwise as defined in § 62.1-44.15:51 of the Code of Virginia) shall comply with the requirements of the local erosion and sediment control ordinance. Enforcement for noncompliance with the erosion and sediment control requirements referenced in this criterion shall be conducted under the provisions of the Erosion and Sediment Control Law and attendant regulations.

6. Any Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act land-disturbing activity as defined in § 62.1-44.15:24 of the Code of Virginia shall comply with the requirements of 9VAC25-870-51 and 9VAC25-870-103.

7. Onsite sewage treatment systems not requiring a Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) permit shall:

a. Have pump-out accomplished for all such systems at least once every five years.

(1) If deemed appropriate by the local health department and subject to conditions the local health department may set, local governments may offer to the owners of such systems, as an alternative to the mandatory pump-out, the option of having a plastic filter installed and maintained in the outflow pipe from the septic tank to filter solid material from the effluent while sustaining adequate flow to the drainfield to permit normal use of the septic system. Such a filter should satisfy standards established in the Sewage Handling and Disposal Regulations (12VAC5-610) administered by the Virginia Department of Health.

(2) Furthermore, in lieu of requiring proof of septic tank pump-out every five years, local governments may allow owners of onsite sewage treatment systems to submit documentation every five years, certified by an operator or onsite soil evaluator licensed or certified under Chapter 23 (§ 54.1-2300 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia as being qualified to operate, maintain, or design onsite sewage systems, that the septic system has been inspected, is functioning properly, and the tank does not need to have the effluent pumped out of it.

b. For new construction, provide a reserve sewage disposal site with a capacity at least equal to that of the primary sewage disposal site. This reserve sewage disposal site requirement shall not apply to any lot or parcel recorded prior to October 1, 1989, if the lot or parcel is not sufficient in capacity to accommodate a reserve sewage disposal site, as determined by the local health department. Building shall be prohibited on the area of all sewage disposal sites until the structure is served by public sewer or an onsite sewage treatment system that operates under a permit issued by the board. All sewage disposal site records shall be administered to provide adequate notice and enforcement. As an alternative to the 100% reserve sewage disposal site, local governments may offer the owners of such systems the option of installing an alternating drainfield system meeting the following conditions:

(1) Each of the two alternating drainfields in the system shall have, at a minimum, an area not less than 50% of the area that would otherwise be required if a single primary drainfield were constructed.

(2) An area equaling 50% of the area that would otherwise be required for the primary drainfield site must be reserved for subsurface absorption systems that utilize a flow diversion device, in order to provide for future replacement or repair to meet the requirements for a sewage disposal system. Expansion of the primary system will require an expansion of this reserve area.

(3) The two alternating drainfields shall be connected by a diversion valve, approved by the local health department, located in the pipe between the septic (aerobic) tank and the distribution boxes. The diversion valve shall be used to alternate the direction of effluent flow to one drainfield or the other at a time. However, diversion valves shall not be used for the following types of treatment systems:

(a) Sand mounds;

(b) Low-pressure distribution systems;

(c) Repair situations when installation of a valve is not feasible; and

(d) Any other approved system for which the use of a valve would adversely affect the design of the system, as determined by the local health department.

(4) The diversion valve shall be a three-port, two-way valve of approved materials (i.e., resistant to sewage and leakproof and designed so that the effluent from the tank can be directed to flow into either one of the two distribution boxes).

(5) There shall be a conduit from the top of the valve to the ground surface with an appropriate cover to be level with or above the ground surface.

(6) The valve shall not be located in driveways, recreational courts, parking lots, or beneath sheds or other structures.

(7) In lieu of the aforementioned diversion valve, any device that can be designed and constructed to conveniently direct the flow of effluent from the tank into either one of the two distribution boxes may be approved if plans are submitted to the local health department and found to be satisfactory.

(8) The local government shall require that the owner(s) owner alternate the drainfields every 12 months to permit the yearly resting of half of the absorption system.

(9) The local government shall ensure that the owner(s) owner are notified annually of the requirement to switch the valve to the opposite drainfield.

8. Land upon which agricultural activities are being conducted, including but not limited to crop production, pasture, and dairy and feedlot operations, or lands otherwise defined as agricultural land by the local government, shall have a soil and water quality conservation assessment conducted that evaluates the effectiveness of existing practices pertaining to soil erosion and sediment control, nutrient management, and management of pesticides, and, where necessary, results in a plan that outlines additional practices needed to ensure that water quality protection is being accomplished consistent with the Act and this chapter.

a. Recommendations for additional conservation practices need address only those conservation issues applicable to the tract or field being assessed. Any soil and water quality conservation practices that are recommended as a result of such an assessment and are subsequently implemented with financial assistance from federal or state cost-share programs must be designed, consistent with cost-share practice standards effective in January 1999 in the "Field Office Technical Guide" of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service or the June 2000 edition of the "Virginia Agricultural BMP Manual" of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, respectively. Unless otherwise specified in this section, general standards pertaining to the various agricultural conservation practices being assessed shall be as follows:

(1) For erosion and sediment control recommendations, the goal shall be, where feasible, to prevent erosion from exceeding the soil loss tolerance level, referred to as "T," as defined in the "National Soil Survey Handbook" of November 1996 in the "Field Office Technical Guide" of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service. However, in no case shall erosion exceed the soil loss consistent with an Alternative Conservation System, referred to as an "ACS", as defined in the "Field Office Technical Guide" of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service.

(2) For nutrient management, whenever nutrient management plans are developed, the operator or landowner must provide soil test information, consistent with the Virginia Nutrient Management Training and Certification Regulations (4VAC50-85).

(3) For pest chemical control, referrals shall be made to the local cooperative extension agent or an Integrated Pest Management Specialist of the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service. Recommendations shall include copies of applicable information from the "Virginia Pest Management Guide" or other Extension materials related to pest control.

b. A higher priority shall be placed on conducting assessments of agricultural fields and tracts adjacent to Resource Protection Areas. However, if the landowner or operator of such a tract also has Resource Management Area fields or tracts in his operation, the assessment for that landowner or operator may be conducted for all fields or tracts in the operation. When such an expanded assessment is completed, priority must return to Resource Protection Area fields and tracts.

c. The findings and recommendations of such assessments and any resulting soil and water quality conservation plans will be submitted to the local Soil and Water Conservation District Board, which will be the plan-approving authority.

9. Silvicultural activities in Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas are exempt from this chapter provided that silvicultural operations adhere to water quality protection procedures prescribed by the Virginia Department of Forestry in the Fifth Edition (March 2011) of "Virginia's Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality Technical Manual." The Virginia Department of Forestry will oversee and document installation of best management practices and will monitor in-stream impacts of forestry operations in Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas.

10. Local governments shall require evidence of all wetlands permits required by law prior to authorizing grading or other onsite activities to begin.

9VAC25-830-140. Development criteria for Resource Protection Areas.

In addition to the general performance criteria set forth in 9VAC25-830-130, the criteria in this section are applicable in Resource Protection Areas.

1. Land development may be allowed in the Resource Protection Area, subject to approval by the local government, only if it (i) is water dependent; (ii) constitutes redevelopment; (iii) constitutes development or redevelopment within a designated Intensely Developed Area; (iv) is a new use established pursuant to subdivision 4 a of this section; (v) is a road or driveway crossing satisfying the conditions set forth in subdivision 1 d of this section; or (vi) is a flood control or stormwater management facility satisfying the conditions set forth in subdivision 1 e of this section.

a. A water quality impact assessment in accordance with subdivision 6 of this section shall be required for any proposed land disturbance.

b. A new or expanded water-dependent facility may be allowed provided that the following criteria are met:

(1) It does not conflict with the comprehensive plan;

(2) It complies with the performance criteria set forth in 9VAC25-830-130;

(3) Any nonwater-dependent component is located outside of Resource Protection Areas; and

(4) Access to the water-dependent facility will be provided with the minimum disturbance necessary. Where practicable, a single point of access will be provided.

c. Redevelopment outside locally designated Intensely Developed Areas shall be permitted in the Resource Protection Area only if there is no increase in the amount of imperious cover and no further encroachment within the Resource Protection Area, and it shall conform to applicable erosion and sediment control and stormwater management criteria set forth in the Erosion and Sediment Control Law and the Virginia Stormwater Management Act and their attendant regulations, as well as all applicable stormwater management requirements of other state and federal agencies.

d. Roads and driveways not exempt under subdivision B 1 of 9VAC25-830-150 and which, therefore, must comply with the provisions of this chapter, may be constructed in or across Resource Protection Areas if each of the following conditions is met:

(1) The local government makes a finding that there are no reasonable alternatives to aligning the road or driveway in or across the Resource Protection Area;

(2) The alignment and design of the road or driveway are optimized, consistent with other applicable requirements, to minimize (i) encroachment in the Resource Protection Area and (ii) adverse effects on water quality;

(3) The design and construction of the road or driveway satisfy all applicable criteria of this chapter, including submission of a water quality impact assessment; and

(4) The local government reviews the plan for the road or driveway proposed in or across the Resource Protection Area in coordination with local government site plan, subdivision and plan of development approvals.

e. Flood control and stormwater management facilities that drain or treat water from multiple development projects or from a significant portion of a watershed may be allowed in Resource Protection Areas provided such facilities are allowed and constructed in accordance with the Virginia Stormwater Management Act and its attendant regulations, and provided that (i) the local government has conclusively established that location of the facility within the Resource Protection Area is the optimum location; (ii) the size of the facility is the minimum necessary to provide necessary flood control or stormwater treatment, or both; (iii) the facility must be consistent with a comprehensive stormwater management plan developed and approved in accordance with 9VAC25-870-92 of the Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) regulations; (iv) all applicable permits for construction in state or federal waters must be obtained from the appropriate state and federal agencies, such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the department, and the Virginia Marine Resources Commission; (v) approval must be received from the local government prior to construction; and (vi) routine maintenance is allowed to be performed on such facilities to assure that they continue to function as designed. It is not the intent of this subdivision to allow a best management practice that collects and treats runoff from only an individual lot or some portion of the lot to be located within a Resource Protection Area.

2. Exemptions in Resource Protection Areas. The following land disturbances in Resource Protection Areas may be exempt from the criteria of this part provided that they comply with subdivisions a and b of this subdivision 2: (i) water wells; (ii) passive recreation facilities such as boardwalks, trails, and pathways; and (iii) historic preservation and archaeological activities:

a. Local governments shall establish administrative procedures to review such exemptions.

b. Any land disturbance exceeding an area of 2,500 square feet shall comply with the erosion and sediment control criteria in subdivision 5 of 9VAC25-830-130.

3. Buffer area requirements. The 100-foot wide buffer area shall be the landward component of the Resource Protection Area as set forth in subdivision B 5 of 9VAC25-830-80. Notwithstanding permitted uses, encroachments, and vegetation clearing, as set forth in this section, the 100-foot wide buffer area is not reduced in width. To minimize the adverse effects of human activities on the other components of the Resource Protection Area, state waters, and aquatic life, a 100-foot wide buffer area of vegetation that is effective in retarding runoff, preventing erosion, and filtering nonpoint source pollution from runoff shall be retained if present and established where it does not exist. Where such buffer must be established, the planting of trees should be utilized to the maximum extent practicable and appropriate to site conditions.

a. The 100-foot wide buffer area shall be deemed to achieve a 75% reduction of sediments and a 40% reduction of nutrients.

b. Where land uses such as agriculture or silviculture within the area of the buffer cease and the lands are proposed to be converted to other uses, the full 100-foot wide buffer shall be reestablished. In reestablishing the buffer, management measures shall be undertaken to provide woody vegetation that assures the buffer functions set forth in this chapter. Such measures should include to the maximum extent practicable and appropriate to site conditions the planting of trees in reestablishing the buffer.

4. Permitted encroachments into the buffer area.

a. When the application of the buffer area would result in the loss of a buildable area on a lot or parcel recorded prior to October 1, 1989, encroachments into the buffer area may be allowed through an administrative process in accordance with the following criteria:

(1) Encroachments into the buffer area shall be the minimum necessary to achieve a reasonable buildable area for a principal structure and necessary utilities.

(2) Where practicable, a vegetated area that will maximize water quality protection, mitigate the effects of the buffer encroachment, and is equal to the area of encroachment into the buffer area shall be established elsewhere on the lot or parcel. Such vegetated area where established should include the planting of trees to the maximum extent practicable.

(3) The encroachment may not extend into the seaward 50 feet of the buffer area.

b. When the application of the buffer area would result in the loss of a buildable area on a lot or parcel recorded between October 1, 1989, and March 1, 2002, encroachments into the buffer area may be allowed through an administrative process in accordance with the following criteria:

(1) The lot or parcel was created as a result of a legal process conducted in conformity with the local government's subdivision regulations;

(2) Conditions or mitigation measures imposed through a previously approved exception shall be met;

(3) If the use of a best management practice (BMP) was previously required, the BMP shall be evaluated to determine if it continues to function effectively and, if necessary, the BMP shall be reestablished or repaired and maintained as required; and

(4) The criteria in subdivision 4 a of this section shall be met.

5. Permitted modifications of the buffer area.

a. In order to maintain the functional value of the buffer area, existing vegetation may be removed, subject to approval by the local government, only to provide for reasonable sight lines, access paths, general woodlot management, and best management practices, including those that prevent upland erosion and concentrated flows of stormwater, as follows:

(1) Trees may be pruned or removed as necessary to provide for sight lines and vistas, provided that where removed, they shall be replaced with other vegetation that is equally effective in retarding runoff, preventing erosion, and filtering nonpoint source pollution from runoff. Mature trees should be preserved and not removed to the maximum extent practicable under this provision. When trees are removed, the other vegetation to replace the trees should be trees as well to the maximum extent practicable.

(2) Any path shall be constructed and surfaced so as to effectively control erosion.

(3) Dead, diseased, or dying trees or shrubbery and noxious weeds (such as Johnson grass, kudzu, and multiflora rose) may be removed and thinning of trees may be allowed pursuant to sound horticultural practice incorporated into locally-adopted standards.

(4) For shoreline erosion control projects, trees and woody vegetation may be removed, necessary control techniques employed, and appropriate vegetation established to protect or stabilize the shoreline in accordance with the best available technical advice and applicable permit conditions or requirements. Mature trees should be preserved to the maximum extent practicable consistent with the best available technical advice and permit conditions or requirements and trees should be utilized in the projects to the maximum extent practicable.

b. On agricultural lands the agricultural buffer area shall be managed to prevent concentrated flows of surface water from breaching the buffer area and appropriate measures may be taken to prevent noxious weeds (such as Johnson grass, kudzu, and multiflora rose) from invading the buffer area. Agricultural activities may encroach into the buffer area as follows:

(1) Agricultural activities may encroach into the landward 50 feet of the 100-foot wide buffer area when at least one agricultural best management practice which, in the opinion of the local soil and water conservation district board, addresses the more predominant water quality issue on the adjacent land—erosion control or nutrient management—is being implemented on the adjacent land, provided that the combination of the undisturbed buffer area and the best management practice achieves water quality protection, pollutant removal, and water resource conservation at least the equivalent of the 100-foot wide buffer area. If nutrient management is identified as the predominant water quality issue, a nutrient management plan, including soil tests, must be developed consistent with the Virginia Nutrient Management Training and Certification Regulations (4VAC5-15) (4VAC50-85) administered by the Virginia Department of Soil and Water Conservation and Recreation Board.

(2) Agricultural activities may encroach within the landward 75 feet of the 100-foot wide buffer area when agricultural best management practices which address erosion control, nutrient management, and pest chemical control, are being implemented on the adjacent land. The erosion control practices must prevent erosion from exceeding the soil loss tolerance level, referred to as "T," as defined in the "National Soil Survey Handbook" of November 1996 in the "Field Office Technical Guide" of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service. A nutrient management plan, including soil tests, must be developed, consistent with the Virginia Nutrient Management Training and Certification Regulations (4VAC5-15) (4VAC50-85) administered by the Virginia Department of Soil and Water Conservation and Recreation Board. In conjunction with the remaining buffer area, this collection of best management practices shall be presumed to achieve water quality protection at least the equivalent of that provided by the 100-foot wide buffer area.

(3) The buffer area is not required to be designated adjacent to agricultural drainage ditches if at least one best management practice which, in the opinion of the local soil and water conservation district board, addresses the more predominant water quality issue on the adjacent land—either erosion control or nutrient management—is being implemented on the adjacent land.

(4) If specific problems are identified pertaining to agricultural activities that are causing pollution of the nearby water body with perennial flow or violate performance standards pertaining to the vegetated buffer area, the local government, in cooperation with soil and water conservation district, shall recommend a compliance schedule to the landowner and require the problems to be corrected consistent with that schedule. This schedule shall expedite environmental protection while taking into account the seasons and other temporal considerations so that the probability for successfully implementing the corrective measures is greatest.

(5) In cases where the landowner or his the landowner's agent or operator has refused assistance from the local soil and water conservation district in complying with or documenting compliance with the agricultural requirements of this chapter, the district shall report the noncompliance to the local government. The local government shall require the landowner to correct the problems within a specified period of time not to exceed 18 months from their initial notification of the deficiencies to the landowner. The local government, in cooperation with the district, shall recommend a compliance schedule to the landowner. This schedule shall expedite environmental protection while taking into account the seasons and other temporal considerations so that the probability for successfully implementing the corrective measures is greatest.

6. Water quality impact assessment. A water quality impact assessment shall be required for any proposed development within the Resource Protection Area consistent with this part and for any other development in Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas that may warrant such assessment because of the unique characteristics of the site or intensity of the proposed use or development.

a. The purpose of the water quality impact assessment is to identify the impacts of proposed development on water quality and lands in the Resource Protection Areas consistent with the goals and objectives of the Act, this chapter, and local programs, and to determine specific measures for mitigation of those impacts. The specific content and procedures for the water quality impact assessment shall be established by each local government. Local governments should notify the board of all development requiring such an assessment.

b. The water quality impact assessment shall be of sufficient specificity to demonstrate compliance with the criteria of the local program.

7. Buffer area requirements for Intensely Developed Areas. In Intensely Developed Areas the local government may exercise discretion regarding whether to require establishment of vegetation in the 100-foot wide buffer area. However, while the immediate establishment of vegetation in the buffer area may be impractical, local governments shall give consideration to implementing measures that would establish vegetation in the buffer in these areas over time in order to maximize water quality protection, pollutant removal, and water resource conservation. In considering such measures, the local government should consider the planting of trees as a part of any such measures.

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-6648; Filed January 12, 2021
TITLE 10. FINANCE AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
STATE CORPORATION COMMISSION
Proposed

REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The State Corporation Commission is claiming an exemption from the Administrative Process Act in accordance with § 2.2-4002 A 2 of the Code of Virginia, which exempts courts, any agency of the Supreme Court, and any agency that by the Constitution is expressly granted any of the powers of a court of record.

Title of Regulation: 10VAC5-210. Motor Vehicle Title Lending (amending 10VAC5-210-10, 10VAC5-210-20, 10VAC5-210-30, 10VAC5-210-40, 10VAC5-210-50, 10VAC5-210-60, 10VAC5-210-70, 10VAC5-210-80, 10VAC5-210-90, 10VAC5-210-95).

Statutory Authority: §§ 12.1-13 and 6.2-2214 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Hearing Information: A public hearing will be held upon request.

Public Comment Deadline: February 12, 2021.

Agency Contact: Dustin Physioc, Deputy Commissioner, Bureau of Financial Institutions, State Corporation Commission, P.O. Box 640, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 786-0831, FAX (804) 371-9416, or email dustin.physioc@scc.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The proposed amendments conform the regulation to Chapters 1215 and 1258 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly and make technical changes to the regulation. Specifically, proposed amendments (i) modify the definitions; (ii) reorganize and update the motor vehicle title lending pamphlet; (iii) require an applicant's surety bond be retained in the event that a person's application for a license is withdrawn or denied; (iv) clarify that licensees need to continuously maintain the requirements and standards for licensure prescribed in § 6.2-2206 of the Code of Virginia; (v) remove the requirement that a licensee provide each prospective borrower with a separate printed notice before the licensee furnishes the borrower with a loan application or receives information relating to loan qualification; (vi) require a licensee to post the schedule of finance charges and notice prescribed by subdivision 15 of § 6.2-2215 of the Code of Virginia on its website as well as in each licensed location; (vii) update the required contents of the annual report that licensees are required to furnish to the Commissioner of Financial Institutions; (viii) establish that if a licensee performs certain loan functions on or through its website or mobile application and any other products or services are offered or sold to Virginia residents using such website or mobile application, then the offer or sale of such other products or services constitutes other business; (ix) impose specific conditions on the conduct of a check cashing business from a licensee's motor vehicle title lending offices; (x) revise the condition that specifically pertains to the operation of an automated teller machine from a licensee's motor vehicle title lending offices; (xi) prohibit a licensee from providing a consumer with an envelope or other written material that gives the false impression that the mailing or written material is an official communication from a governmental entity; (xii) establish that a licensee's advertisements need to comply with the disclosure requirements for advertisements that are contained in Regulation Z (12 CFR Part 1026); (xiii) require a licensee to maintain copies of any notices or disclosures that the licensee furnishes to a borrower; and (xiv) eliminate the annual fee that is currently imposed on companies that are granted a license between January 1 and September 15 of the year of the assessment.

AT RICHMOND, JANUARY 11, 2021

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, ex rel.

STATE CORPORATION COMMISSION

CASE NO. BFI-2021-00001

Ex Parte: In the matter of Adopting

Revisions to the Regulations Governing

Motor Vehicle Title Lending

ORDER TO TAKE NOTICE

Section 6.2-2214 of the Code of Virginia ("Code") provides that the State Corporation Commission ("Commission") shall adopt such regulations as it deems appropriate to effect the purposes of Chapter 22 (§ 6.2-2200 et seq.) of Title 6.2 of the Code ("Chapter 22"). The Commission's regulations governing motor vehicle title lending are set forth in Chapter 210 of Title 10 of the Virginia Administrative Code ("Chapter 210").

The Bureau of Financial Institutions ("Bureau") has submitted to the Commission proposed amendments to Chapter 210. The proposed amendments are prompted by Chapters 1215 and 1258 of the 2020 Virginia Acts of Assembly ("Chapters 1215 and 1258"), which made extensive changes to Chapter 22 that became effective on January 1, 2021. In particular, Chapters 1215 and 1258 altered many of the requirements, prohibitions, and limitations that govern motor vehicle title loans made by licensees under Chapter 22. Accordingly, the Bureau has proposed substantial revisions to Chapter 210, which are needed in order to conform the regulations to Chapters 1215 and 1258.

The vast majority of the Bureau's proposal aligns Chapter 210 with Chapters 1215 and 1258, as well as clarifies certain issues that stem from the legislation. However, the Bureau is also proposing various technical changes as well as an assortment of revisions that are not prompted by the legislation. These revisions include the following:

Definitions.

The proposed amendments to section 10 VAC 5-210-10 modify the definitions of "business day," "good funds instrument," and "liquid assets," and remove several terms that are now defined in § 6.2-100 of the Code or that do not appear in Chapter 210 as proposed.

Requirements for licensees; reporting requirements; acquisitions.

In section 10 VAC 5-210-20, the Bureau proposes to retain an applicant's surety bond in the event that a person's application for a license is withdrawn or denied. The proposal also modifies the requirement for reporting certain contact and loan record location information to the Bureau, and clarifies that licensees need to continuously maintain the requirements and standards for licensure prescribed in § 6.2-2206 of the Code.

Motor vehicle title lending pamphlet.

The proposed revisions to section 10 VAC 5-210-30 remove the requirement that a licensee provide each prospective borrower with a separate printed notice before the licensee furnishes the borrower with a loan application or receives information relating to loan qualification. Additionally, the proposal relocates the acknowledgment for the borrower rights and responsibilities pamphlet to the end of the licensee's application form. Section 10 VAC 5-210-30 also contains amendments that update the prescribed text of the pamphlet to reflect changes that are being proposed elsewhere in Chapter 210.

Posting of charges and contact information for complaints.

The proposed amendments to section 10 VAC 5-210-40 require a licensee to post the schedule of finance charges and notice prescribed by subdivision 15 of § 6.2-2215 of the Code on its website as well as in each licensed location. In addition, the Bureau is proposing to modify the contents of the notice as well as remove the minimum type sizes that are specified for the notice and schedule of finance charges.

Annual reporting requirements.

The modifications that are proposed in section 10 VAC 5-210-60 update the required contents of the annual report that licensees are required to furnish to the Commissioner of Financial Institutions.

Conducting other business.

In section 10 VAC 5-210-70, the proposal establishes that if a licensee performs certain loan functions on or through its website or mobile application and any other products or services are offered or sold to Virginia residents using such website or mobile application, then the offer or sale of such other products or services constitutes other business for purposes of this section.

Additionally, the proposed revisions clarify that although Commission approval is not required for either a registered check cashing business or a licensed short-term lending business to be conducted from a licensee's motor vehicle title lending offices, the conduct of these businesses from such offices is otherwise governed by section 10 VAC 5-210-70. In this regard, the proposal imposes specific conditions on the conduct of a check cashing business from a licensee's motor vehicle title lending offices. Furthermore, subsection E of this section currently attaches specific conditions to the conduct of a payday lending business from a licensee's motor vehicle title lending offices, so the Bureau has proposed that the references therein to payday lending and payday loans be changed to short-term lending and short-term loans in order to reflect the new purview of Chapter 18 of Title 6.2 (§ 6.2-1800 et seq.) of the Code.1

Lastly, the proposal revises the condition that specifically pertains to the operation of an automated teller machine from a licensee's motor vehicle title lending offices, and clarifies that the conditions prescribed in section 10 VAC 5-210-70 generally supersede the conditions that were set forth in the other business approval orders previously entered by the Commission.

Advertising.

The modifications proposed by the Bureau in section 10 VAC 5-210-80 prohibit a licensee from providing a consumer with an envelope or other written material that gives the false impression that the mailing or written material is an official communication from a governmental entity. The proposal also establishes that a licensee's advertisements need to comply with the disclosure requirements for advertisements that are contained in Regulation Z (12 C.F.R. Part 1026).

Books, accounts, and records; responding to requests from the Bureau.

The proposed revisions to section 10 VAC 5-210-90 require a licensee to maintain copies of any notices or disclosures that the licensee furnishes to a borrower pursuant to Chapter 22 or Chapter 210. In addition, the Bureau is proposing to extend the provisions concerning the disposal of records containing a consumer's personal financial information to former licensees.

Schedule of annual fees for the examination, supervision, and regulation of motor vehicle title lenders.

The amendments proposed by the Bureau in section 10 VAC 5-210-95 eliminate the annual fee that is currently imposed on companies that are granted a license under Chapter 22 between January 1 and September 15 of the year of the assessment.

NOW THE COMMISSION, based on the information supplied by the Bureau, is of the opinion and finds that the proposed regulations should be considered for adoption.

Accordingly, IT IS ORDERED THAT:

(1) The proposed regulations are attached hereto and made a part hereof.

(2) Comments or requests for a hearing on the proposed regulations must be submitted in writing to the Clerk of the Commission, State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218, on or before February 12, 2021. Requests for a hearing shall state why a hearing is necessary and why the issues cannot be adequately addressed in written comments. All correspondence shall contain a reference to Case No. BFI-2021-00001. Interested persons desiring to submit comments or request a hearing electronically may do so by following the instructions available at the Commission's website: scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments.

(3) This Order and the attached proposed regulations shall be made available on the Commission's website: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information.

(4) The Commission's Division of Information Resources shall provide a copy of this Order and the proposed regulations to the Virginia Registrar of Regulations for publication in the Virginia Register of Regulations.

A COPY of this Order and the attached proposed regulations shall be sent by the Clerk of the Commission to the Commission's Office of General Counsel and to the Commissioner of Financial Institutions, who shall send by e-mail or U.S. mail a copy of this Order and the attached proposed regulations to all licensed motor vehicle title lenders and such other interested persons as he may designate.

__________________________________

1Chapters 1215 and 1258 removed all existing references to payday loans from Chapter 18 and instead authorized companies licensed under Chapter 18 to make short-term loans.

10VAC5-210-10. Definitions.

A. The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Act" means Chapter 22 (§ 6.2-2200 et seq.) of Title 6.2 of the Code of Virginia.

"Advertisement" for purposes of the Act and this chapter means a commercial message in any medium that promotes, directly or indirectly, a motor vehicle title loan. The term includes a communication sent to a consumer as part of a solicitation of business, but excludes messages on promotional items such as pens, pencils, notepads, hats, and calendars, etc.

"Bureau" means the Bureau of Financial Institutions.

"Business day" for purposes of the Act and this chapter means a day on which the licensee's office licensee is open for business as posted as required by subsection B of 10VAC5-210-50 able to make loans pursuant to the Act.

"Commission" means the State Corporation Commission.

"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Financial Institutions.

"Duplicate original" for purposes of the Act and this chapter means an exact copy of a signed original, an exact copy with signatures created by the same impression as the original, or an exact copy bearing an original signature.

"Good funds instrument" for purposes of the Act and this chapter means a certified check, cashier's check, money order or, if the licensee is equipped to handle and willing to accept such payments, payment effected by use of a credit card, prepaid card, or debit card, or the Automated Clearing House system.

"Liquid assets" for purposes of the Act and this chapter means cash funds held in a checking account or savings account at a depository institutions institution, money market funds, commercial paper, and treasury bills.

"Prepaid card" means a card with a network logo (e.g., Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover) that is used by a cardholder to access money that has been loaded onto the card in advance.

B. Other terms used in this chapter shall have the meanings set forth in § 6.2-100 or 6.2-2200 of the Act Code of Virginia.

10VAC5-210-20. Requirements for licensees; reporting requirements; acquisitions.

A. A licensee shall maintain in its own name unencumbered liquid assets per approved place of business in Virginia of at least $75,000 at all times.

1. The minimum liquid assets required to be maintained pursuant to this subsection shall be separate and apart from, and in addition to, any minimum liquid assets that the licensee is required to maintain in connection with any other business conducted in the same office.

2. A licensee shall upon request by the bureau submit proof that it is complying with the provisions of this subsection.

B. After receiving its license from the commission, a licensee shall give written notice to the bureau of its commencement of business within 10 days thereafter.

C. Within 15 days following the occurrence of any of the following events, a licensee shall file a written report with the commissioner describing the event and its expected impact, if any, on the activities of the licensee in Virginia:

1. Bankruptcy, reorganization, or receivership proceedings are filed by or against the licensee.

2. The Attorney General or any other Virginia governmental authority institutes an action against the licensee under the Virginia Consumer Protection Act (§ 59.1-196 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

3. Any local, state, or federal governmental authority institutes revocation, suspension, or other formal administrative, regulatory, or enforcement proceedings against the licensee.

4. Any local, state, or federal governmental authority (i) revokes or suspends the licensee's motor vehicle title lender license, title pawn license, or similar license; (ii) takes formal administrative, regulatory, or enforcement action against the licensee relating to its motor vehicle title lending, title pawn, or similar business; or (iii) takes any other action against the licensee relating to its motor vehicle title lending, title pawn, or similar business where the total amount of restitution or other payment from the licensee exceeds $20,000. A licensee shall not be required to provide the commissioner with information about such event to the extent that such disclosure is prohibited by the laws of another state.

5. Based on allegations by any local, state, or federal governmental authority that the licensee violated any law or regulation applicable to the conduct of its licensed motor vehicle title lending, title pawn, or similar business, the licensee enters into, or otherwise agrees to the entry of, a settlement or consent order, decree, or agreement with or by such governmental authority.

6. The licensee surrenders its license to engage in motor vehicle title lending, title pawn, or similar business in another state in lieu of threatened or pending license revocation, license suspension, or other administrative, regulatory, or enforcement action.

7. The licensee is denied a license to engage in motor vehicle title lending, title pawn, or similar business in another state.

8. The licensee or any of its members, partners, directors, officers, principals, or employees is indicted or convicted of a felony.

D. Any person submitting an application to acquire, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of the voting shares of a corporation or 25% or more of the ownership of any other person licensed to conduct business under the Act shall pay a nonrefundable application fee of $500.

E. If a person has filed a bond with the bureau, as required by § 6.2-2204 of the Code of Virginia, such bond shall be retained by the bureau notwithstanding the occurrence of any of the following events:

1. The person's license is surrendered, suspended, or revoked; or

2. The person ceases making motor vehicle title loans; or

3. The person's application for a license is withdrawn or denied.

F. Within 30 A licensee or former licensee shall provide the following information to the bureau within 10 days after a such person's license is surrendered or revoked, the former licensee shall provide the bureau with or the licensed business is otherwise closed: (i) the name names, address addresses, email addresses, and telephone number numbers of a designated contact person and the person who consumers may contact to make payment arrangements for outstanding motor vehicle title loans; (ii) the location of the licensee's or former licensee's motor vehicle title loan records; and (iii) any additional information that the bureau may reasonably require. A licensee or former licensee shall maintain current information with the bureau until the licensee or former licensee has no outstanding motor vehicle title loans.

G. A person shall remain subject to the provisions of the Act and this chapter applicable to licensees in connection with all motor vehicle title loans that the person made while licensed as a motor vehicle title lender notwithstanding the occurrence of any of the following events:

1. The person's license is surrendered, suspended, or revoked; or

2. The person ceases making motor vehicle title loans.

H. Loans made pursuant to the Act prior to January 1, 2021, that remain outstanding on or after January 1, 2021, may be collected in accordance with the preexisting terms of the loan contracts provided that such terms were permitted by law when the loans were made.

I. A licensee shall continuously maintain the requirements and standards for licensure prescribed in § 6.2-2206 of the Code of Virginia.

10VAC5-210-30. Notice and Motor vehicle title lending pamphlet.

A. Prior to furnishing a prospective borrower with a loan application or receiving any information relating to loan qualification, a A licensee shall provide the prospective borrower each applicant for a motor vehicle title loan with (i) a written notice that complies with subsection B of this section; and (ii) a borrower rights and responsibilities pamphlet that complies with subsections C and D of this section.

B. 1. The required text of the written notice shall be as follows: "WARNING: A motor vehicle title loan is not intended to meet your long-term financial needs. The interest rate on a motor vehicle title loan is high and you are pledging your motor vehicle as collateral for the loan. If you fail to repay your loan in accordance with your loan agreement, we may repossess and sell your motor vehicle. You should consider whether there are other lower cost loans available to you. If you obtain a motor vehicle title loan, you should request the minimum loan amount required to meet your immediate needs." A licensee shall not modify or supplement the required text of the written notice. 2. The written notice shall be printed on a single 8-1/2 x 11 sheet of paper and be separate from all other papers, documents, or notices obtained or furnished by the licensee. The notice shall be printed in at least 24-point bold type and contain an acknowledgment that is signed and dated by each prospective borrower. The end of each application form shall contain a separate acknowledgment shall state stating the following: "I acknowledge that I have received a copy of this notice and the pamphlet entitled "Motor Vehicle Title Lending in the Commonwealth of Virginia - Borrower Rights and Responsibilities." 3. A duplicate original of the acknowledged notice shall be kept by a licensee in the separate file maintained with respect to the loan for the period specified in § 6.2-2209 of the Code of Virginia. The acknowledgment shall be initialed and dated by each applicant for a motor vehicle title loan.

C. The borrower rights and responsibilities pamphlet shall be printed in at least 12-point type and be separate from all other papers, documents, or notices obtained or furnished by the licensee. The pamphlet shall contain the exact language prescribed in subsection D of this section. A licensee shall not modify or supplement the required text of the pamphlet. The title of the pamphlet ("Motor Vehicle Title Lending in the Commonwealth of Virginia - Borrower Rights and Responsibilities") and the headings for the individual sections of the pamphlet (e.g., "In General," "Notice Information from Lender," etc.) shall be printed in bold type.

D. The required text of the borrower rights and responsibilities pamphlet shall be as follows:

MOTOR VEHICLE TITLE LENDING IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

BORROWER RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Please take the time to carefully review the information contained in this pamphlet. It is designed to advise you of your rights and responsibilities in connection with obtaining a motor vehicle title loan in Virginia under Chapter 22 (§ 6.2-2200 et seq.) of Title 6.2 of the Code of Virginia.

If you have any questions about motor vehicle title lending or want additional information, you may contact the Virginia State Corporation Commission's Bureau of Financial Institutions toll-free at (800) 552-7945 or on the Internet at http://www.scc.virginia.gov/bfi scc.virginia.gov.

In General: You are responsible for evaluating whether a motor vehicle title loan is right for you. Alternatives may include among other things less expensive short-term financing from another financial institution, family, or friends, a cash advance on a credit card, or an account with overdraft protection.

Notice from Lender: A motor vehicle title lender is required to provide you with a clear and conspicuous printed notice advising you that a motor vehicle title loan is not intended to meet your long-term financial needs; that the interest rate on a motor vehicle title loan is high; and that if you fail to repay your loan in accordance with your loan agreement, the motor vehicle title lender may repossess and sell your motor vehicle.

Information from Lender: Virginia law prohibits a motor vehicle title lender from providing you with any false, misleading, or deceptive information.

Prohibition on Obtaining Loan if Motor Vehicle has Existing Lien / One Loan at a Time: Virginia law prohibits a motor vehicle title lender from making a motor vehicle title loan to you if (i) your certificate of title indicates that your motor vehicle is security for another loan or has an existing lien; or (ii) you currently have another motor vehicle title loan from either the same motor vehicle title lender or any other motor vehicle title lender conducting a motor vehicle title lending business in Virginia; or (iii) you currently have a short-term loan from any lender that is licensed to make this type of loan under Chapter 18 (§ 6.2-1800 et seq.) of Title 6.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Prohibition on Obtaining Loan on Same Day Another Loan was Repaid: Virginia law prohibits a motor vehicle title lender from making a motor vehicle title loan to you on the same day that you repaid or satisfied in full a motor vehicle title loan from either the same motor vehicle title lender or any other motor vehicle title lender conducting a motor vehicle title lending business in Virginia.

Verification of Income: Before making a motor vehicle title loan to you, a lender must make a reasonable attempt to verify and document your income.

Prohibition on Loans to Covered Members of the Armed Forces and their Dependents: Virginia law prohibits a motor vehicle title lender from making motor vehicle title loans to covered members of the armed forces and their dependents. If you are (i) on active duty under a call or order that does not specify a period of 30 days or less; or (ii) on active guard and reserve duty, then you are a covered member of the armed forces and a motor vehicle title lender is prohibited from making a motor vehicle title loan to you. A motor vehicle title lender is also prohibited from making a motor vehicle title loan to you if (i) you are married to a covered member of the armed forces; (ii) you are the child, as defined in 38 USC § 101(4), of a covered member of the armed forces; or (iii) more than one-half of your support during the past 180 days was provided by a covered member of the armed forces.

Certificate of Title / Other Security Interests: Prior to obtaining a motor vehicle title loan, you will be required to give a motor vehicle title lender the certificate of title for your motor vehicle. The motor vehicle title lender is required to record its lien with the motor vehicle department in the state where your motor vehicle is registered and hold the certificate of title until your loan is repaid or satisfied in full. The motor vehicle title lender cannot take an interest in more than one motor vehicle as security for a motor vehicle title loan. Apart from your motor vehicle and any accessories that are attached to it, the motor vehicle title lender cannot take an interest in any other property you own as security for a motor vehicle title loan.

Maximum Loan Amount: A motor vehicle title lender cannot loan you more than 50% of the fair market value of your motor vehicle. The fair market value is generally based on the loan value for your motor vehicle according to a recognized pricing guide $2,500.

Minimum and Maximum Loan Term / Monthly Payments: Under Virginia law, your loan term cannot be either less than 120 days or more than 12 24 months. Your loan term also cannot be less than six months unless your total monthly payment will not exceed the greater of (i) 5.0% of your verified gross monthly income or (ii) 6.0% of your verified net monthly income. Your motor vehicle title loan will be repayable in substantially equal monthly installments of principal, fees, and interest combined. However, if you have a longer first payment period, your first monthly payment may be larger than your remaining monthly payments.

Interest, Fees, and Other Loan Costs Charges: The following are the maximum interest rates that a A motor vehicle title lender is permitted to charge you PER MONTH on the principal amount of your loan that remains outstanding: (i) 22% per month on the portion of the outstanding balance up to and including $700 interest at a simple annual rate not to exceed 36%; and (ii) 18% per month on the portion of the outstanding balance between $700.01 and $1,400; and (iii) 15% per month on the portion of the outstanding balance of $1,400.01 and higher. As long as these maximum rates are not exceeded, a motor vehicle title lender is allowed to accrue interest using a single blended interest rate if the initial principal is higher than $700 a monthly maintenance fee that does not exceed the lesser of $15 or 8.0% of your originally contracted loan amount, provided that the maintenance fee is not added to your loan balance on which interest is charged. In addition to interest and the monthly maintenance fee, a motor vehicle title lender may charge you for the actual cost of recording its lien with the motor vehicle department in the state where your motor vehicle is registered a deposit item return fee for the actual amount incurred by the motor vehicle title lender, not to exceed $25, if your check or electronic payment is returned unpaid because the account on which it was drawn was closed by you or contained insufficient funds, or you stopped payment on the check or electronic payment.

If you make a payment more than seven calendar days after its due date, a motor vehicle title lender may impose a late charge of up to five percent 5.0% of the amount of the payment, but not to exceed $20.

Note that if your originally contracted loan amount is $1,500 or less, a motor vehicle title lender cannot charge or receive from you a total amount of fees and charges greater than 50% of your loan amount. If your loan amount is more than $1,500, the total amount of fees and charges cannot exceed 60% of your loan amount.

A motor vehicle title lender is prohibited from accruing or charging you interest on or after (i) the date the motor vehicle title lender or a person acting on behalf of the lender repossesses your motor vehicle; or (ii) 60 days after you fail to make a monthly payment on your loan, unless you are hiding your motor vehicle.

Other than interest and the costs specifically mentioned in this section and the section below ("Costs of Repossession and Sale"), no additional amounts may be directly or indirectly charged, contracted for, collected, or received, or recovered by a motor vehicle title lender.

The interest, fees, and charges mentioned in this section may not be charged, collected, or received unless they are included in your written loan agreement.

Costs of Repossession and Sale: A motor vehicle title lender may charge you for any reasonable costs that it incurs in repossessing, preparing for sale, and selling your motor vehicle if (i) you default on your motor vehicle title loan; (ii) the motor vehicle title lender sends you a written notice at least 10 days prior to repossession advising you that your motor vehicle title loan is in default and that your motor vehicle may be repossessed unless you pay the outstanding principal and interest; and (iii) you fail to pay the amount owed prior to the date of repossession. However, the total amount charged to you for the repossession and sale of your motor vehicle cannot exceed 5.0% of your originally contracted loan amount. A motor vehicle title lender is prohibited from charging you for any storage costs if the motor vehicle title lender takes possession of your motor vehicle.

Written Loan Agreement: A motor vehicle title lender must provide you with a written loan agreement, which must be signed by both you and an authorized representative of the motor vehicle title lender. Your motor vehicle title loan agreement is a binding, legal document that requires you to repay your loan. Make sure you read the entire loan agreement carefully before signing and dating it. A motor vehicle title lender must provide you with a duplicate original copy of your signed loan agreement at the time you sign it. If any provision of your loan agreement violates Chapter 22 (§ 6.2-2200 et seq.) of Title 6.2 of the Code of Virginia, the provision will not be enforceable against you.

Property Insurance: A motor vehicle title lender may require you to purchase or maintain property insurance for your motor vehicle. However, a motor vehicle title lender cannot require you to purchase or maintain property insurance from or through a particular provider or list of providers.

Prohibition on Obtaining Funds Electronically / Authority to Prepare Checks / Electronic Payments / Obtaining PINs: A motor vehicle title lender is prohibited from electronically debiting your deposit account or obtaining any of your funds by electronic means. The lender also cannot obtain obtaining any agreement from you that gives the lender or a third party the authority to prepare a check that is drawn upon your deposit account. If the motor vehicle title lender is equipped to handle and willing to accept such payments, you may make a payment on your loan by using a credit card, prepaid card, or debit card, or the Automated Clearing House system. However, the lender is prohibited from obtaining or receiving a personal identification number (PIN) for a credit card, prepaid card, debit card, or any other type of card in connection with your loan. If you have authorized electronic payments for your loan, you have the right to remove your authorization at any time.

Loan Proceeds: You will receive your loan proceeds in the form of (i) cash; (ii) a check from the motor vehicle title lender; or (iii) a debit card. If you receive a check, the motor vehicle title lender or an affiliate of the lender is prohibited from charging you a fee for cashing the check. Similarly, a check casher located in the same office as the motor vehicle title lender is prohibited from charging you a fee for cashing the motor vehicle title lender's check. If you receive a debit card, the motor vehicle title lender is prohibited from charging you an additional fee when you withdraw or use the loan proceeds.

Other Businesses: A motor vehicle title lender is prohibited from engaging in any other businesses in its motor vehicle title loan offices unless permitted by order of the State Corporation Commission. A motor vehicle title lender is also prohibited by statute from selling you any type of insurance coverage.

Using Motor Vehicle Title Loan to Purchase Products or Services or Repay Other Loans: A motor vehicle title lender is You are prohibited from making you a using any of the money from your motor vehicle title loan so that you can to purchase another product or service sold (i) at the motor vehicle title lender's business location, or (ii) on or through the motor vehicle title lender's website or mobile application. A motor vehicle title lender is also prohibited from making you a motor vehicle title loan so that you can repay another loan you may have from either the motor vehicle title lender or an affiliate of the motor vehicle title lender.

Right to Cancel or Rescind: You have the right to cancel or rescind your motor vehicle title loan at any time prior to the close 5 p.m. of the third business on the next day the motor vehicle title lender is open immediately following the date your day you entered into the loan is made agreement by either returning the original loan proceeds check or paying the motor vehicle title lender the amount advanced to you in cash or by certified check, cashier's check, money order or, if the motor vehicle title lender is equipped to handle and willing to accept such payments, by using a credit card, prepaid card, or debit card, or the Automated Clearing House system. If you timely cancel or rescind your motor vehicle title loan, the motor vehicle title lender must mark your original loan agreement with the word "canceled" and return it to you along with your certificate of title.

Cash Payments / Partial Payments / Prepayments / Refinancing: You are permitted to make payments on your motor vehicle title loan by cash, certified check, cashier's check, money order, or if the motor vehicle title lender is equipped to handle and willing to accept such payments, by using a credit card, prepaid card, debit card, or the Automated Clearing House system. You have the right to receive a signed, dated receipt for each cash payment made in person, which will show the along with a statement of the balance remaining on your motor vehicle title loan.

Additionally, you have the right to make a partial payment on your motor vehicle title loan at any time prior to its specified due the maturity date of the loan without penalty. However, a motor vehicle title lender may apply a partial payment first to any amounts that are due and unpaid at the time of such payment. If your motor vehicle title loan is current, a partial payment will reduce your outstanding balance as well as the total amount of interest that you will be required to pay.

You also have the right to prepay your motor vehicle title loan in full before its specified maturity date without penalty by paying the motor vehicle title lender the total outstanding balance on your loan, including any accrued and unpaid interest and other charges fees that you may owe on your motor vehicle title loan. If you prepay your loan in full or your loan is refinanced with another motor vehicle title loan, the motor vehicle title lender must refund to you a prorated portion of loan charges, except for any deposit item return fees and late charges, based on a ratio of the number of days the loan was outstanding and the number of days for which the loan was originally contracted. The lender must provide you with the refund in the form of cash or a check no later than two business days after you prepay your loan in full or your loan is refinanced. Your loan may be refinanced with another motor vehicle title loan only if the new loan is made by the same motor vehicle title lender (i.e., the lender who made the loan that you are currently obligated to repay).

Lender to Return Original Loan Agreement and Certificate of Title: Within 10 days after the date that you repay your motor vehicle title loan in full, the motor vehicle title lender must (i) mark your original loan agreement with the word "paid" or "canceled" and return it to you; (ii) take any action necessary to reflect the termination of terminate its lien on your motor vehicle's certificate of title; and (iii) return the certificate of title to you. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your certificate of title, you should contact the motor vehicle department in the state where your motor vehicle is registered.

No Rollovers, Extensions, Etc.: A motor vehicle title lender cannot refinance, renew, extend, or rollover your motor vehicle title loan.

Failure to Repay: Pay back your motor vehicle title loan! Know when your payments are due and be sure to repay your motor vehicle title loan on time and in full. IF YOU DO NOT REPAY YOUR MOTOR VEHICLE TITLE LOAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH YOUR LOAN AGREEMENT, THE MOTOR VEHICLE TITLE LENDER MAY REPOSSESS AND SELL YOUR MOTOR VEHICLE (see section below on "Repossession and Sale of your Motor Vehicle").

In general, a motor vehicle title lender cannot seek a personal money judgment against you if you fail to pay any amount owed in accordance with your loan agreement. However, a motor vehicle title lender may seek a personal money judgment against you if you impair the motor vehicle title lender's security interest by (i) intentionally damaging or destroying your motor vehicle; (ii) intentionally hiding your motor vehicle; (iii) giving the motor vehicle title lender a lien on a motor vehicle that has an undisclosed prior lien; (iv) selling your motor vehicle without the motor vehicle title lender's written consent; or (v) securing another loan or obligation with a security interest in your motor vehicle without the motor vehicle title lender's written consent.

In collecting or attempting to collect a motor vehicle title loan, a motor vehicle title lender is required to comply with the restrictions and prohibitions applicable to debt collectors contained in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 USC § 1692 et seq., regarding harassment or abuse; false, misleading or deceptive statements or representations; and unfair practices in collections. A motor vehicle title lender is also prohibited from threatening or beginning criminal proceedings against you if you fail to pay any amount owed in accordance with your loan agreement.

Repossession and Sale of your Motor Vehicle: If you do not repay your motor vehicle title loan in accordance with your loan agreement, the motor vehicle title lender may repossess and sell your motor vehicle in order to recover any outstanding amounts that you owe.

If a motor vehicle title lender repossesses your motor vehicle, the motor vehicle title lender must (i) allow you to recover any personal items from your motor vehicle promptly and at no cost, and (ii) send you a written notice at least 15 days prior to the sale of your motor vehicle. The notice will contain (i) the date and time after which your motor vehicle may be sold; and (ii) a written accounting of the redemption amount, which is the sum of the outstanding balance on your motor vehicle title loan, the amount of interest accrued through the date the motor vehicle title lender took possession of your motor vehicle, and any reasonable costs incurred to date by the motor vehicle title lender in connection with repossessing, preparing for sale, and selling your motor vehicle. At any time prior to the sale of your motor vehicle, you may obtain your motor vehicle by paying the motor vehicle title lender the total amount specified in the notice. Payment must be made in cash or by certified check, cashier's check, money order or, if the motor vehicle title lender is equipped to handle and willing to accept such payments, by using a credit card, prepaid card, or debit card, or the Automated Clearing House system.

Within 30 10 days of a motor vehicle title lender receiving funds from the sale of your motor vehicle, you are entitled to receive any surplus all proceeds from the sale in excess of the sum of the following: (i) the outstanding balance on your motor vehicle title loan; (ii) the amount of interest accrued on redemption amount specified in the notice that the motor vehicle title lender sent you prior to selling your motor vehicle title loan through the date. However, the motor vehicle title lender repossessed your motor vehicle; and (iii) may reduce the amount that you receive by any additional reasonable costs incurred by the motor vehicle title lender in repossessing, preparing for sale, and selling your motor vehicle that were not included in the redemption amount.

See section above on "Costs of Repossession and Sale" for additional information regarding the conditions that must be met in order for a motor vehicle title lender to collect the reasonable costs of repossessing, preparing for sale, and selling your motor vehicle.

Violation of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act Legal Action Against Lender: You have the right to bring a civil action against a motor vehicle lender if you suffer a loss as a result of the motor vehicle title lender violating any provision of Chapter 22 (§ 6.2-2200 et seq.) of Title 6.2 of the Code of Virginia. If you are successful in your civil action, you have the right to be reimbursed for reasonable attorney fees, expert witness fees, and court costs you have incurred in connection with your civil action. Losses suffered as the result of a motor vehicle title lender's violation of Chapter 22 (§ 6.2-2200 et seq.) of Title 6.2 of the Code of Virginia may also be pursued under the Virginia Consumer Protection Act (§ 59.1-196 et seq. of the Code of Virginia), which in some cases permits consumers to recover actual and punitive damages.

Complaints and Contacting the Bureau of Financial Institutions: For assistance with any complaints you may have against a motor vehicle title lender, please contact the Bureau of Financial Institutions toll-free at (800) 552-7945 or on the Internet at http://www.scc.virginia.gov/bfi scc.virginia.gov. Complaints must be filed in writing with the Bureau of Financial Institutions. Complaints should be mailed to the Bureau of Financial Institutions, Attn: Complaints, P.O. Box 640, Richmond, Virginia 23218-0640, or faxed to the Bureau of Financial Institutions, Attn: Complaints, at (804) 371-9416 and include copies of supporting documentation.

10VAC5-210-40. Posting of charges and contact information for complaints.

Licensees shall conspicuously post in each licensed location and on their websites the schedule of finance charges and notice required by subdivision 14 15 of § 6.2-2215 of the Code of Virginia in accordance with the provisions of this section.

A. The minimum size for the poster in licensed locations shall be 24 inches by 18 inches.

B. The title for the schedule of finance charges, which shall be printed or displayed in at least 48-point bold type, shall be "SCHEDULE OF FINANCE CHARGES FOR MOTOR VEHICLE TITLE LOANS." The title for the notice, which shall also be printed or displayed in at least 48-point bold type, shall be "HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST US."

C. The schedule of finance charges and notice shall be printed or displayed in at least 24-point bold type.

D. The notice shall contain the following statement: "Should you wish to file a complaint against us, you may contact the Virginia Bureau of Financial Institutions at (800) 552-7945 or on the Internet at http://www.scc.virginia.gov/bfi. Complaints must be filed in writing with the Bureau of Financial Institutions. Complaints should be mailed to the Bureau of Financial Institutions, Attn: Complaints, P.O. Box 640, Richmond, Virginia 23218-0640, or faxed to the Bureau of Financial Institutions, Attn: Complaints, at (804) 371-9416 scc.virginia.gov."

10VAC5-210-50. Additional business requirements and restrictions.

A. Each original license shall be prominently posted in each place of business of the licensee.

B. A licensee shall post in or on its licensed locations the days and hours during which it is open for business so that the posting is legible from outside.

C. B. A licensee shall endeavor to provide the loan documents, printed notice, and pamphlet required by 10VAC5-210-30, in a language other than English when a prospective borrower is unable to read the materials printed in English.

D. C. A licensee shall not knowingly make a motor vehicle title loan to (i) a person who has an outstanding motor vehicle title loan from the same licensee or another licensee; (ii) a covered member of the armed forces;, or (iii) a dependent of a covered member of the armed forces. To enable a licensee to make these determinations and the this determination in subsection F of this section, a licensee shall clearly and conspicuously include the following questions in its written loan application, which the licensee shall require each applicant to answer before obtaining a motor vehicle title loan. A licensee shall not make a motor vehicle title loan to an applicant unless the applicant answers "no" to all of these questions:

1. Do you currently have a motor vehicle title loan from any motor vehicle title lender?

2. At any time today, did you repay or satisfy in full a motor vehicle title loan from any motor vehicle title lender?

3. Are you (i) on active duty in the armed forces under a call or order that does not specify a period of 30 days or less, or (ii) on active guard and reserve duty?

4. 2. Are you married to an individual who is either (i) on active duty in the armed forces under a call or order that does not specify a period of 30 days or less, or (ii) on active guard and reserve duty?

5. 3. Are you the child, as defined in 38 USC § 101(4), of an individual who is either (i) on active duty in the armed forces under a call or order that does not specify a period of 30 days or less, or (ii) on active guard and reserve duty?

6. 4. Was more than one-half of your support during the past 180 days provided by an individual who is either (i) on active duty in the armed forces under a call or order that does not specify a period of 30 days or less, or (ii) on active guard and reserve duty?

E. D. A licensee shall not require a borrower to purchase or maintain property insurance for a motor vehicle from or through a particular provider or list of providers.

F. A licensee shall not knowingly make a motor vehicle title loan to a borrower on the same day that the borrower repaid or satisfied in full a motor vehicle title loan from the same licensee or another licensee. Any motor vehicle title loan made in violation of this subsection shall for purposes of subdivision 17 of § 6.2-2215 of the Code of Virginia be deemed an evasion of the prohibition on refinancing a motor vehicle title loan agreement set forth in § 6.2-2216 F of the Code of Virginia.

G. The maturity date of a motor vehicle title loan shall not be earlier than 120 days from the date a motor vehicle title loan agreement is executed by a borrower or later than 12 months from the date a motor vehicle title loan agreement is executed by a borrower.

H. E. A licensee shall not (i) electronically debit a borrower's deposit account or otherwise obtain any funds from a borrower by electronic means, including the use of the Automated Clearing House network, electronic funds transfers, electronic check conversions, or re-presented check entries; or (ii) obtain any agreement from a borrower that gives the licensee or a third party the authority to create or otherwise prepare a check that is drawn upon the borrower's account at a depository institution. This subsection shall not be construed to prohibit a licensee from accepting a payment made by good funds instrument.

I. F. If a licensee disburses loan proceeds by means of a check, the licensee shall not (i) charge the borrower a fee for cashing the check or (ii) permit either a check casher located in the same office as the licensee or any affiliated check casher to charge the borrower a fee for cashing the check.

J. G. A borrower shall have the right to cancel or rescind a motor vehicle title loan agreement at any time on or before 5 p.m. of the close of third business on the next business day immediately following the date that the loan agreement is executed by the borrower by returning the original loan proceeds check or paying to the licensee, in the form of cash or good funds instrument, the principal amount advanced to the borrower. If a borrower cancels or rescinds a loan agreement in accordance with this subsection, the licensee shall upon receipt of the loan proceeds check, cash, or good funds instrument (i) mark the original loan agreement with the word "canceled," return it to the borrower, and retain a copy in its records; and (ii) return the certificate of title to the borrower. Furthermore, the licensee shall not be entitled to charge, contract for, collect, receive, recover, or require a borrower to pay any interest, fees, or other amounts otherwise permitted by § 6.2-2216 of the Code of Virginia.

K. H. A licensee shall give a borrower a signed, dated receipt for each cash payment made in person, which shall state the updated balance due on the loan.

L. A borrower shall be permitted to prepay a motor vehicle title loan either in whole or in part without charge. Partial prepayments shall reduce the outstanding loan balance upon which interest is calculated. A licensee may apply a payment first to any amounts that are due and unpaid at the time of such payment.

M. I. A licensee shall release its security interest and perform the following acts within 10 days after the date that a borrower's obligations under a motor vehicle title loan agreement are satisfied in full: (i) mark the original loan agreement with the word "paid" or "canceled," return it to the borrower, and retain a copy in its records; (ii) take any action necessary to reflect the termination of its lien on the motor vehicle's certificate of title; and (iii) return the certificate of title to the borrower.

N. J. When sending the written notices and accounting specified by subsection 19 of § 6.2-2215 and § 6.2-2217 of the Code of Virginia, a licensee shall obtain proof of mailing from the United States Postal Service or other common carrier.

O. K. A licensee may impose a late charge for failure to make timely payment of any amount due under a motor vehicle title loan agreement provided that (i) the late charge is specified in the loan agreement and (ii) the amount of the late charge does not exceed the lesser of $20 or 5.0% of the amount of the payment. A payment shall be considered to be timely if it is made no later than seven calendar days after the due date specified in the loan agreement.

P. L. Nothing in the Act or this chapter shall be construed to prohibit a licensee from (i) voluntarily accepting a payment on an outstanding motor vehicle title loan from a borrower after the date that such payment was due to the licensee or (ii) considering a payment to be timely if it is made more than seven calendar days after its due date. However, except as otherwise permitted by the Act and this chapter, the licensee shall not charge, contract for, collect, receive, recover, or require a borrower to pay any additional interest, fees, or other amounts.

Q. M. Pursuant to subdivision 2 of § 6.2-2201 of the Code of Virginia and subdivision 17 of § 6.2-2215 of the Code of Virginia, a licensee shall not make a motor vehicle title loan that has been arranged or brokered by another person. This provision shall not be construed to prohibit a licensee from originating motor vehicle title loans through its own employees.

R. N. A licensee shall not obtain or receive a personal identification number (PIN) for a credit card, prepaid card, debit card, or any other type of card in connection with a motor vehicle title loan transaction.

S. O. A licensee shall comply with all federal laws and regulations applicable to the conduct of its business, including the Truth in Lending Act (15 USC § 1601 et seq.), Regulation Z (12 CFR Part 1026), the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (15 USC § 1691 et seq.), Regulation B (12 CFR Part 1002), and the Standards for Safeguarding Customer Information (16 CFR Part 314).

T. P. A licensee shall not provide any information to a borrower or prospective borrower that is false, misleading, or deceptive.

U. Q. A licensee shall not engage in any business or activity that directly or indirectly results in an evasion of the provisions of this chapter.

10VAC5-210-60. Annual reporting requirements.

When making the annual report required by § 6.2-2210 of the Code of Virginia, in addition to other information required by the commissioner, a licensee shall provide the following data regarding motor vehicle title loans made under the Act:

1. The total number and dollar amount of motor vehicle title loans made by the licensee.

2. The total number of individual borrowers to whom motor vehicle title loans were made by the licensee.

3. The minimum, and maximum, and average loan amount of motor vehicle title loans made by the licensee amounts.

4. The minimum, maximum, and average contracted Annual Percentage Rate of motor vehicle title loans made by the licensee Rates.

5. The minimum, maximum, and average term loan terms (in days) of motor vehicle title loans made by the licensee.

6. The total contracted loan charges.

7. The total loan charges paid by borrowers.

8. The total number and dollar amount of deposit item return fees paid by borrowers.

9. The total number of loans that went into default.

10. The total number of individual borrowers that failed to make a monthly payment on a motor vehicle title loan for at least 60 days.

7. 11. The total number of motor vehicles that were repossessed by or on behalf of the licensee.

12. The total number of motor vehicles that were surrendered to the licensee.

13. The total number of motor vehicles that were redeemed by borrowers after being repossessed or surrendered.

8. 14. The total number of repossessed or surrendered motor vehicles that were sold by or on behalf of the licensee.

15. The total fair market value, as stated in the loan agreements, of repossessed or surrendered motor vehicles that were sold by or on behalf of the licensee.

16. The total amount of proceeds the licensee received from the sale of repossessed or surrendered motor vehicles.

17. The total amount of sale proceeds paid to borrowers pursuant to subsection C of § 6.2-2217 of the Code of Virginia.

18. The total amount of charges paid by borrowers for the repossession and sale of motor vehicles, including charges the licensee collected or recovered through the proceeds it received from the sale of repossessed or surrendered motor vehicles.

19. The total number of charged-off loans and the total dollar amount charged off.

9. 20. The total number and dollar amount of personal money judgments against borrowers that were obtained by or on behalf of the licensee along with a breakdown of this total these totals that identifies the number and dollar amount of judgments the licensee pursued based on each of the following borrower actions: (i) intentionally damaging or destroying a motor vehicle that secures a title loan; (ii) intentionally concealing a motor vehicle that secures a title loan; (iii) giving the licensee a lien on a motor vehicle that is already encumbered by an undisclosed prior lien; and (iv) subsequently giving a security interest in, or selling, a motor vehicle that secures a title loan to a third party, without the licensee's written consent.

10VAC5-210-70. Other Conducting other business in motor vehicle title lending offices.

A. This section governs the conduct of any business other than motor vehicle title lending where a licensed motor vehicle title lending business is conducted. As used in this section, the term "other business operator" refers to a licensed motor vehicle title lender licensee or third party, including an affiliate or subsidiary of the licensed motor vehicle title lender licensee, who conducts or wants to conduct other business from one or more motor vehicle title lending offices.

1. Pursuant to subdivision 18 of § 6.2-2215 6.2-2218.1 of the Code of Virginia, a licensee shall not conduct the business of making motor vehicle title loans at any office, suite, room, or place of business where any other business is solicited or conducted, except a registered check cashing business registered under Chapter 21 (§ 6.2-2100 et seq.) of Title 6.2 of the Code of Virginia, a short-term lending business licensed under Chapter 18 (§ 6.2-1800 et seq.) of Title 6.2 of the Code of Virginia, or such other business as the commission determines should be permitted, and subject to such conditions as the commission deems necessary and in the public interest.

2. No person shall engage in the business of selling insurance or enrolling borrowers under group insurance policies from any office, suite, room, or place of business where a licensed motor vehicle title lending business is conducted.

3. Pursuant to § 6.2-2107 of the Code of Virginia, no person registered or required to be registered as a check casher under Chapter 21 (§ 6.2-2100 et seq.) of Title 6.2 of the Code of Virginia shall make loans from any location, including an office, suite, room, or place of business where a licensed motor vehicle title lending business is conducted, unless the person is licensed under Chapter 18 (§ 6.2-1800 et seq.) of Title 6.2 of the Code of Virginia and the loans are made in accordance with Chapter 18 of Title 6.2 of the Code of Virginia. Accordingly, a person registered or required to be registered as a check casher shall not make motor vehicle title loans. This section shall not apply to any other business that is transacted solely with persons residing outside of Virginia.

4. Notwithstanding any provision of this section or order entered by the commission prior to January 1, 2021, the business of making loans under an open-end credit plan as described in § 6.2-312 of the Code of Virginia shall not be conducted from any office, suite, room, or place of business where a licensed motor vehicle title lending business is conducted. However, if prior to January 1, 2021, a licensee received commission authority for an other business operator to conduct open-end credit business from the licensee's motor vehicle title lending offices, the other business operator may continue collecting payments on any outstanding open-end loans (i) in accordance with the preexisting terms of the open-end credit agreements provided that such terms were permitted by law when the agreements were made, and (ii) subject to the conditions that were imposed by the commission in its approval order.

5. Notwithstanding any provision of this section or order entered by the commission prior to January 1, 2021, a licensee shall not make motor vehicle title loans at the same location at which the licensee, or any affiliate or owner of the licensee, conducts business under Chapter 15 (§ 6.2-1500 et seq.) of Title 6.2 of the Code of Virginia. However, if prior to January 1, 2021, a licensee received commission authority for the licensee or its affiliate or owner to make consumer finance loans from the licensee's motor vehicle title lending offices, then the licensee or its affiliate or owner may continue collecting payments on any outstanding consumer finance loans (i) in accordance with the preexisting terms of the loan contracts provided that such terms were permitted by law when the loans were made, and (ii) subject to the general conditions set forth in subsection D of this section.

6. If a licensee accepts loan applications, sends or receives loan-related information or documents, disburses loan funds, or accepts loan payments on or through the licensee's website or mobile application, and any other products or services are or will be offered or sold to Virginia residents on or through such website or mobile application, then the offer or sale of such other products or services shall constitute the conduct of other business and shall be subject to all of the provisions of this section to the same extent as if such other business was conducted by an other business operator from the licensee's motor vehicle title lending offices.

B. No other business shall be conducted in a location where a licensee conducts a motor vehicle title lending business unless the proposed other business is financial in nature and the licensee obtains prior approval from the commission. Applications for approval shall be made in writing on a form provided by the commissioner, and shall be accompanied by payment of the a $300 fee required by law and any information relating to the application that the commissioner may require. In acting upon an application, the commission shall consider (i) whether the other business operator has the general fitness to warrant belief that the business will be operated in accordance with law; (ii) whether the applicant has been operating its motor vehicle title lending business in accordance with the Act and this chapter; and (iii) any other factors that the commission deems relevant.

1. The commission shall in its discretion determine whether a proposed other business is "financial in nature," and shall not be obliged to consider the meaning of this term under federal law. A business is financial in nature if it primarily deals with the offering of debt, money or credit, or services directly related thereto.

2. Prior approval from the commission shall not be required for a licensee to conduct a motor vehicle title lending business from one or more locations where an other business operator will conduct (i) a registered check cashing business under Chapter 21 (§ 6.2-2100 et seq.) of Title 6.2 of the Code of Virginia, or (ii) a licensed short-term lending business under Chapter 18 (§ 6.2-1800 et seq.) of Title 6.2 of the Code of Virginia. However, the conduct of these other businesses from a licensee's motor vehicle title lending offices shall otherwise be governed by this section, including the conditions prescribed in subsections D, E, and K of this section.

C. Written Except as provided in subdivision B 2 of this section, written evidence of commission approval of each other business conducted by an other business operator should be maintained at each approved location where such other business is conducted.

D. All approved other businesses in motor vehicle title lending offices shall be conducted in accordance with the following conditions:

1. The licensee shall not make a motor vehicle title loan to a borrower to enable the borrower to purchase or pay any amount owed in connection with the (i) goods or services sold, or (ii) loans offered, facilitated, or made, by the other business operator at the licensee's motor vehicle title lending offices.

2. The other business operator shall comply with all federal and state laws and regulations applicable to its other business, including any applicable licensing or registration requirements.

3. The other business operator shall not use or cause to be published any advertisement or other information that contains any false, misleading, or deceptive statement or representation concerning its other business, including the rates, terms, or conditions of the products, services, or loans that it offers. The other business operator shall not make or cause to be made any misrepresentation as to (i) its being licensed to conduct the other business or (ii) the extent to which it is subject to supervision or regulation.

4. The licensee shall not make a motor vehicle title loan or vary the terms of a motor vehicle title loan on the condition or requirement that a person also (i) purchase a good or service from, or (ii) obtain a loan from or through, the other business operator. The other business operator shall not (a) sell its goods or services, (b) offer, facilitate, or make loans, or (c) vary the terms of its goods, services, or loans, on the condition or requirement that a person also obtain a motor vehicle title loan from the licensee.

5. The other business operator shall maintain books and records for its other business separate and apart from the licensee's motor vehicle title lending business and in a different location within the licensee's motor vehicle title lending offices. The bureau shall be given access to all such books and records and be furnished with any information and records that it may require in order to determine compliance with all applicable conditions, laws, and regulations.

E. If a licensee receives commission authority for an other business operator to conduct conducts a payday short-term lending business from the licensee's motor vehicle title lending offices, the following additional conditions shall be applicable:

1. The licensee shall not make a motor vehicle title loan to a person if (i) the person has an outstanding payday short-term loan from the other business operator or (ii) on the same day the person repaid or satisfied in full a payday short-term loan from the other business operator.

2. The other business operator shall not make a payday short-term loan to a person if (i) the person has an outstanding motor vehicle title loan from the licensee or (ii) on the same day the person repaid or satisfied in full a motor vehicle title loan from the licensee.

3. The other business operator and the licensee shall not make a payday short-term loan and a motor vehicle title loan contemporaneously or in response to a single request for a loan or credit.

4. The licensee and other business operator shall provide each applicant for a motor vehicle title loan or payday short-term loan with a separate disclosure, signed by the applicant, that clearly identifies all of the loan products available in the licensee's motor vehicle title lending offices along with the corresponding Annual Percentage Rate, interest rate, and other costs associated with each loan product. The disclosure shall also identify the collateral, if any, that will be used to secure repayment of each loan product.

5. The other business operator shall be licensed or exempt from licensing under Chapter 18 (§ 6.2-1800 et seq.) of Title 6.2 of the Code of Virginia.

F. If a licensee received or receives commission authority for an other business operator to conduct business as an authorized delegate or agent of a money order seller or money transmitter from the licensee's motor vehicle title lending offices, the other business operator shall be and remain a party to a written agreement to act as an authorized delegate or agent of a person licensed or exempt from licensing as a money order seller or money transmitter under Chapter 19 (§ 6.2-1900 et seq.) of Title 6.2 of the Code of Virginia. The other business operator shall not engage in money order sales or money transmission services on its own behalf or on behalf of any person other than a licensed or exempt money order seller or money transmitter with whom it has a written agreement.

G. If a licensee received or receives commission authority for an other business operator to conduct the business of (i) tax preparation and or electronic tax filing services, or (ii) facilitating third party tax preparation and or electronic tax filing services, from the licensee's motor vehicle title lending offices, the following additional conditions shall be applicable:

1. The licensee shall not make, arrange, or broker a motor vehicle title loan that is secured by (i) an interest in a borrower's tax refund, (ii) an assignment of income payable to a borrower, or (iii) an assignment of an interest in a borrower's account at a depository institution.

2. The other business operator shall not engage in the business of (i) accepting funds for transmission to the Internal Revenue Service or other government instrumentalities, or (ii) receiving tax refunds for delivery to individuals, unless licensed or exempt from licensing under Chapter 19 (§ 6.2-1900 et seq.) of Title 6.2 of the Code of Virginia.

H. If a licensee received or receives commission authority for an other business operator to conduct the business of facilitating or arranging tax refund anticipation loans or tax refund payments from the licensee's motor vehicle title lending offices, the following additional conditions shall be applicable:

1. The other business operator shall not facilitate or arrange a tax refund anticipation loan or tax refund payment to enable a person to pay any amount owed to the licensee as a result of a motor vehicle title loan transaction.

2. The other business operator and the licensee shall not facilitate or arrange a tax refund anticipation loan or tax refund payment and make a motor vehicle title loan contemporaneously or in response to a single request for a loan or credit.

3. The licensee shall not make, arrange, or broker a motor vehicle title loan that is secured by (i) an interest in a borrower's tax refund, (ii) an assignment of income payable to a borrower, or (iii) an assignment of an interest in a borrower's account at a depository institution.

4. The other business operator shall not engage in the business of receiving tax refunds or tax refund payments for delivery to individuals unless licensed or exempt from licensing under Chapter 19 (§ 6.2-1900 et seq.) of Title 6.2 of the Code of Virginia.

5. The licensee and other business operator shall provide each applicant for a motor vehicle title loan or tax refund anticipation loan with a separate disclosure, signed by the applicant, that clearly identifies all of the loan products available in the licensee's motor vehicle title lending offices along with the corresponding Annual Percentage Rate, interest rate, and other costs associated with each loan product. The disclosure shall also identify the collateral, if any, that will be used to secure repayment of each loan product.

I. If a licensee received or receives commission authority for an other business operator to conduct a consumer finance business from the licensee's motor vehicle title lending offices, the following additional conditions shall be applicable:

1. The other business operator shall be licensed or exempt from licensing under Chapter 15 (§ 6.2-1500 et seq.) of Title 6.2 of the Code of Virginia.

2. Pursuant to subdivision A 5 of this section, the other business shall be conducted by a person other than the licensee or an affiliate or owner of the licensee.

3. The licensee shall not make a motor vehicle title loan to a person if (i) the person has an outstanding consumer finance loan from the other business operator, or (ii) on the same day the person repaid or satisfied in full a consumer finance loan from the other business operator.

2. 4. The other business operator shall not make a consumer finance loan to a person if (i) the person has an outstanding motor vehicle title loan from the licensee, or (ii) on the same day the person repaid or satisfied in full a motor vehicle title loan from the licensee.

3. 5. The licensee and other business operator shall not make a motor vehicle title loan and a consumer finance loan contemporaneously or in response to a single request for a loan or credit.

4. 6. The licensee and other business operator shall provide each applicant for a motor vehicle title loan or consumer finance loan with a separate disclosure, signed by the applicant, that clearly identifies all of the loan products available in the licensee's motor vehicle title lending offices along with the corresponding Annual Percentage Rate, interest rate, and other costs associated with each loan product. The disclosure shall also identify the collateral, if any, that will be used to secure repayment of each loan product.

J. If a licensee received or receives commission authority for an other business operator to conduct the business of operating an automated teller machine from the licensee's motor vehicle title lending offices, the other business operator shall not charge a fee or receive other compensation in connection with the use of its automated teller machine by a person when the person is withdrawing funds in order to make a payment on a motor vehicle title loan from that was made by the licensee or any other lender conducting business from the licensee's motor vehicle title lending offices.

K. If an other business operator conducts a check cashing business from the licensee's motor vehicle title lending offices, the following additional conditions shall be applicable:

1. The other business operator shall be registered or exempt from registration under Chapter 21 (§ 6.2-2100 et seq.) of Title 6.2 of the Code of Virginia.

2. If the other business operator is registered under Chapter 21 (§ 6.2-2100 et seq.) of Title 6.2 of the Code of Virginia, then the other business operator shall not make any loans unless the other business operator is licensed under, and the loans are made in accordance with, Chapter 18 (§ 6.2-1800 et seq.) of Title 6.2 of the Code of Virginia.

3. The other business operator shall not charge a fee to cash a check issued by the licensee or any other person operating in the licensee's motor vehicle title lending offices.

L. The commission may impose any additional conditions upon the conduct of other business in motor vehicle title lending offices that it deems necessary and in the public interest.

M. Except as otherwise provided in subdivision A 4 of this section, the conditions set forth or referred to in subsections D through L of this section shall supersede the conditions set forth in the commission's approval orders entered prior to January 1, 2021.

L. N. Failure by a licensee or other business operator to comply with any provision of this section or any condition imposed by the commission, or failure by a licensee to comply with the Act, this chapter, or any other law or regulation applicable to the conduct of the licensee's business, may result in revocation of the authority to conduct other business or any form of enforcement action specified in 10VAC5-210-100.

10VAC5-210-80. Advertising.

A. A licensee shall disclose the following information in its advertisements:

1. The name of the motor vehicle title lender as set forth in the license issued by the commission.

2. A statement that the motor vehicle title lender is "licensed by the Virginia State Corporation Commission."

3. The license number assigned by the commission to the motor vehicle title lender (i.e., VTL-XXX).

B. The information required by subsection A of this section shall be disclosed in accordance with the disclosure standards prescribed in § 6.2-2218 B of the Code of Virginia.

C. A licensee shall not deliver or cause to be delivered to a consumer any envelope or other written material that gives the false impression that the mailing or written material is an official communication from a governmental entity, unless required by the United States Postal Service.

D. Every advertisement used by, or published on behalf of, a licensee shall comply with the disclosure requirements for advertisements contained in Regulation Z (12 CFR Part 1026).

10VAC5-210-90. Books, accounts, and records; responding to requests from the bureau.

A. A licensee shall maintain in its licensed offices such books, accounts, and records as the bureau may reasonably require in order to determine whether the licensee is complying with the Act and this chapter. Such books, accounts, and records shall be maintained apart and separate from those relating to any other business in which the licensee is involved.

B. In addition to any other books, accounts, and records as the bureau may reasonably require, a licensee shall maintain copies of the following records for at least three years after final payment is made on any motor vehicle title loan:

1. The signed and dated loan application.

2. The motor vehicle title loan agreement. If a loan has been repaid or satisfied in full, a licensee shall maintain a copy of the motor vehicle title loan agreement with the word "paid" or "canceled" along with documentation showing that the licensee released its security interest in the borrower's motor vehicle.

3. A record of the fair market value of the motor vehicle securing the loan along with supporting documentation from a recognized pricing guide. Supporting documentation shall include any factors used to determine the value of the motor vehicle, including the motor vehicle's condition, features, mileage, as well as the name of the pricing guide that the licensee relied upon in making the loan.

4. Any disclosures that were given to a borrower pursuant to the Truth in Lending Act (15 USC § 1601 et seq.) or any other federal or state laws.

5. The certificate of title for the motor vehicle, which shall reflect the licensee's security interest unless the borrower canceled, rescinded, or fully satisfied the motor vehicle title loan prior to the licensee recording its security interest with the motor vehicle department in the state where the motor vehicle is registered.

6. Any notices or disclosures that a licensee is required to furnish to a borrower pursuant to the Act or this chapter.

C. A licensee shall maintain a repossession log or similar record of all motor vehicles that have been repossessed by or on behalf of the licensee, including motor vehicles that are voluntarily surrendered by borrowers. The log or record shall include the following information: (i) the borrower's first and last name; (ii) the make, model, year, and vehicle identification number of the motor vehicle; (iii) the date the motor vehicle was repossessed; (iv) the date the motor vehicle was sold; (v) the name of the purchaser; and (vi) the sale price of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, in addition to any other books, accounts, and records as the bureau may reasonably require, a licensee shall maintain copies of the following records for at least three years after a motor vehicle used to secure a loan is repossessed and sold by or on behalf of the licensee:

1. The written notices and accounting sent by the licensee to a borrower pursuant to § 6.2-2217 of the Code of Virginia along with the proof of mailing from the United States Postal Service or other common carrier.

2. Supporting documentation of the sale of the motor vehicle and the proceeds derived from the sale.

3. The check or other method of payment used to deliver any excess proceeds from the sale of the motor vehicle to a borrower.

D. A motor vehicle title lender shall retain for at least three years after it is last published, delivered, transmitted, or made available, an example of every advertisement used, including but not limited to solicitation letters, commercial scripts, and recordings of all radio and television broadcasts, but excluding copies of Internet web pages.

E. When the bureau requests a written response, books, records, documentation, or other information from a licensee in connection with the bureau's investigation, enforcement, or examination of compliance with applicable laws, the licensee shall deliver a written response as well as any requested books, records, documentation, or information within the time period specified in the bureau's request. If no time period is specified, a written response as well as any requested books, records, documentation, or information shall be delivered by the licensee to the bureau not later than 30 days from the date of such request. In determining the specified time period for responding to the bureau and when considering a request for an extension of time to respond, the bureau shall take into consideration the volume and complexity of the requested written response, books, records, documentation, or information, and such other factors as the bureau determines to be relevant under the circumstances. Requests made by the bureau pursuant to this subsection are deemed to be in furtherance of the investigation and examination authority provided for in § 6.2-2212 of the Code of Virginia.

F. If a licensee or former licensee disposes of records containing a consumer's personal financial information following the expiration of any applicable record retention periods, such records shall be shredded, incinerated, or otherwise disposed of in a secure manner. Licensees A licensee or former licensee may arrange for service from a business record destruction vendor.

10VAC5-210-95. Schedule of annual fees for the examination, supervision, and regulation of motor vehicle title lenders.

Pursuant to § 6.2-2213 of the Code of Virginia, the commission sets the following schedule of annual fees to be paid by persons licensed licensees under the Act. The assessment defrays the costs of the examination, supervision, and regulation of licensees by the bureau.

The annual fee shall be $500 per office plus $2.85 per motor vehicle title loan made by each licensee. The annual fee shall be computed on the basis of (i) the number of offices, authorized and opened, as of December 31 of the year preceding the year of the assessment, and (ii) the number of motor vehicle title loans made under the Act during the calendar year preceding the year of the assessment.

The amount calculated using the above schedule shall be rounded down to the nearest whole dollar.

Fees shall be assessed on or before September 15 for the current calendar year. The assessment shall be paid by licensees on or before October 15.

The annual report, due March 25 each year, of each licensee provides the basis for its assessment (i.e., the number of offices and motor vehicle title loans made). In cases where a license has been granted between January 1 and September 15 of the year of the assessment, the licensee shall pay $250 per office, authorized and opened, as of September 15 of that year.

Fees prescribed and assessed pursuant to this schedule are apart from, and do not include, the reimbursement for expenses authorized by subsection B of § 6.2-2213 of the Code of Virginia.

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-6616; Filed January 12, 2021
TITLE 12. HEALTH
DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES
Emergency

Title of Regulation: 12VAC35-46. Regulations for Children's Residential Facilities (amending 12VAC35-46-10; adding 12VAC35-46-1150 through 12VAC35-46-1250).

Statutory Authority: §§ 37.2-203 and 37.2-408 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Dates: February 20, 2021, through August 19, 2022.

Agency Contact: John Cimino, Licensing Legal and Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, 1220 Bank Street P.O. Box 1797, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 298-3279, FAX (804) 692-0066, TDD (804) 371-8977, or email john.cimino@dbhds.virginia.gov.

Preamble:

Section 2.2-4011 B of the Code of Virginia states that agencies may adopt emergency regulations in situations in which Virginia statutory law or the appropriation act or federal law or federal regulation requires that a regulation be effective in 280 days or less from its enactment, and the regulation is not exempt under the provisions of § 2.2-4006 A 4 of the Code of Virginia.
Pursuant to Item 318 of Chapter 1289 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly (Appropriation Act of 2020), the amendments align Virginia children's residential facilities licensing regulations with the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Levels of Care Criteria or an equivalent set of criteria to ensure the provision of outcome-oriented and strengths-based care in the treatment of addiction to ensure individualized, clinically driven, participant-directed, and outcome-informed treatment.

12VAC35-46-10. Definitions.

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

"Allegation" means an accusation that a facility is operating without a license or receiving public funds for services it is not certified to provide.

"Allied health professional" means a professional who is involved with the delivery of health or related services pertaining to the identification, evaluation, and prevention of diseases and disorders, such as a certified substance abuse counselor, certified substance abuse counseling assistant, peer recovery support specialist, certified nurse aide, or occupational therapist.

"Annual" means within 13 months of the previous event or occurrence.

"Applicable state regulation" means any regulation that the department determines applies to the facility. The term includes, but is not necessarily limited to, regulations promulgated by the Departments of Education, Health, Housing and Community Development, or other state agencies.

"Applicant" means the person, corporation, partnership, association, or public agency that has applied for a license.

"ASAM" means the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

"Aversive stimuli" means the physical forces (e.g., sound, electricity, heat, cold, light, water, or noise) or substances (e.g., hot pepper sauce or pepper spray) measurable in duration and intensity that when applied to a resident are noxious or painful to the resident but in no case shall the term "aversive stimuli" include striking or hitting the individual with any part of the body or with an implement or pinching, pulling, or shaking the resident.

"Behavior support" means those principles and methods employed by a provider to help a child achieve positive behavior and to address and correct a child's inappropriate behavior in a constructive and safe manner in accordance with written policies and procedures governing program expectations, treatment goals, child and staff safety and security, and the child's individualized service plan.

"Behavior support assessment" means identification of a resident's behavior triggers, successful intervention strategies, anger and anxiety management options for calming, techniques for self-management, and specific goals that address the targeted behaviors that lead to emergency safety interventions.

"Body cavity search" means any examination of a resident's rectal or vaginal cavities, except the performance of medical procedures by medical personnel.

"Brain injury" means any injury to the brain that occurs after birth, but before age 65, that is acquired through traumatic or nontraumatic insults. Nontraumatic insults may include, but are not limited to, anoxia, hypoxia, aneurysm, toxic exposure, encephalopathy, surgical interventions, tumor, and stroke. Brain injury does not include hereditary, congenital, or degenerative brain disorders, or injuries induced by birth trauma.

"Brain Injury Waiver" means a Virginia Medicaid home and community-based waiver for persons with brain injury approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

"Care" or "treatment" means a set of individually planned interventions, training, habilitation, or supports that help a resident obtain or maintain an optimal level of functioning, reduce the effects of disability or discomfort, or ameliorate symptoms, undesirable changes, or conditions specific to physical, mental, behavioral, or social functioning.

"Child" means any person legally defined as a child under state law. The term includes residents and other children coming into contact with the resident or facility (e.g., visitors). When the term is used, the requirement applies to every child at the facility regardless of whether the child has been admitted to the facility for care (e.g., staff/child staff to child ratios apply to all children present even though some may not be residents).

"Child-placing agency" means any person licensed to place children in foster homes or adoptive homes or a local board of social services authorized to place children in foster homes or adoptive homes.

"Children's residential facility" or "facility" means a publicly or privately operated facility, other than a private family home, where 24-hour per day care is provided to children separated from their legal guardians and is required to be licensed or certified by the Code of Virginia except:

1. Any facility licensed by the Department of Social Services as a child-caring institution as of January 1, 1987, and that receives public funds; and

2. Acute-care private psychiatric hospitals serving children that are licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services under the Rules and Regulations for the Licensing of Providers of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse, the Individual and Family Developmental Disabilities Support Waiver, and Residential Brain Injury by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, 12VAC35-105.

"Clinically managed, low-intensity residential care" means providing an ongoing therapeutic environment for children requiring some structured support in which treatment is directed toward applying recovery skills; preventing relapse; improving emotional functioning; promoting personal responsibility; reintegrating the child into work, education, and family environments; and strengthening adaptive skills that may not have been achieved or have been diminished during the child's active addiction. A clinically managed, low-intensity residential care is also designed for the child suffering from chronic, long-term alcoholism or drug addiction and affords an extended period of time to establish sound recovery and a solid support system.

"Clinically managed, medium-intensity residential care" means a substance use treatment program that offers 24-hour supportive treatment of children with significant psychological and social problems by credentialed addiction treatment professionals in an interdisciplinary treatment approach. The children served by clinically managed, medium-intensity residential care are children who are not sufficiently stable to benefit from outpatient treatment regardless of intensity of service.

"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services or his authorized agent.

"Complaint" means an accusation against a licensed facility regarding an alleged violation of regulations or law.

"Contraband" means any item prohibited by law or by the rules and regulations of the department, or any item that conflicts with the program or safety and security of the facility or individual residents.

"Corporal punishment" means punishment administered through the intentional inflicting of pain and discomfort to the body through actions such as, but not limited to (i) striking or hitting with any part of the body or with an implement; or (ii) any similar action that normally inflicts pain or discomfort.

"Counseling" means certain formal treatment interventions such as individual, family, and group modalities, that provide for support and problem solving. Such interventions take place between provider staff and resident families or groups and are aimed at enhancing appropriate psychosocial functioning or personal sense of well-being.

"Corrective action plan" means the provider's pledged corrective action in response to cited areas of noncompliance documented by the department. A corrective action plan must be completed within a specified time.

"Crisis" means any acute emotional disturbance in which a resident presents an immediate danger to self or others or is at risk of serious mental or physical health deterioration caused by acute mental distress, behavioral or situational factors, or acute substance abuse related problems.

"Crisis intervention" means those activities aimed at the rapid management of a crisis.

"Day" means calendar day unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

"Department" or "DBHDS" means the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS).

"Developmental disability" means a severe, chronic disability of an individual that (i) is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or a combination of mental and physical impairments other than a sole diagnosis of mental illness; (ii) is manifested before the individual reaches 22 years of age; (iii) is likely to continue indefinitely; (iv) results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity: self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living, or economic self-sufficiency; and (v) reflects the individual's need for a combination and sequence of special interdisciplinary or generic services, individualized supports, or other forms of assistance that are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated. An individual from birth to nine years of age, inclusive, who has a substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired condition may be considered to have a developmental disability without meeting three or more of the criteria described in clauses (i) through (v) if the individual without services and supports has a high probability of meeting those criteria later in life.

"Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" or "DSM" means the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, DSM-5, of the American Psychiatric Association.

"DOE" means the Department of Education.

"Emergency" means a sudden, generally unexpected occurrence or set of circumstances demanding immediate action. Emergency does not include regularly scheduled time off for permanent staff or other situations that should reasonably be anticipated.

"Emergency admission" means the sudden, unplanned, unexpected admittance of a child who needs immediate care or a court-ordered placement.

"Goal" means expected results or conditions that usually involve a long period of time and that are written in behavioral terms in a statement of relatively broad scope. Goals provide guidance in establishing specific short-term objectives directed toward the attainment of the goal.

"Good character and reputation" means findings have been established and knowledgeable and objective people agree that the individual maintains business or professional, family, and community relationships that are characterized by honesty, fairness, truthfulness, and dependability, and has a history or pattern of behavior that demonstrates that the individual is suitable and able to care for, supervise, and protect children. Relatives by blood or marriage, and persons who are not knowledgeable of the individual, such as recent acquaintances, shall not be considered objective references.

"Group home" means a children's residential facility that is a community-based, homelike single dwelling, or its acceptable equivalent, other than the private home of the operator, and serves up to 12.

"Health record" means the file maintained by the provider that contains personal health information.

"Human research" means any systematic investigation including research development, testing, and evaluation, utilizing human subjects, that is designed to develop or contribute to generalized knowledge. Human research shall not include research exempt from federal research regulations pursuant to 45 CFR 46.101(b).

"Immediately" means directly without delay.

"Independent living program" means a competency-based program that is specifically approved by the department to provide the opportunity for the residents to develop the skills necessary to live successfully on their own following completion of the program.

"Individualized service plan" means a written plan of action developed and modified at intervals to meet the needs of a specific resident. It specifies measurable short and long-term goals, objectives, strategies, and time frames for reaching the goals and the individuals responsible for carrying out the plan.

"Intellectual disability" means mental retardation a disability originating before 18 years of age, characterized concurrently by (i) significant subaverage intellectual functioning as demonstrated by performance on a standardized measure of intellectual functioning administered in conformity with accepted professional practice that is at least two standard deviations below the mean and (ii) significant limitations in adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills.

"Legal guardian" means the natural or adoptive parents or other person, agency, or institution that has legal custody of a child.

"License" means a document verifying approval to operate a children's residential facility and that indicates the status of the facility regarding compliance with applicable state regulations.

"Live-in staff" means staff who are required to be on duty for a period of 24 consecutive hours or more during each work week.

"Living unit" means the space in which a particular group of children in care of a residential facility reside. A living unit contains sleeping areas, bath and toilet facilities, and a living room or its equivalent for use by the residents of the unit. Depending upon its design, a building may contain one living unit or several separate living units.

"Mechanical restraint" means the use of a mechanical device that cannot be removed by the individual to restrict the freedom of movement or functioning of a limb or a portion of an individual's body when that behavior places him or others at imminent risk.

"Medication" means prescribed and over-the-counter drugs.

"Medication administration" means the direct application of medications by injection, inhalation, or ingestion or any other means to a resident by (i) persons legally permitted to administer medications; or (ii) the resident at the direction and in the presence of persons legally permitted to administer medications.

"Medication assisted treatment" or "MAT" means the use of U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies to provide treatment of substance use disorders.

"Medication error" means an error made in administering a medication to a resident including the following: (i) the wrong medication is given to the resident; (ii) the wrong resident is given the medication; (iii) the wrong dosage is given to a resident; (iv) medication is given to a resident at the wrong time or not at all; and (v) the proper method is not used to give the medication to the resident. A medication error does not include a resident's refusal of offered medication.

"Mental retardation" ("intellectual disability") means a disability originating before the age of 18 years characterized concurrently by (i) significantly subaverage intellectual functioning as demonstrated by performance on a standardized measure of intellectual functioning, administered in conformity with accepted professional practice, that is at least two standard deviations below the mean; and (ii) significant limitations in adaptive behavior as expressed as conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills (§ 37.2-100 of the Code of Virginia). According to the American Association of Intellectual Disabilities (AAID) definition, these impairments should be assessed in the context of the individual's environment, considering cultural and linguistic diversity as well as differences in communication, and sensory motor and behavioral factors. Within an individual limitations often coexist with strengths. The purpose of describing limitations is to develop a profile of needed supports. With personalized supports over a sustained period, the functioning of an individual will improve. In some organizations the term "intellectual disability" is used instead of "mental retardation."

"Motivational enhancement" means a person-centered approach that is collaborative, employs strategies to strengthen motivation for change, increases engagement in substance use services, resolves ambivalence about changing substance use behaviors, and supports individuals to set goals to change their substance use.

"Neurobehavioral services" means the assessment, evaluation, and treatment of cognitive, perceptual, behavioral, and other impairments caused by brain injury, that affect an individual's ability to function successfully in the community.

"Objective" means expected short-term results or conditions that must be met in order to attain a goal. Objectives are stated in measurable, behavioral terms and have a specified time for achievement.

"On-duty" means that period of time during which a staff person is responsible for the supervision of one or more children.

"On-site" "On-site" means services that are delivered by the provider and are an integrated part of the overall service delivery system.

"Parent" means a natural or adoptive parent or surrogate parent appointed pursuant to DOE's regulations governing special education programs for students with disabilities." "Parent" means either parent unless the facility has been provided documentation that there is a legally binding instrument, a state law, or court order governing such matters as divorce, separation, or custody, that provides to the contrary.

"Pat down" means a thorough external body search of a clothed resident.

"Personal health information" means oral, written, or otherwise recorded information that is created or received by an entity relating to either an individual's physical or mental health or the provision of or payment for health care to an individual.

"Placement" means an activity by any person that provides assistance to a parent or legal guardian in locating and effecting the movement of a child to a foster home, adoptive home, or children's residential facility.

"Premises" means the tracts of land on which any part of a residential facility for children is located and any buildings on such tracts of land.

"Provider" means any person, entity, or organization, excluding an agency of the federal government by whatever name or designation, that delivers (i) residential services to children with mental illness, mental retardation (intellectual disability) developmental disability, or substance abuse; or (ii) residential services for persons with brain injury.

"Record" means up-to-date written or automated information relating to one resident. This information includes social data, agreements, all correspondence relating to the care of the resident, service plans with periodic revisions, aftercare plans and discharge summary, and any other data related to the resident.

"Resident" means a person admitted to a children's residential facility for supervision, care, training, or treatment on a 24-hour per day basis.

"Residential treatment program" means 24-hour, supervised, medically necessary, out-of-home programs designed to provide necessary support and address mental health, behavioral, substance abuse, cognitive, or training needs of a child or adolescent in order to prevent or minimize the need for more intensive inpatient treatment. Services include, but shall not be limited to, assessment and evaluation, medical treatment (including medication), individual and group counseling, neurobehavioral services, and family therapy necessary to treat the child. The service provides active treatment or training beginning at admission related to the resident's principle diagnosis and admitting symptoms. These services do not include interventions and activities designed only to meet the supportive nonmental health special needs including, but not limited to, personal care, habilitation, or academic educational needs of the resident.

"Respite care facility" means a facility that is specifically approved to provide short-term, periodic residential care to children accepted into its program in order to give the parents or legal guardians temporary relief from responsibility for their direct care.

"Rest day" means a period of not less than 24 consecutive hours during which a staff person has no responsibility to perform duties related to the facility.

"Restraint" means the use of a mechanical device, medication, physical intervention, or hands-on hold to prevent an individual from moving his body to engage in a behavior that places him or others at imminent risk. There are three kinds of restraints:

1. Mechanical restraint means the use of a mechanical device that cannot be removed by the individual to restrict the freedom of movement or functioning of a limb or a portion of an individual's body when that behavior places him or others at imminent risk.

2. Pharmacological restraint means the use of a medication that is administered involuntarily for the emergency control of an individual's behavior when that individual's behavior places him or others at imminent risk and the administered medication is not a standard treatment for the individual's medical or psychiatric condition.

3. Physical restraint, also referred to as manual hold, means the use of a physical intervention or hands-on hold to prevent an individual from moving his body when that individual's behavior places him or others at imminent risk.

"Routine admission" means the admittance of a child following evaluation of an application for admission and execution of a written placement agreement.

"Rules of conduct" means a listing of a facility's rules or regulations that is maintained to inform residents and others about behaviors that are not permitted and the consequences applied when the behaviors occur.

"Sanitizing agent" means any substance approved by the Environmental Protection Agency to destroy bacteria.

"Seclusion" means the involuntary placement of an individual alone in an area secured by a door that is locked or held shut by a staff person by physically blocking the door, or by any other physical or verbal means so that the individual cannot leave it.

"Self-admission" means the admittance of a child who seeks admission to a temporary care facility as permitted by Virginia statutory law without completing the requirements for "routine admission."

"Serious incident" means:

1. Any accident or injury requiring medical attention by a physician;

2. Any illness that requires hospitalization;

3. Any overnight absence from the facility without permission;

4. Any runaway; or

5. Any event that affects, or potentially may affect, the health, safety, or welfare of any resident being served by the provider.

"Serious injury" means any injury resulting in bodily hurt, damage, harm, or loss that requires medical attention by a licensed physician.

"Service" or "services" means planned individualized interventions intended to reduce or ameliorate mental illness, mental retardation (intellectual disability) developmental disability, or substance abuse through care, treatment, training, habilitation, or other supports that are delivered by a provider to individuals with mental illness, mental retardation (intellectual disability) developmental disability, or substance abuse. Services include residential services, including those for persons with brain injury.

"Severe weather" means extreme environment or climate conditions that pose a threat to the health, safety, or welfare of residents.

"Social skills training" means activities aimed at developing and maintaining interpersonal skills.

"Strategies" means a series of steps and methods used to meet goals and objectives.

"Strip search" means a visual inspection of the body of a resident when that resident's outer clothing or total clothing is removed and an inspection of the removed clothing. Strip searches are conducted for the detection of contraband.

"Structured program of care" means a comprehensive planned daily routine including appropriate supervision that meets the needs of each resident both individually and as a group.

"Student/intern" means an individual who simultaneously is affiliated with an educational institution and a residential facility. Every student/intern who is not an employee is either a volunteer or contractual service provider depending upon the relationship among the student/intern, educational institution, and facility.

"Substantial compliance" means that while there may be noncompliance with one or more regulations that represents minimal risk, compliance clearly and obviously exists with most of the regulations as a whole.

"Systemic deficiency" means violations documented by the department that demonstrate defects in the overall operation of the facility or one or more of its components.

"Target population" means individuals with a similar, specified characteristic or disability.

"Temporary contract worker" means an individual who is not a direct salaried employee of the provider but is employed by a third party and is not a consistently scheduled staff member.

"Therapy" means provision of direct diagnostic, preventive, and treatment services where functioning is threatened or affected by social and psychological stress or health impairment.

"Time out" means the involuntary removal of a resident by a staff person from a source of reinforcement to a different open location for a specified period of time or until the problem behavior has subsided to discontinue or reduce the frequency of problematic behavior.

"Treatment" means individually planned, sound, and therapeutic interventions that are intended to improve or maintain functioning of an individual receiving services in those areas that show impairment as the result of mental disability, substance addiction, or physical impairment. In order to be considered sound and therapeutic, the treatment must conform to current acceptable professional practice.

"Variance" means temporary or permanent waiver of compliance with a regulation or portion of a regulation, or permission to meet the intent of the regulation by a method other than that specified in the regulation, when the department, in its sole discretion, determines (i) enforcement will create an undue hardship and (ii) resident care will not be adversely affected.

"Volunteers" means any individual or group who of their own free will, and without any financial gain, provides goods and services to the program without compensation.

12VAC35-46-1150. (Reserved).

12VAC35-46-1160. Clinically managed, medium-intensity residential services staff criteria.

A clinically managed, medium-intensity residential care program shall meet the following staff requirements. The program shall:

1. Ensure the availability of emergency consultation with a licensed physician by telephone or in person in case of emergency related to an individual's substance use disorder, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The program shall also provide staff 24 hours a day;

2. Provide licensed clinicians who are able to obtain and interpret information regarding the signs and symptoms of intoxication and withdrawal, as well as the appropriate monitoring and treatment of those conditions and how to facilitate entry into ongoing care;

3. Provide appropriately trained staff who are competent to implement physician-approved protocols for the child's or adolescent's observation, supervision, and treatment, including over the counter medications for symptomatic relief, determination for the appropriate level of care, and facilitation of the child's or adolescent's transition to continuing care;

4. Provide staff training that shall include at a minimum the requirements within 12VAC35-46-310, and all staff administering over the counter medications shall complete the training program approved by the Board of Nursing and required by subsection L of § 54.1-3408 of the Code of Virginia;

5. Provide access, as needed, to medical evaluation and consultation, which shall be available 24 hours a day to monitor the safety and outcome of withdrawal management in this setting, in accordance with the provider's written criteria for admission and discharge as required by 12VAC35-46-640 and 12VAC35-46-765; and

6. Ensure all clinical staff are qualified by training and experience and appropriately licensed, certified, or registered by the appropriate health regulatory board to serve individuals admitted to the service.

12VAC35-46-1170. Clinically managed, medium-intensity residential services program criteria.

A clinically managed, medium-intensity residential care program shall meet the following programmatic requirements. The program shall:

1. Provide daily clinical services, including a range of cognitive, behavioral, and other therapies in individual or group therapy, programming, and psychoeducation as deemed appropriate by a licensed professional and included in an assessment and treatment plan;

2. Provide counseling and clinical interventions to teach a child or adolescent the skills needed for daily productive activity, prosocial behavior, and reintegration into family and community;

3. Provide motivational enhancement and engagement strategies appropriate to the child's or adolescent's stage of readiness to change and level of comprehension;

4. Have direct affiliations with other easily accessible levels of care or coordinate through referral to more or less intensive levels of care and other services;

5. Provide family and caregiver treatment services as deemed appropriate by a licensed professional and included in an assessment and treatment plan;

6. Provide educational, vocational, and informational programming adaptive to individual needs;

7. Utilize random drug screening to monitor progress and reinforce treatment gains as appropriate to an individual treatment plan;

8. Ensure and document that the length of stay is determined by the child's or adolescent's condition and functioning;

9. Make medication assisted treatment (MAT) available for all individuals. MAT may be provided by facility staff or coordinated through alternative resources;

10. Provide educational services in accordance with state law to maintain the educational and intellectual development of the child or adolescent while they are admitted to the service. When indicated, additional educational opportunities shall be provided to remedy deficits in the educational level of children or adolescents who have fallen behind because of their involvement with alcohol and other drugs;

11. Ensure that all children and adolescents served by the residential service have access to the substance use treatment program; and

12. Provide daily clinical services to assess and address the child's or adolescent's withdrawal status and service needs. This may include nursing or medical monitoring, use of medications to alleviate symptoms, or individual or group therapy or programming specific to withdrawal and withdrawal support.

12VAC35-46-1180. Clinically managed, medium-intensity residential services admission criteria.

A. A clinically managed, medium-intensity residential care program provides treatment for children who have impaired functioning across a broad range of psychosocial domains, including disruptive behaviors, delinquency and juvenile justice involvement, educational difficulties, family conflicts and chaotic home situations, developmental immaturity, and psychological problems.

B. Before a clinically managed, medium-intensity residential service program may admit a child or adolescent, the child or adolescent shall meet the criteria for admission as defined by the provider's policies. The provider's policy regarding admission shall at a minimum require the child or adolescent to:

1. Meet diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder or addictive disorder of moderate to high severity as defined by the DSM; and

2. Meet the admission criteria of Level 3.5 of ASAM, including the specific criteria for adolescent populations.

12VAC35-46-1190. Clinically managed, medium-intensity residential services discharge criteria.

Before a clinically managed, medium-intensity residential service program may discharge or transfer a child or adolescent, the child or adolescent shall meet the criteria for discharge or transfer as defined by the provider's policies, which shall include provisions for the discharge or transfer of children or adolescents who have:

1. Achieved the goals of the treatment services and no longer require ASAM 3.5 level of care;

2. Been unable to achieve the goals of the child's or adolescent's treatment but could achieve the child's or adolescent's goals with a different type of treatment; or

3. Achieved the child's or adolescent's original treatment goals but have developed new treatment challenges that can only be adequately addressed in a different type of treatment.

12VAC35-46-1200. Clinically managed, medium-intensity residential services co-occurring enhanced programs.

A. Clinically managed, medium-intensity residential services co-occurring enhanced programs shall offer psychiatric services, medication evaluation, and laboratory services. Such services shall be available by telephone within eight hours and onsite or closely coordinated offsite within 24 hours.

B. Clinically managed, medium-intensity residential services co-occurring enhanced programs shall be staffed by appropriately credentialed mental health professionals, including addiction psychiatrists, who are able to assess and treat co-occurring mental disorders and who have specialized training in behavior management techniques. All clinical staff shall be qualified by training and experience and appropriately licensed, certified, or registered by the appropriate health regulatory board to serve individuals admitted to the service.

C. Clinically managed, medium-intensity residential services co-occurring enhanced programs shall offer planned clinical activities designed to stabilize the child's or adolescent's mental health problems and psychiatric symptoms and to maintain such stabilization, including medication education and management and motivational and engagement strategies. Goals of therapy shall apply to both the substance use disorder and any co-occurring mental disorder.

12VAC35-46-1210. Clinically managed, low-intensity residential services staff criteria.

A clinically managed, low-intensity residential services program shall meet the following staff requirements. The program shall:

1. Offer telephone or in-person consultation with a physician and emergency services, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by the clinically managed, low-intensity residential services provider. The program shall also provide allied health professional staff present onsite 24 hours a day;

2. Have clinical staff, with the credentials described in subdivision 3 of this section, who are knowledgeable about the biological and psychosocial dimensions of substance use disorder and their treatment and are able to identify the signs and symptoms of acute psychiatric conditions;

3. Have a team comprised of appropriately trained and credentialed medical, addiction, and mental health professionals; and

4. Have staff that shall be knowledgeable about child or adolescent development and experienced in engaging and working with children or adolescents.

5. Ensure all clinical staff are qualified by training and experience and appropriately licensed, certified, or registered by the appropriate health regulatory board to serve individuals admitted to the service.

12VAC35-46-1220. Clinically managed, low-intensity residential services program criteria.

A clinically managed, low-intensity residential services program shall meet the following programmatic requirements. The program shall:

1. Offer a minimum of five hours a week of professionally directed treatment in addition to other treatment services offered to children or adolescents, such as partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient treatment. Services shall be designed to stabilize the child's or adolescent's substance use disorder, improve the child's or adolescent's ability to structure, and organize the tasks of daily living and recovery;

2. Collaborate with care providers to develop an individual treatment plan for each child or adolescent with time-specific goals and objectives;

3. Provide counseling and clinical monitoring to support successful initial involvement in regular, productive daily activity;

4. Provide case management services;

5. Provide motivational interventions appropriate to the child's or adolescent's stage of readiness to change and level of comprehension;

6. Maintain direct affiliations with other easily accessible levels of care or coordinate through referral to more or less intensive levels of care and other services. Include the ability to arrange for needed procedures as appropriate to the severity and urgency of the child's or adolescent's condition;

7. Provide family and caregiver treatment and peer recovery support services as deemed appropriate by a licensed professional and included in an assessment and treatment plan;

8. Provide addiction pharmacotherapy and the ability to arrange for pharmacotherapy for psychiatric medications;

9. Utilize random drug screening to monitor progress and reinforce treatment gains;

10. Ensure that all children and adolescents served by the residential service have access to the substance use treatment program; and

11. Make MAT available for all children. MAT may be provided by facility staff or coordinated through alternative resources.

12VAC35-46-1230. Clinically managed, low-intensity residential services admission criteria.

Before a clinically managed, low-intensity residential service program may admit a child or adolescent, the child or adolescent shall meet the criteria for admission as defined by the provider's policies. The provider's policy regarding admission shall at a minimum require the child or adolescent to:

1. Meet diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder or addictive disorder of moderate to high severity as defined by the DSM; and

2. Meet the admission criteria of Level 3.1 of ASAM, including the specific criteria of adolescent populations.

12VAC35-46-1240. Clinically managed, low-intensity residential services discharge criteria.

Before a clinically managed, low-intensity residential service program may discharge or transfer a child or adolescent, the child or adolescent shall meet the criteria for discharge or transfer as defined by the provider's policies, which shall include provisions for the discharge or transfer of children or adolescents who have:

1. Achieved the goals of the treatment services and no longer require ASAM 3.1 level of care;

2. Been unable to achieve the goals of the child's or adolescent's treatment but could achieve the child's or adolescent's goals with a different type of treatment; or

3. Achieved the child's or adolescent's original treatment goals but have developed new treatment challenges that can only be adequately addressed in a different type of treatment.

12VAC35-46-1250. Clinically managed, low-intensity residential services co-occurring enhanced programs.

A. Clinically managed, low-intensity residential services co-occurring enhanced programs shall offer appropriate psychiatric services, including medication evaluation and laboratory services. Such services shall be provided onsite or closely coordinated offsite, as appropriate to the severity and urgency of the child's or adolescent's mental condition.

B. Clinically managed, low-intensity residential services co-occurring enhanced programs shall be staffed by appropriately credentialed mental health professionals who are able to assess and treat co-occurring disorders with the capacity to involve addiction-trained psychiatrists.

C. Clinically managed, low-intensity residential services co-occurring enhanced programs shall offer planned clinical activities that are designed to stabilize the child's or adolescent's mental health problems and psychiatric symptoms and to maintain such stabilization, including medication education and management and motivational and engagement strategies. Goals of therapy shall apply to both the substance use disorder and any co-occurring mental disorder.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (12VAC35-46)

Report of Tuberculosis Screening, Virginia Department of Health, http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/DiseasePrevention/Programs/Tuberculosis/Forms/documents/Form2.pdf.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 6th Edition, January 2005, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.

The ASAM: Treatment for Addictive, Substance-Related and Co-Occuring Conditions, Third Edition, American Society of Addiction Medicine, 11400 Rockville Pike, Suite 200, Rockville, MD 20852, asam.org.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition. DSM-5, American Psychiatric Association, 800 Maine Avenue, SW, Suite 900 Washington, DC 20024, psychiatry.org

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-6440; Filed January 08, 2021
TITLE 12. HEALTH
DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES
Emergency

Title of Regulation: 12VAC35-105. Rules and Regulations for Licensing Providers by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (amending 12VAC35-105-20, 12VAC35-105-30, 12VAC35-105-925, 12VAC35-105-930, 12VAC35-105-960, 12VAC35-105-1000, 12VAC35-105-1110; adding 12VAC35-105-1420 through 12VAC35-105-1860).

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

Effective Dates: February 20, 2021, through August 19, 2022.

Agency Contact: Ruth Anne Walker, Director of Regulatory Affairs, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Jefferson Building, 1220 Bank Street, 4th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 225-2252, FAX (804) 371-4609, TDD (804) 371-8977, or email ruthanne.walker@dbhds.virginia.gov.

Preamble:

Section 2.2-4011 B of the Code of Virginia states that agencies may adopt emergency regulations in situations in which Virginia statutory law or the appropriation act or federal law or federal regulation requires that a regulation be effective in 280 days or less from its enactment, and the regulation is not exempt under the provisions of § 2.2-4006 A 4 of the Code of Virginia.

Pursuant to Item 318 of Chapter 1289 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly (Appropriation Act of 2020), the amendments align Virginia provider licensing regulations with the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Levels of Care Criteria or an equivalent set of criteria to ensure the provision of outcome-oriented and strengths-based care in the treatment of addiction to ensure individualized, clinically driven, participant-directed, and outcome-informed treatment.

12VAC35-105-20. Definitions.

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Abuse" means any act or failure to act by an employee or other person responsible for the care of an individual in a facility or program operated, licensed, or funded by the department, excluding those operated by the Virginia Department of Corrections, that was performed or was failed to be performed knowingly, recklessly, or intentionally, and that caused or might have caused physical or psychological harm, injury, or death to an individual receiving care or treatment for mental illness, developmental disabilities, or substance abuse. Examples of abuse include acts such as:

1. Rape, sexual assault, or other criminal sexual behavior;

2. Assault or battery;

3. Use of language that demeans, threatens, intimidates, or humiliates the individual;

4. Misuse or misappropriation of the individual's assets, goods, or property;

5. Use of excessive force when placing an individual in physical or mechanical restraint;

6. Use of physical or mechanical restraints on an individual that is not in compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and policies, professional accepted standards of practice, or his individualized services plan; or

7. Use of more restrictive or intensive services or denial of services to punish an individual or that is not consistent with his individualized services plan.

"Activities of daily living" or "ADLs" means personal care activities and includes bathing, dressing, transferring, toileting, grooming, hygiene, feeding, and eating. An individual's degree of independence in performing these activities is part of determining the appropriate level of care and services.

"Admission" means the process of acceptance into a service as defined by the provider's policies.

"Allied health professional" means a professional who is involved with the delivery of health or related services pertaining to the identification, evaluation, and prevention of diseases and disorders, such as a certified substance abuse counselor, certified substance abuse counseling assistant, peer recovery support specialist, certified nurse aide, or occupational therapist.

"ASAM" means the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

"Authorized representative" means a person permitted by law or 12VAC35-115 to authorize the disclosure of information or consent to treatment and services or participation in human research.

"Behavior intervention" means those principles and methods employed by a provider to help an individual receiving services to achieve a positive outcome and to address challenging behavior in a constructive and safe manner. Behavior intervention principles and methods shall be employed in accordance with the individualized services plan and written policies and procedures governing service expectations, treatment goals, safety, and security.

"Behavioral treatment plan," "functional plan," or "behavioral support plan" means any set of documented procedures that are an integral part of the individualized services plan and are developed on the basis of a systematic data collection, such as a functional assessment, for the purpose of assisting individuals to achieve the following:

1. Improved behavioral functioning and effectiveness;

2. Alleviation of symptoms of psychopathology; or

3. Reduction of challenging behaviors.

"Brain injury" means any injury to the brain that occurs after birth, but before age 65, that is acquired through traumatic or nontraumatic insults. Nontraumatic insults may include anoxia, hypoxia, aneurysm, toxic exposure, encephalopathy, surgical interventions, tumor, and stroke. Brain injury does not include hereditary, congenital, or degenerative brain disorders or injuries induced by birth trauma.

"Care," "treatment," or "support" means the individually planned therapeutic interventions that conform to current acceptable professional practice and that are intended to improve or maintain functioning of an individual receiving services delivered by a provider.

"Case management service" or "support coordination service" means services that can include assistance to individuals and their family members in accessing needed services that are responsive to the individual's needs. Case management services include identifying potential users of the service; assessing needs and planning services; linking the individual to services and supports; assisting the individual directly to locate, develop, or obtain needed services and resources; coordinating services with other providers; enhancing community integration; making collateral contacts; monitoring service delivery; discharge planning; and advocating for individuals in response to their changing needs. "Case management service" does not include assistance in which the only function is maintaining service waiting lists or periodically contacting or tracking individuals to determine potential service needs.

"Clinical experience" means providing direct services to individuals with mental illness or the provision of direct geriatric services or special education services. Experience may include supervised internships, practicums, and field experience.

"Clinically managed high-intensity residential care" means a substance use treatment program that offers 24-hour supportive treatment of individuals with significant psychological and social problems by credentialed addiction treatment professionals in an interdisciplinary treatment approach. A clinically managed high-intensity residential care program provides treatment to individuals who present with significant challenges, such as physical, sexual, or emotional trauma; past criminal or antisocial behaviors, with a risk of continued criminal behavior; an extensive history of treatment; inadequate anger management skills; extreme impulsivity; and antisocial value system.

"Clinically managed low-intensity residential care" means providing an ongoing therapeutic environment for individuals requiring some structured support in which treatment is directed toward applying recovery skills; preventing relapse; improving emotional functioning; promoting personal responsibility; reintegrating the individual into work, education, and family environments; and strengthening and developing adaptive skills that may not have been achieved or have been diminished during the individual's active addiction. A clinically managed low-intensity residential care program also provides treatment for individuals suffering from chronic, long-term alcoholism or drug addiction and affords an extended period of time to establish sound recovery and a solid support system.

"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.

"Community gero-psychiatric residential services" means 24-hour care provided to individuals with mental illness, behavioral problems, and concomitant health problems who are usually age 65 or older in a geriatric setting that is less intensive than a psychiatric hospital but more intensive than a nursing home or group home. Services include assessment and individualized services planning by an interdisciplinary services team, intense supervision, psychiatric care, behavioral treatment planning and behavior interventions, nursing, and other health related services.

"Complaint" means an allegation of a violation of this chapter or a provider's policies and procedures related to this chapter.

"Co-occurring disorders" means the presence of more than one and often several of the following disorders that are identified independently of one another and are not simply a cluster of symptoms resulting from a single disorder: mental illness, a developmental disability, substance abuse (substance use disorders), or brain injury.

"Co-occurring services" means individually planned therapeutic treatment that addresses in an integrated concurrent manner the service needs of individuals who have co-occurring disorders.

"Corrective action plan" means the provider's pledged corrective action in response to cited areas of noncompliance documented by the regulatory authority.

"Correctional facility" means a facility operated under the management and control of the Virginia Department of Corrections.

"Credentialed addiction treatment professional" means a person who possesses one of the following credentials issued by the appropriate health regulatory board: (i) an addiction-credentialed physician or physician with experience or training in addiction medicine; (ii) a licensed nurse practitioner or a licensed physician assistant with experience or training in addiction medicine; (iii) a licensed psychiatrist; (iv) a licensed clinical psychologist; (v) a licensed clinical social worker; (vi) a licensed professional counselor; (vii) a licensed psychiatric clinical nurse specialist; (viii) a licensed psychiatric nurse practitioner; (ix) a licensed marriage and family therapist; (x) a licensed substance abuse treatment practitioner; (xi) a resident who is under the supervision of a licensed professional counselor (18VAC115-20-10), licensed marriage and family therapist (18VAC115-50-10), or licensed substance abuse treatment practitioner (18VAC115-60-10) and is registered with the Virginia Board of Counseling; (xii) a resident in psychology who is under supervision of a licensed clinical psychologist and is registered with the Virginia Board of Psychology (18VAC125-20-10); or (xiii) a supervisee in social work who is under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker and is registered with the Virginia Board of Social Work (18VAC140-20-10).

"Crisis" means a deteriorating or unstable situation often developing suddenly or rapidly that produces acute, heightened, emotional, mental, physical, medical, or behavioral distress.

"Crisis stabilization" means direct, intensive nonresidential or residential direct care and treatment to nonhospitalized individuals experiencing an acute crisis that may jeopardize their current community living situation. Crisis stabilization is intended to avert hospitalization or rehospitalization; provide normative environments with a high assurance of safety and security for crisis intervention; stabilize individuals in crisis; and mobilize the resources of the community support system, family members, and others for ongoing rehabilitation and recovery.

"Day support service" means structured programs of training, assistance, and specialized supervision in the acquisition, retention, or improvement of self-help, socialization, and adaptive skills for adults with a developmental disability provided to groups or individuals in nonresidential community-based settings. Day support services may provide opportunities for peer interaction and community integration and are designed to enhance the following: self-care and hygiene, eating, toileting, task learning, community resource utilization, environmental and behavioral skills, social skills, medication management, prevocational skills, and transportation skills. The term "day support service" does not include services in which the primary function is to provide employment-related services, general educational services, or general recreational services.

"Department" means the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.

"Developmental disability" means a severe, chronic disability of an individual that (i) is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or a combination of mental and physical impairments other than a sole diagnosis of mental illness; (ii) is manifested before the individual reaches 22 years of age; (iii) is likely to continue indefinitely; (iv) results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity: self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living, or economic self-sufficiency; and (v) reflects the individual's need for a combination and sequence of special interdisciplinary or generic services, individualized supports, or other forms of assistance that are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated. An individual from birth to nine years of age, inclusive, who has a substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired condition may be considered to have a developmental disability without meeting three or more of the criteria described in clauses (i) through (v) if the individual without services and supports has a high probability of meeting those criteria later in life.

"Developmental services" means planned, individualized, and person-centered services and supports provided to individuals with developmental disabilities for the purpose of enabling these individuals to increase their self-determination and independence, obtain employment, participate fully in all aspects of community life, advocate for themselves, and achieve their fullest potential to the greatest extent possible.

"Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" or "DSM" means the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, DSM-5, of the American Psychiatric Association.

"Direct care position" means any position that includes responsibility for (i) treatment, case management, health, safety, development, or well-being of an individual receiving services or (ii) immediately supervising a person in a position with this responsibility.

"Discharge" means the process by which the individual's active involvement with a service is terminated by the provider, individual, or authorized representative.

"Discharge plan" means the written plan that establishes the criteria for an individual's discharge from a service and identifies and coordinates delivery of any services needed after discharge.

"Dispense" means to deliver a drug to an ultimate user by or pursuant to the lawful order of a practitioner, including the prescribing and administering, packaging, labeling, or compounding necessary to prepare the substance for that delivery (§ 54.1-3400 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

"Emergency service" means unscheduled and sometimes scheduled crisis intervention, stabilization, and referral assistance provided over the telephone or face-to-face, if indicated, available 24 hours a day and seven days per week. Emergency services also may include walk-ins, home visits, jail interventions, and preadmission screening activities associated with the judicial process.

"Group home or community residential service" means a congregate service providing 24-hour supervision in a community-based home having eight or fewer residents. Services include supervision, supports, counseling, and training in activities of daily living for individuals whose individualized services plan identifies the need for the specific types of services available in this setting.

"HCBS Waiver" means a Medicaid Home and Community Based Services Waiver.

"Home and noncenter based" means that a service is provided in the individual's home or other noncenter-based setting. This includes noncenter-based day support, supportive in-home, and intensive in-home services.

"Individual" or "individual receiving services" means a current direct recipient of public or private mental health, developmental, or substance abuse treatment, rehabilitation, or habilitation services and includes the terms "consumer," "patient," "resident," "recipient," or "client". When the term is used in this chapter, the requirement applies to every individual receiving licensed services from the provider.

"Individualized services plan" or "ISP" means a comprehensive and regularly updated written plan that describes the individual's needs, the measurable goals and objectives to address those needs, and strategies to reach the individual's goals. An ISP is person-centered, empowers the individual, and is designed to meet the needs and preferences of the individual. The ISP is developed through a partnership between the individual and the provider and includes an individual's treatment plan, habilitation plan, person-centered plan, or plan of care, which are all considered individualized service plans.

"Informed choice" means a decision made after considering options based on adequate and accurate information and knowledge. These options are developed through collaboration with the individual and his authorized representative, as applicable, and the provider with the intent of empowering the individual and his authorized representative to make decisions that will lead to positive service outcomes.

"Informed consent" means the voluntary written agreement of an individual, or that individual's authorized representative, to surgery, electroconvulsive treatment, use of psychotropic medications, or any other treatment or service that poses a risk of harm greater than that ordinarily encountered in daily life or for participation in human research. To be voluntary, informed consent must be given freely and without undue inducement; any element of force, fraud, deceit, or duress; or any form of constraint or coercion.

"Initial assessment" means an assessment conducted prior to or at admission to determine whether the individual meets the service's admission criteria; what the individual's immediate service, health, and safety needs are; and whether the provider has the capability and staffing to provide the needed services.

"Inpatient psychiatric service" means intensive 24-hour medical, nursing, and treatment services provided to individuals with mental illness or substance abuse (substance use disorders) in a hospital as defined in § 32.1-123 of the Code of Virginia or in a special unit of such a hospital.

"Instrumental activities of daily living" or "IADLs" means meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, and managing money. A person's degree of independence in performing these activities is part of determining appropriate level of care and services.

"Intellectual disability" means a disability originating before 18 years of age, characterized concurrently by (i) significant subaverage intellectual functioning as demonstrated by performance on a standardized measure of intellectual functioning administered in conformity with accepted professional practice that is at least two standard deviations below the mean and (ii) significant limitations in adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills.

"Intensity of service" means the number, type, and frequency of staff interventions and other services provided during treatment at a particular level of care.

"Intensive community treatment service" or "ICT" means a self-contained interdisciplinary team of at least five full-time equivalent clinical staff, a program assistant, and a full-time psychiatrist that:

1. Assumes responsibility for directly providing needed treatment, rehabilitation, and support services to identified individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, especially those who have severe symptoms that are not effectively remedied by available treatments or who because of reasons related to their mental illness resist or avoid involvement with mental health services;

2. Minimally refers individuals to outside service providers;

3. Provides services on a long-term care basis with continuity of caregivers over time;

4. Delivers 75% or more of the services outside program offices; and

5. Emphasizes outreach, relationship building, and individualization of services.

"Intensive in-home service" means family preservation interventions for children and adolescents who have or are at-risk of serious emotional disturbance, including individuals who also have a diagnosis of developmental disability. Intensive in-home service is usually time-limited and is provided typically in the residence of an individual who is at risk of being moved to out-of-home placement or who is being transitioned back home from an out-of-home placement. The service includes 24-hour per day emergency response; crisis treatment; individual and family counseling; life, parenting, and communication skills; and case management and coordination with other services.

"Intermediate care facility/individuals with intellectual disability" or "ICF/IID" means a facility or distinct part of a facility certified by the Virginia Department of Health as meeting the federal certification regulations for an intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disability and persons with related conditions and that addresses the total needs of the residents, which include physical, intellectual, social, emotional, and habilitation, providing active treatment as defined in 42 CFR 435.1010 and 42 CFR 483.440.

"Investigation" means a detailed inquiry or systematic examination of the operations of a provider or its services regarding an alleged violation of regulations or law. An investigation may be undertaken as a result of a complaint, an incident report, or other information that comes to the attention of the department.

"Licensed mental health professional" or "LMHP" means a physician, licensed clinical psychologist, licensed professional counselor, licensed clinical social worker, licensed substance abuse treatment practitioner, licensed marriage and family therapist, certified psychiatric clinical nurse specialist, licensed behavior analyst, or licensed psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner.

"Location" means a place where services are or could be provided.

"Medically managed withdrawal services" means detoxification services to eliminate or reduce the effects of alcohol or other drugs in the individual's body.

"Medically managed intensive inpatient service" means an organized service delivered in an inpatient setting, including an acute care general hospital, psychiatric unit in a general hospital, or a freestanding psychiatric hospital. This service is appropriate for individuals whose acute biomedical and emotional, behavioral, and cognitive problems are so severe that they require primary medical and nursing care. Services at this level of care are managed by a physician who is responsible for diagnosis, treatment, and treatment plan decisions in collaboration with the individual.

"Medically monitored intensive inpatient treatment" means a substance use treatment program that provides 24-hour care in a facility under the supervision of medical personnel. The care provided shall include directed evaluation, observation, medical monitoring, and addiction treatment in an inpatient setting. The care provided may include the use of medication to address the effects of substance use. This service is appropriate for an individual whose subacute biomedical, emotional, behavioral, or cognitive problems are so severe that they require inpatient treatment but who does not need the full resources of an acute care general hospital or a medically managed intensive inpatient treatment program.

"Mandatory outpatient treatment order" means an order issued by a court pursuant to § 37.2-817 of the Code of Virginia.

"Medical detoxification" means a service provided in a hospital or other 24-hour care facility under the supervision of medical personnel using medication to systematically eliminate or reduce effects of alcohol or other drugs in the individual's body.

"Medical evaluation" means the process of assessing an individual's health status that includes a medical history and a physical examination of an individual conducted by a licensed medical practitioner operating within the scope of his license.

"Medication" means prescribed or over-the-counter drugs or both.

"Medication administration" means the direct application of medications by injection, inhalation, ingestion, or any other means to an individual receiving services by (i) persons legally permitted to administer medications or (ii) the individual at the direction and in the presence of persons legally permitted to administer medications.

"Medication assisted opioid treatment (Opioid treatment service)" means an intervention strategy that combines outpatient treatment with the administering or dispensing of synthetic narcotics, such as methadone or buprenorphine (suboxone), approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration for the purpose of replacing the use of and reducing the craving for opioid substances, such as heroin or other narcotic drugs.

"Medication assisted treatment" or "MAT" means the use of FDA-approved medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies to provide treatment of substance use disorders. Medication assisted treatment includes medication assisted opioid treatment.

"Medication error" means an error in administering a medication to an individual and includes when any of the following occur: (i) the wrong medication is given to an individual, (ii) the wrong individual is given the medication, (iii) the wrong dosage is given to an individual, (iv) medication is given to an individual at the wrong time or not at all, or (v) the wrong method is used to give the medication to the individual.

"Medication storage" means any area where medications are maintained by the provider, including a locked cabinet, locked room, or locked box.

"Mental Health Community Support Service" or "MCHSS" means the provision of recovery-oriented services to individuals with long-term, severe mental illness. MHCSS includes skills training and assistance in accessing and effectively utilizing services and supports that are essential to meeting the needs identified in the individualized services plan and development of environmental supports necessary to sustain active community living as independently as possible. MHCSS may be provided in any setting in which the individual's needs can be addressed, skills training applied, and recovery experienced.

"Mental health intensive outpatient service" means a structured program of skilled treatment services focused on maintaining and improving functional abilities through a time-limited, interdisciplinary approach to treatment. This service is provided over a period of time for individuals requiring more intensive services than an outpatient service can provide and may include individual, family, or group counseling or psychotherapy; skill development and psychoeducational activities; certified peer support services; medication management; and psychological assessment or testing.

"Mental health outpatient service" means treatment provided to individuals on an hourly schedule, on an individual, group, or family basis, and usually in a clinic or similar facility or in another location. Mental health outpatient services may include diagnosis and evaluation, screening and intake, counseling, psychotherapy, behavior management, psychological testing and assessment, laboratory, and other ancillary services, medical services, and medication services. Mental health outpatient service specifically includes:

1. Mental health services operated by a community services board or a behavioral health authority established pursuant to Chapter 5 (§ 37.2-500 et seq.) or Chapter 6 (§ 37.2-600 et seq.) of Title 37.2 of the Code of Virginia;

2. Mental health services contracted by a community services board or a behavioral health authority established pursuant to Chapter 5 (§ 37.2-500 et seq.) or Chapter 6 (§ 37.2-600 et seq.) of Title 37.2 of the Code of Virginia; or

3. Mental health services that are owned, operated, or controlled by a corporation organized pursuant to the provisions of either Chapter 9 (§ 13.1-601 et seq.) or Chapter 10 (§ 13.1-801 et seq.) of Title 13.1 of the Code of Virginia.

"Mental health partial hospitalization service" means time-limited active treatment interventions that are more intensive than outpatient services, designed to stabilize and ameliorate acute symptoms, and serve as an alternative to inpatient hospitalization or to reduce the length of a hospital stay. Partial hospitalization is provided through a minimum of 20 hours per week of skilled treatment services focused on individuals who require intensive, highly coordinated, structured, and inter-disciplinary ambulatory treatment within a stable environment that is of greater intensity than intensive outpatient, but of lesser intensity than inpatient.

"Mental illness" means a disorder of thought, mood, emotion, perception, or orientation that significantly impairs judgment, behavior, capacity to recognize reality, or ability to address basic life necessities and requires care and treatment for the health, safety, or recovery of the individual or for the safety of others.

"Missing" means a circumstance in which an individual is not physically present when and where he should be and his absence cannot be accounted for or explained by his supervision needs or pattern of behavior.

"Motivational enhancement" means a person-centered approach that is collaborative, employs strategies to strengthen motivation for change, increases engagement in substance use services, resolves ambivalence about changing substance use behaviors, and supports individuals to set goals to change their substance use.

"Neglect" means the failure by a person, or a program or facility operated, licensed, or funded by the department, excluding those operated by the Department of Corrections, responsible for providing services to do so, including nourishment, treatment, care, goods, or services necessary to the health, safety, or welfare of an individual receiving care or treatment for mental illness, developmental disabilities, or substance abuse.

"Neurobehavioral services" means the assessment, evaluation, and treatment of cognitive, perceptual, behavioral, and other impairments caused by brain injury that affect an individual's ability to function successfully in the community.

"Outpatient service" means treatment provided to individuals on an hourly schedule, on an individual, group, or family basis, and usually in a clinic or similar facility or in another location. Outpatient services may include diagnosis and evaluation, screening and intake, counseling, psychotherapy, behavior management, psychological testing and assessment, laboratory and other ancillary services, medical services, and medication services. "Outpatient service" specifically includes:

1. Services operated by a community services board or a behavioral health authority established pursuant to Chapter 5 (§ 37.2-500 et seq.) or Chapter 6 (§ 37.2-600 et seq.) of Title 37.2 of the Code of Virginia;

2. Services contracted by a community services board or a behavioral health authority established pursuant to Chapter 5 (§ 37.2-500 et seq.) or Chapter 6 (§ 37.2-600 et seq.) of Title 37.2 of the Code of Virginia; or

3. Services that are owned, operated, or controlled by a corporation organized pursuant to the provisions of either Chapter 9 (§ 13.1-601 et seq.) or Chapter 10 (§ 13.1-801 et seq.) of Title 13.1 of the Code of Virginia.

"Partial hospitalization service" means time-limited active treatment interventions that are more intensive than outpatient services, designed to stabilize and ameliorate acute symptoms, and serve as an alternative to inpatient hospitalization or to reduce the length of a hospital stay. Partial hospitalization is focused on individuals with serious mental illness, substance abuse (substance use disorders), or co-occurring disorders at risk of hospitalization or who have been recently discharged from an inpatient setting.

"Person-centered" means focusing on the needs and preferences of the individual; empowering and supporting the individual in defining the direction for his life; and promoting self-determination, community involvement, and recovery.

"Program of assertive community treatment service" or "PACT" means a self-contained interdisciplinary team of at least 10 full-time equivalent clinical staff, a program assistant, and a full-time or part-time psychiatrist that:

1. Assumes responsibility for directly providing needed treatment, rehabilitation, and support services to identified individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses, including those who have severe symptoms that are not effectively remedied by available treatments or who because of reasons related to their mental illness resist or avoid involvement with mental health services;

2. Minimally refers individuals to outside service providers;

3. Provides services on a long-term care basis with continuity of caregivers over time;

4. Delivers 75% or more of the services outside program offices; and

5. Emphasizes outreach, relationship building, and individualization of services.

"Provider" means any person, entity, or organization, excluding an agency of the federal government by whatever name or designation, that delivers (i) services to individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, or substance abuse (substance use disorders) or (ii) residential services for individuals with brain injury. The person, entity, or organization shall include a hospital as defined in § 32.1-123 of the Code of Virginia, community services board, behavioral health authority, private provider, and any other similar or related person, entity, or organization. It shall not include any individual practitioner who holds a license issued by a health regulatory board of the Department of Health Professions or who is exempt from licensing pursuant to §§ 54.1-2901, 54.1-3001, 54.1-3501, 54.1-3601, and 54.1-3701 of the Code of Virginia.

"Psychosocial rehabilitation service" means a program of two or more consecutive hours per day provided to groups of adults in a nonresidential setting. Individuals must demonstrate a clinical need for the service arising from a condition due to mental, behavioral, or emotional illness that results in significant functional impairments in major life activities. This service provides education to teach the individual about mental illness, substance abuse, and appropriate medication to avoid complication and relapse and opportunities to learn and use independent skills and to enhance social and interpersonal skills within a consistent program structure and environment. Psychosocial rehabilitation includes skills training, peer support, vocational rehabilitation, and community resource development oriented toward empowerment, recovery, and competency.

"Qualified developmental disability professional" or "QDDP" means a person who possesses at least one year of documented experience working directly with individuals who have a developmental disability and who possesses one of the following credentials: (i) a doctor of medicine or osteopathy licensed in Virginia, (ii) a registered nurse licensed in Virginia, (iii) a licensed occupational therapist, or (iv) completion of at least a bachelor's degree in a human services field, including sociology, social work, special education, rehabilitation counseling, or psychology.

"Qualified mental health professional" or "QMHP" means a person who by education and experience is professionally qualified and registered by the Board of Counseling in accordance with 18VAC115-80 to provide collaborative mental health services for adults or children. A QMHP shall not engage in independent or autonomous practice. A QMHP shall provide such services as an employee or independent contractor of the department or a provider licensed by the department.

"Qualified mental health professional-adult" or "QMHP-A" means a person who by education and experience is professionally qualified and registered with the Board of Counseling in accordance with 18VAC115-80 to provide collaborative mental health services for adults. A QMHP-A shall provide such services as an employee or independent contractor of the department or a provider licensed by the department. A QMHP-A may be an occupational therapist who by education and experience is professionally qualified and registered with the Board of Counseling in accordance with 18VAC115-80.

"Qualified mental health professional-child" or "QMHP-C" means a person who by education and experience is professionally qualified and registered with the Board of Counseling in accordance with 18VAC115-80 to provide collaborative mental health services for children. A QMHP-C shall provide such services as an employee or independent contractor of the department or a provider licensed by the department. A QMHP-C may be an occupational therapist who by education and experience is professionally qualified and registered with the Board of Counseling in accordance with 18VAC115-80.

"Qualified mental health professional-eligible" or "QMHP-E" means a person receiving supervised training in order to qualify as a QMHP in accordance with 18VAC115-80 and who is registered with the Board of Counseling.

"Qualified paraprofessional in mental health" or "QPPMH" means a person who must meet at least one of the following criteria: (i) registered with the United States Psychiatric Association (USPRA) as an Associate Psychiatric Rehabilitation Provider (APRP); (ii) has an associate's degree in a related field (social work, psychology, psychiatric rehabilitation, sociology, counseling, vocational rehabilitation, human services counseling) and at least one year of experience providing direct services to individuals with a diagnosis of mental illness; (iii) licensed as an occupational therapy assistant, and supervised by a licensed occupational therapist, with at least one year of experience providing direct services to individuals with a diagnosis of mental illness; or (iv) has a minimum of 90 hours classroom training and 12 weeks of experience under the direct personal supervision of a QMHP-A providing services to individuals with mental illness and at least one year of experience (including the 12 weeks of supervised experience).

"Quality improvement plan" means a detailed work plan developed by a provider that defines steps the provider will take to review the quality of services it provides and to manage initiatives to improve quality. A quality improvement plan consists of systematic and continuous actions that lead to measurable improvement in the services, supports, and health status of the individuals receiving services.

"Recovery" means a journey of healing and transformation enabling an individual with a mental illness to live a meaningful life in a community of his choice while striving to achieve his full potential. For individuals with substance abuse (substance use disorders), recovery is an incremental process leading to positive social change and a full return to biological, psychological, and social functioning. For individuals with a developmental disability, the concept of recovery does not apply in the sense that individuals with a developmental disability will need supports throughout their entire lives although these may change over time. With supports, individuals with a developmental disability are capable of living lives that are fulfilling and satisfying and that bring meaning to themselves and others whom they know.

"Referral" means the process of directing an applicant or an individual to a provider or service that is designed to provide the assistance needed.

"Residential crisis stabilization service" means (i) providing short-term, intensive treatment to nonhospitalized individuals who require multidisciplinary treatment in order to stabilize acute psychiatric symptoms and prevent admission to a psychiatric inpatient unit; (ii) providing normative environments with a high assurance of safety and security for crisis intervention; and (iii) mobilizing the resources of the community support system, family members, and others for ongoing rehabilitation and recovery.

"Residential service" means providing 24-hour support in conjunction with care and treatment or a training program in a setting other than a hospital or training center. Residential services provide a range of living arrangements from highly structured and intensively supervised to relatively independent requiring a modest amount of staff support and monitoring. Residential services include residential treatment, group homes, supervised living, residential crisis stabilization, community gero-psychiatric residential, ICF/IID, sponsored residential homes, medical and social detoxification, neurobehavioral services, and substance abuse residential treatment for women and children.

"Residential treatment service" means providing an intensive and highly structured mental health, substance abuse, or neurobehavioral service, or services for co-occurring disorders in a residential setting, other than an inpatient service.

"Respite care service" means providing for a short-term, time-limited period of care of an individual for the purpose of providing relief to the individual's family, guardian, or regular care giver. Persons providing respite care are recruited, trained, and supervised by a licensed provider. These services may be provided in a variety of settings including residential, day support, in-home, or a sponsored residential home.

"Restraint" means the use of a mechanical device, medication, physical intervention, or hands-on hold to prevent an individual receiving services from moving his body to engage in a behavior that places him or others at imminent risk. There are three kinds of restraints:

1. Mechanical restraint means the use of a mechanical device that cannot be removed by the individual to restrict the individual's freedom of movement or functioning of a limb or portion of an individual's body when that behavior places him or others at imminent risk.

2. Pharmacological restraint means the use of a medication that is administered involuntarily for the emergency control of an individual's behavior when that individual's behavior places him or others at imminent risk and the administered medication is not a standard treatment for the individual's medical or psychiatric condition.

3. Physical restraint, also referred to as manual hold, means the use of a physical intervention or hands-on hold to prevent an individual from moving his body when that individual's behavior places him or others at imminent risk.

"Restraints for behavioral purposes" means using a physical hold, medication, or a mechanical device to control behavior or involuntary restrict the freedom of movement of an individual in an instance when all of the following conditions are met: (i) there is an emergency; (ii) nonphysical interventions are not viable; and (iii) safety issues require an immediate response.

"Restraints for medical purposes" means using a physical hold, medication, or mechanical device to limit the mobility of an individual for medical, diagnostic, or surgical purposes, such as routine dental care or radiological procedures and related post-procedure care processes, when use of the restraint is not the accepted clinical practice for treating the individual's condition.

"Restraints for protective purposes" means using a mechanical device to compensate for a physical or cognitive deficit when the individual does not have the option to remove the device. The device may limit an individual's movement, for example, bed rails or a gerichair, and prevent possible harm to the individual or it may create a passive barrier, such as a helmet to protect the individual.

"Restriction" means anything that limits or prevents an individual from freely exercising his rights and privileges.

"Risk management" means an integrated system-wide program to ensure the safety of individuals, employees, visitors, and others through identification, mitigation, early detection, monitoring, evaluation, and control of risks.

"Root cause analysis" means a method of problem solving designed to identify the underlying causes of a problem. The focus of a root cause analysis is on systems, processes, and outcomes that require change to reduce the risk of harm.

"Screening" means the process or procedure for determining whether the individual meets the minimum criteria for admission.

"Seclusion" means the involuntary placement of an individual alone in an area secured by a door that is locked or held shut by a staff person, by physically blocking the door, or by any other physical means so that the individual cannot leave it.

"Serious incident" means any event or circumstance that causes or could cause harm to the health, safety, or well-being of an individual. The term "serious incident" includes death and serious injury.

"Level I serious incident" means a serious incident that occurs or originates during the provision of a service or on the premises of the provider and does not meet the definition of a Level II or Level III serious incident. Level I serious incidents do not result in significant harm to individuals, but may include events that result in minor injuries that do not require medical attention or events that have the potential to cause serious injury, even when no injury occurs. "Level II serious incident" means a serious incident that occurs or originates during the provision of a service or on the premises of the provider that results in a significant harm or threat to the health and safety of an individual that does not meet the definition of a Level III serious incident.

"Level II serious incident" includes a significant harm or threat to the health or safety of others caused by an individual. Level II serious incidents include:

1. A serious injury;

2. An individual who is or was missing;

3. An emergency room visit;

4. An unplanned psychiatric or unplanned medical hospital admission of an individual receiving services other than licensed emergency services, except that a psychiatric admission in accordance with the individual's Wellness Recovery Action Plan shall not constitute an unplanned admission for the purposes of this chapter;

5. Choking incidents that require direct physical intervention by another person;

6. Ingestion of any hazardous material; or

7. A diagnosis of:

a. A decubitus ulcer or an increase in severity of level of previously diagnosed decubitus ulcer;

b. A bowel obstruction; or

c. Aspiration pneumonia.

"Level III serious incident" means a serious incident whether or not the incident occurs while in the provision of a service or on the provider's premises and results in:

1. Any death of an individual;

2. A sexual assault of an individual; or

3. A suicide attempt by an individual admitted for services, other than licensed emergency services, that results in a hospital admission.

"Serious injury" means any injury resulting in bodily hurt, damage, harm, or loss that requires medical attention by a licensed physician, doctor of osteopathic medicine, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner.

"Service" means (i) planned individualized interventions intended to reduce or ameliorate mental illness, developmental disabilities, or substance abuse (substance use disorders) through care, treatment, training, habilitation, or other supports that are delivered by a provider to individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, or substance abuse (substance use disorders). Services include outpatient services, intensive in-home services, opioid treatment services, inpatient psychiatric hospitalization, community gero-psychiatric residential services, assertive community treatment and other clinical services; day support, day treatment, partial hospitalization, psychosocial rehabilitation, and habilitation services; case management services; and supportive residential, special school, halfway house, in-home services, crisis stabilization, and other residential services; and (ii) planned individualized interventions intended to reduce or ameliorate the effects of brain injury through care, treatment, or other supports provided in residential services for persons with brain injury.

"Shall" means an obligation to act is imposed.

"Shall not" means an obligation not to act is imposed.

"Skills training" means systematic skill building through curriculum-based psychoeducational and cognitive-behavioral interventions. These interventions break down complex objectives for role performance into simpler components, including basic cognitive skills such as attention, to facilitate learning and competency.

"Social detoxification service" means providing nonmedical supervised care for the individual's natural process of withdrawal from use of alcohol or other drugs.

"Specific high-intensity residential services" means a substance use treatment program that provides a structured recovery environment in combination with high-intensity clinical services provided in a manner to meet the functional limitations of individuals. The functional limitations of individuals who are placed within this level of care are primarily cognitive and can be either temporary or permanent.

"Sponsored residential home" means a service where providers arrange for, supervise, and provide programmatic, financial, and service support to families or persons (sponsors) providing care or treatment in their own homes for individuals receiving services.

"State board" means the State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. The board has statutory responsibility for adopting regulations that may be necessary to carry out the provisions of Title 37.2 of the Code of Virginia and other laws of the Commonwealth administered by the commissioner or the department.

"State methadone authority" means the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services that is authorized by the federal Center for Substance Abuse Treatment to exercise the responsibility and authority for governing the treatment of opiate addiction with an opioid drug.

"Substance abuse (substance use disorders)" means the use of drugs enumerated in the Virginia Drug Control Act (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.) without a compelling medical reason or alcohol that (i) results in psychological or physiological dependence or danger to self or others as a function of continued and compulsive use or (ii) results in mental, emotional, or physical impairment that causes socially dysfunctional or socially disordering behavior; and (iii), because of such substance abuse, requires care and treatment for the health of the individual. This care and treatment may include counseling, rehabilitation, or medical or psychiatric care.

"Substance abuse intensive outpatient service" means structured treatment provided in a concentrated manner for two or more consecutive hours per day to groups of individuals in a nonresidential setting. This service is provided over a period of time for individuals requiring more intensive services than an outpatient service can provide. Substance abuse intensive outpatient services include multiple group therapy sessions during the week, individual and family therapy, individual monitoring, and case management. to individuals who require more intensive services than is normally provided in an outpatient service but do not require inpatient services. Treatment consists primarily of counseling and education about addiction-related and mental health challenges delivered a minimum of nine to 19 hours of services per week for adults or six to 19 hours of services per week for children and adolescents. Within this level of care an individual's needs for psychiatric and medical services are generally addressed through consultation and referrals.

"Substance abuse outpatient service" means a center based substance abuse treatment delivered to individuals for fewer than nine hours of service per week for adults or fewer than six hours per week for adolescents on an individual, group, or family basis. Substance abuse outpatient services may include diagnosis and evaluation, screening and intake, counseling, psychotherapy, behavior management, psychological testing and assessment, laboratory and other ancillary services, medical services, and medication services. Substance abuse outpatient service includes substance abuse services or an office practice that provides professionally directed aftercare, individual, and other addiction services to individuals according to a predetermined regular schedule of fewer than 9 contact hours a week. Substance abuse outpatient service also includes:

1. Substance abuse services operated by a community services board or a behavioral health authority established pursuant to Chapter 5 (§ 37.2-500 et seq.) or Chapter 6 (§ 37.2-600 et seq.) of Title 37.2 of the Code of Virginia;

2. Substance abuse services contracted by a community services board or a behavioral health authority established pursuant to Chapter 5 (§ 37.2-500 et seq.) or Chapter 6 (§ 37.2-600 et seq.) of Title 37.2 of the Code of Virginia; or

3. Substance abuse services that are owned, operated, or controlled by a corporation organized pursuant to the provisions of either Chapter 9 (§ 13.1-601 et seq.) or Chapter 10 (§ 13.1-801 et seq.) of Title 13.1 of the Code of Virginia.

"Substance abuse partial hospitalization services" means a short-term, nonresidential substance use treatment program provided for a minimum of 20 hours a week that uses multidisciplinary staff and is provided for individuals who require a more intensive treatment experience than intensive outpatient treatment but who do not require residential treatment. This level of care is designed to offer highly structured intensive treatment to those individuals whose condition is sufficiently stable so as not to require 24-hour-per-day monitoring and care, but whose illness has progressed so as to require consistent near-daily treatment intervention.

"Substance abuse residential treatment for women with children service" means a 24-hour residential service providing an intensive and highly structured substance abuse service for women with children who live in the same facility.

"Suicide attempt" means a nonfatal, self-directed, potentially injurious behavior with an intent to die as a result of the behavior regardless of whether it results in injury.

"Supervised living residential service" means the provision of significant direct supervision and community support services to individuals living in apartments or other residential settings. These services differ from supportive in-home service because the provider assumes responsibility for management of the physical environment of the residence, and staff supervision and monitoring are daily and available on a 24-hour basis. Services are provided based on the needs of the individual in areas such as food preparation, housekeeping, medication administration, personal hygiene, treatment, counseling, and budgeting.

"Supportive in-home service" (formerly supportive residential) means the provision of community support services and other structured services to assist individuals, to strengthen individual skills, and that provide environmental supports necessary to attain and sustain independent community residential living. Services include drop-in or friendly-visitor support and counseling to more intensive support, monitoring, training, in-home support, respite care, and family support services. Services are based on the needs of the individual and include training and assistance. These services normally do not involve overnight care by the provider; however, due to the flexible nature of these services, overnight care may be provided on an occasional basis.

"Systemic deficiency" means violations of regulations documented by the department that demonstrate multiple or repeat defects in the operation of one or more services.

"Therapeutic day treatment for children and adolescents" means a treatment program that serves (i) children and adolescents from birth through 17 years of age and under certain circumstances up to 21 years of age with serious emotional disturbances, substance use, or co-occurring disorders or (ii) children from birth through seven years of age who are at risk of serious emotional disturbance, in order to combine psychotherapeutic interventions with education and mental health or substance abuse treatment. Services include: evaluation; medication education and management; opportunities to learn and use daily living skills and to enhance social and interpersonal skills; and individual, group, and family counseling.

"Time out" means the involuntary removal of an individual by a staff person from a source of reinforcement to a different, open location for a specified period of time or until the problem behavior has subsided to discontinue or reduce the frequency of problematic behavior.

"Volunteer" means a person who, without financial remuneration, provides services to individuals on behalf of the provider.

12VAC35-105-30. Licenses.

A. Licenses are issued to providers who offer services to individuals who have mental illness, a developmental disability, or substance abuse (substance use disorders) or have brain injury and are receiving residential services.

B. Providers shall be licensed to provide specific services as defined in this chapter or as determined by the commissioner. These services include:

1. Case management;

2. Clinically managed high-intensity residential care;

3. Clinically managed low-intensity residential care;

4. Community gero-psychiatric residential;

3. 5. ICF/IID;

4. 6. Residential crisis stabilization;

5. 7. Nonresidential crisis stabilization;

6. 8. Day support;

7. 9. Day treatment, includes therapeutic day treatment for children and adolescents;

8. 10. Group home and community residential;

9. 11. Inpatient psychiatric;

10. 12. Intensive community treatment (ICT);

11. 13. Intensive in-home;

12. Managed withdrawal, including medical detoxification and social detoxification;

13. 14. Medically managed intensive inpatient service;

15. Medically monitored intensive inpatient treatment;

16. Medication assisted opioid treatment;

17. Mental health community support;

14. Opioid treatment/medication assisted treatment;

15. 18. Mental health intensive outpatient;

19. Mental health outpatient;

20. Mental health partial hospitalization;

21. Emergency;

16. Outpatient;

17. Partial hospitalization;

18. 22. Program of assertive community treatment (PACT);

19. 23. Psychosocial rehabilitation;

20. 24. Residential treatment;

21. 25. Respite care;

22. 26. Specific high-intensity residential;

27. Sponsored residential home;

23. 28. Substance abuse residential treatment for women with children;

24. 29. Substance abuse intensive outpatient;

25. 30. Substance abuse outpatient;

31. Substance abuse partial hospitalization;

32. Supervised living residential; and

26. 33. Supportive in-home.

C. A license addendum shall describe the services licensed, the disabilities of individuals who may be served, the specific locations where services are to be provided or administered, and the terms and conditions for each service offered by a licensed provider. For residential and inpatient services, the license identifies the number of individuals each residential location may serve at a given time.

Article 1

Medication Assisted Opioid Treatment (Opioid Treatment Services)

12VAC35-105-925. Standards for the evaluation of new licenses for providers of services to individuals with opioid addiction.

A. Applicants requesting an initial license to provide a service for the treatment of opioid addiction through the use of methadone or any other opioid treatment medication or controlled substance shall supply information to the department that demonstrates the appropriateness of the proposed service in accordance with this section.

B. The proposed site of the service shall comply with § 37.2-406 of the Code of Virginia.

C. In jurisdictions without zoning ordinances, the department shall request that the local governing body advise it as to whether the proposed site is suitable for and compatible with use as an office and the delivery of health care services. The department shall make this request when it notifies the local governing body of a pending application.

D. Applicants shall demonstrate that the building or space to be used to provide the proposed service is suitable for the treatment of opioid addiction by submitting documentation of the following:

1. The proposed site complies with the requirements of the local building regulatory entity;

2. The proposed site complies with local zoning laws or ordinances, including any required business licenses;

3. In the absence of local zoning ordinances, the proposed site is suitable for and compatible with use as offices and the delivery of health care services;

4. In jurisdictions where there are no parking ordinances, the proposed site has sufficient off-street parking to accommodate the needs of the individuals being served and prevent the disruption of traffic flow;

5. The proposed site can accommodate individuals during periods of inclement weather;

6. The proposed site complies with the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code; and

7. The applicant has a written plan to ensure security for storage of methadone at the site, which complies with regulations of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), and the Virginia Board of Pharmacy.

E. Applicants shall submit information to demonstrate that there are sufficient personnel available to meet the following staffing requirements and qualifications:

1. The program director shall be licensed or certified by the applicable Virginia health regulatory board or by a nationally recognized certification board or eligible for this license or certification with relevant training, experience, or both, in the treatment of individuals with opioid addiction;

2. The medical director shall be a board-certified addictionologist or have successfully completed or will complete within one year a course of study in opiate addiction that is approved by the department;

3. A minimum of one pharmacist;

4. Nurses;

5. Counselors shall be licensed or certified by the applicable Virginia health regulatory board or by a nationally recognized certification board or eligible for this license or certification; and

6. Personnel to provide support services.

F. Applicants shall submit a description for the proposed service that includes:

1. Proposed mission, philosophy, and goals of the provider;

2. Care, treatment, and services to be provided, including a comprehensive discussion of levels of care provided and alternative treatment strategies offered;

3. Proposed hours and days of operation;

4. Plans for on-site onsite security; and

5. A diversion control plan for dispensed medications, including policies for use of drug screens.

G. Applicants shall, in addition to the requirements of 12VAC35-105-580 C 2, provide documentation of their capability to provide the following services and support directly or by arrangement with other specified providers when such services and supports are (i) requested by an individual being served or (ii) identified as an individual need, based on the assessment conducted in accordance with 12VAC35-105-60 B and included in the individualized services plan:

1. Psychological services;

2. Social services;

3. Vocational services;

4. Educational services; and

5. Employment services.

H. Applicants shall submit documentation of contact with community services boards or behavioral health authorities in their service areas to discuss their plans for operating in the area and to develop joint agreements, as appropriate.

I. Applicants shall provide policies and procedures that each individual served to be assessed every six months by the treatment team to determine if that individual is appropriate for safe and voluntary medically supervised withdrawal, alternative therapies including other medication assisted treatments, or continued federally approved pharmacotherapy treatment for opioid addiction.

J. Applicants shall submit policies and procedures describing services they will provide to individuals who wish to discontinue opioid treatment services.

K. Applicants shall provide assurances that the service will have a community liaison responsible for developing and maintaining cooperative relationships with community organizations, other service providers, local law enforcement, local government officials, and the community at large.

L. The department shall conduct announced and unannounced reviews and complaint investigations in collaboration with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy and DEA to determine compliance with the regulations.

12VAC35-105-930. Registration, certification or accreditation.

A. The medication assisted opioid treatment service shall maintain current registration or certification with:

1. The federal Drug Enforcement Administration;

2. The federal Department of Health and Human Services; and

3. The Virginia Board of Pharmacy.

B. A provider of medication assisted opioid treatment services shall maintain accreditation with an entity approved under federal regulations.

12VAC35-105-960. Physical examinations.

A. The individual shall have a complete physical examination prior to admission to the service unless the individual is transferring from another licensed opioid agonist medication assisted opioid treatment service. The results of serology and other tests shall be available within 14 days of admission.

B. Physical exams of each individual shall be completed annually or more frequently if there is a change in the individual's physical or mental condition.

C. The provider shall maintain the report of the individual's physical examination in the individual's service record.

D. On admission, all individuals shall be offered testing for AIDS/HIV. The individual may sign a notice of refusal without prejudice.

E. The provider shall coordinate treatment services for individuals who are prescribed benzodiapines and prescription narcotics with the treating physician. The coordination shall be the responsibility of the provider's physician and shall be documented.

12VAC35-105-1000. Preventing duplication of medication services.

To prevent duplication of medication assisted opioid medication treatment services to an individual, the provider shall implement a written policy and procedures for contacting every medication assisted opioid treatment service within a 50-mile radius before admitting an individual.

Article 2

Medically Managed Withdrawal Monitored Intensive Inpatient Services

12VAC35-105-1110. Admission assessments.

During the admission process, providers of managed withdrawal services medically monitored intensive inpatient services shall:

1. Identify individuals with a high-risk for medical complications or who may pose a danger to themselves or others;

2. Assess substances used and time of last use;

3. Determine time of last meal;

4. Administer a urine screen;

5. Analyze blood alcohol content or administer a breathalyzer; and

6. Record vital signs.

12VAC35-105-1420. (Reserved.).

Part VII

Addition Medicine Service Requirements

Article 1

Medically Managed Intensive Inpatient

12VAC35-105-1430. Medically managed intensive inpatient staff criteria.

A medically managed intensive inpatient program shall meet the following staff requirements:

1. Have a team of appropriately trained and credentialed professionals who provide medical management by physicians 24 hours a day, primary nursing care and observation 24 hours a day, and professional counseling services 16 hours a day;

2. Have an interdisciplinary team of appropriately credentialed clinical staff, including addiction-credentialed physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, counselors, psychologists, and social workers, who assess and treat individuals with severe substance use disorders or addicted individuals with concomitant acute biomedical, emotional, or behavioral disorders;

3. Have staff who are knowledgeable about the biopsychosocial dimensions of addiction as well as biomedical, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive disorders;

4. Have facility-approved addiction counselors or licensed, certified, or registered addiction clinicians who administer planned interventions according to the assessed needs of the individual; and

5. All clinical staff shall be qualified by training and experience and appropriately licensed, certified, or registered by the appropriate health regulatory board to serve individuals admitted to the service.

12VAC35-105-1440. Medically managed intensive inpatient program criteria.

A medically managed intensive inpatient program shall meet the following programmatic requirements. The program shall:

1. Deliver services in a 24-hour medically managed, acute care setting and shall be available to all individuals within that setting;

2. Provide cognitive, behavioral, motivational, pharmacologic, and other therapies provided on an individual or group basis, depending on the individual's needs;

3. Provide, for the individual who has a severe biomedical disorder, physical health interventions to supplement addiction treatment;

4. Provide, for the individual who has stable psychiatric symptoms, individualized treatment activities designed to monitor the individual's mental health;

5. Provide planned clinical interventions that are designed to enhance the individual's understanding and acceptance of his addiction illness;

6. Provide family and caregiver treatment services as deemed appropriate by a licensed professional and included in an assessment and treatment plan;

7. Provide health education services;

8. Make medication assisted treatment (MAT) available for all individuals admitted to the service. MAT may be provided by facility staff or coordinated through alternative resources; and

9. Comply with 12VAC35-105-1055 through 12VAC35-105-1130.

12VAC35-105-1450. Medically managed intensive inpatient admission criteria.

Before a medically managed intensive inpatient program may admit an individual, the individual shall meet the criteria for admission as defined by the provider's policies. The provider's policy regarding admission shall at a minimum require the individual to:

1. Meet diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder or addictive disorder of moderate to high severity as defined by the DSM; and

2. Meet the admission criteria of Level 4.0 of ASAM, including the specific criteria for adult and adolescent populations.

12VAC35-105-1460. Medically managed intensive inpatient discharge criteria.

Before a medically managed intensive inpatient program may discharge or transfer an individual, the individual shall meet the criteria for discharge or transfer as defined by the provider's policies, which shall include provisions for the discharge or transfer of individuals who have:

1. Achieved the goals of the treatment services and no longer require ASAM 4.0 level of care;

2. Been unable to achieve the goals of the individual's treatment but could achieve the individual's goals with a different type of treatment; or

3. Achieved the individual's original treatment goals but have developed new treatment challenges that can only be adequately addressed in a different type of treatment.

12VAC35-105-1470. Medically managed intensive inpatient co-occurring enhanced programs.

A. Medically managed intensive inpatient co-occurring enhanced programs shall be staffed by appropriately credentialed mental health professionals who assess and treat the individual's co-occurring mental disorders. All clinical staff shall be qualified by training and experience and appropriately licensed, certified, or registered by the appropriate health regulatory board to serve individuals admitted to the service.

B. Medically managed intensive inpatient co-occurring enhanced programs shall offer individualized treatment activities designed to stabilize the individual's active psychiatric symptoms, including medication evaluation and management.

Article 2

Medically Monitored Intensive Inpatient Services

12VAC35-105-1480. Medically monitored intensive inpatient services staff criteria.

A medically monitored intensive inpatient treatment program shall meet the following staff requirements. The program shall:

1. Have a licensed physician to oversee the treatment process and ensure quality of care. A physician, a licensed nurse practitioner, or a licensed physician assistant shall be available 24 hours a day in person or by telephone. A physician shall assess the individual in person within 24 hours of admission;

2. Offer 24-hour nursing care and conduct a nursing assessment on admission. The level of nursing care must be appropriate to the severity of needs of individuals admitted to the service;

3. Have interdisciplinary staff, including physicians, nurses, addiction counselors, and behavioral health specialists, who are able to assess and treat the individual and obtain and interpret information regarding the individual's psychiatric and substance use or addictive disorders;

4. Offer daily onsite counseling and clinical services. Clinical staff shall be knowledgeable about the biological and psychosocial dimensions of addiction and other behavioral health disorders with specialized training in behavior management techniques and evidence-based practices;

5. Have staff able to provide a planned regimen of 24-hour professionally directed evaluation, care, and treatment services;

6. Make MAT available for all individuals. MAT may be provided by facility staff or coordinated through alternative resources; and

7. Ensure all clinical staff are qualified by training and experience and appropriately licensed, certified, or registered by the appropriate health regulatory board to serve individuals admitted to the service.

12VAC35-105-1490. Medically monitored intensive inpatient services program criteria.

A medically monitored intensive inpatient treatment program shall meet the following programmatic requirements. The program shall:

1. Be made available to all individuals within the inpatient setting;

2. Provide a combination of individual and group therapy as deemed appropriate by a licensed mental health professional and included in an assessment and treatment plan. Such therapy shall be adapted to the individual's level of comprehension;

3. Make available medical and nursing services onsite to provide ongoing assessment and care of addiction needs;

4. Provide direct affiliations with other easily accessible levels of care or close coordination through referral to more or less intensive levels of care and other services;

5. Provide family and caregiver treatment services as deemed appropriate by a licensed mental health professional and included in an assessment and treatment plan;

6. Provide educational and informational programming adapted to individual needs. The educational and informational programming shall include materials designed to enhance the individual's understanding of addiction and may include peer recovery support services as appropriate;

7. Utilize random drug screening to monitor drug use and reinforce treatment gains;

8. Regularly monitor the individual's adherence in taking any prescribed medications; and

9. Comply with 12VAC35-105-1055 through 12VAC35-105-1130.

12VAC35-105-1500. Medically monitored intensive inpatient admission criteria.

Before a medically monitored intensive inpatient program may admit an individual, the individual shall meet the criteria for admission as defined by the provider's policies. The provider's policy regarding admission shall at a minimum require the individual to:

1. Meet diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder of the DSM or addictive disorder of moderate to high severity; and

2. Meet the admission criteria of Level 3.7 of ASAM, including the specific criteria for adult and adolescent populations.

12VAC35-105-1510. Medically monitored intensive inpatient discharge criteria.

A. Before a medically monitored intensive inpatient program may discharge or transfer an individual, the individual shall meet the criteria for discharge or transfer as defined by the provider's policies, which shall include provisions for the discharge or transfer of individuals who have:

1. Achieved the goals of the treatment services and no longer require ASAM 3.7 level of care;

2. Been unable to achieve the goals of the individual's treatment but could achieve the individual's goals with a different type of treatment; or

3. Achieved the individual's original treatment goals but have developed new treatment challenges that can only be adequately addressed in a different type of treatment.

B. Discharge planning shall occur for individuals and include realistic plans for the continuity of MAT services as indicated.

12VAC35-105-1520. Medically monitored intensive inpatient co-occurring enhanced programs.

A. Medically monitored intensive inpatient co-occurring enhanced programs shall offer psychiatric services, medication evaluation, and laboratory services as indicated by the needs of individuals admitted to the service. A psychiatrist shall assess the individual by telephone within four hours of admission and in person with 24 hours following admission. An LMHP shall conduct a behavioral health-focused assessment at the time of admission. A registered nurse shall monitor the individual's progress and administer or monitor the individual's self-administration of psychotropic medications.

B. Medically monitored intensive inpatient co-occurring enhanced programs shall be staffed by addiction psychiatrists and appropriately credentialed behavioral health professionals who are able to assess and treat co-occurring psychiatric disorders and who have specialized training in behavior management techniques and evidence based practices. All clinical staff shall be qualified by training and experience and appropriately licensed, certified, or registered by the appropriate health regulatory board to serve individuals admitted to the service.

C. Medically monitored intensive inpatient co-occurring enhanced programs shall offer planned clinical activities designed to promote stabilization of the individual's behavioral health needs and psychiatric symptoms and to promote such stabilization, including medication education and management and motivational and engagement strategies.

Article 3

Clinically Managed High-Intensity Residential Services

12VAC35-105-1530. Clinically managed high-intensity residential services staff criteria.

A clinically managed high-intensity residential care program shall meet the following staff requirements. The program shall:

1. Offer telephone or in-person consultation with a physician, a licensed nurse practitioner, or a licensed physician assistant in case of emergency related to an individual's substance use disorder 24 hours a day seven days a week;

2. Offer onsite 24-hour-a-day clinical staffing by credentialed addiction treatment professionals and other allied health professionals, such as peer recovery specialists, who work in an interdisciplinary team;

3. Have clinical staff knowledgeable about the biological and psychosocial dimensions of substance use and mental health disorders and their treatment. Staff shall be able to identify the signs and symptoms of acute psychiatric conditions. Staff shall have specialized training in behavior management techniques; and

4. All clinical staff shall be qualified by training and experience and appropriately licensed, certified, or registered by the appropriate health regulatory board to serve individuals admitted to the service.

12VAC35-105-1540. Clinically managed high-intensity residential services program criteria.

A clinically managed high-intensity residential care program shall meet the following programmatic requirements. The program shall:

1. Provide daily clinical services, including a range of cognitive, behavioral, and other therapies in individual or group therapy; programming; and psychoeducation as deemed appropriate by a licensed professional and included in an assessment and treatment plan;

2. Provide counseling and clinical interventions to teach an individual the skills needed for daily productive activity, prosocial behavior, and reintegration into family and community;

3. Provide motivational enhancement and engagement strategies appropriate to an individual's stage of readiness to change and level of comprehension;

4. Have direct affiliations with other easily accessible levels of care or provide coordination through referral to more or less intensive levels of care and other services;

5. Provide family and caregiver treatment services as deemed appropriate by a licensed professional and included in an assessment and treatment plan;

6. Provide educational, vocational, and informational programming adaptive to individual needs;

7. Utilize random drug screening to monitor progress and reinforce treatment gains as appropriate to an individual treatment plan;

8. Ensure and document that the length of an individual's stay shall be determined by the individual's condition and functioning;

9. Make a substance use treatment program available for all individuals; and

10. Make MAT available for all individuals. Medication assisted treatment may be provided by facility staff, or coordinated through alternative resources.

12VAC35-105-1550. Clinically managed high-intensity residential services admission criteria.

A. The individuals served by clinically managed high-intensity residential care are individuals who are not sufficiently stable to benefit from outpatient treatment regardless of intensity of service.

B. Before a clinically managed high-intensity residential service program may admit an individual, the individual shall meet the criteria for admission as defined by the provider's policies. The provider's policy regarding admission shall at a minimum require the individual to:

1. Meet diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder or addictive disorder of moderate to high severity as defined by the DSM; and

2. Meet the admission criteria of Level 3.5 of ASAM.

12VAC35-105-1560. Clinically managed high-intensity residential services discharge criteria.

Before a clinically managed high-intensity residential service program may discharge or transfer an individual, the individual shall meet the criteria for discharge or transfer as defined by the provider's policies, which shall include provisions for the discharge or transfer of individuals who have:

1. Achieved the goals of the treatment services and no longer require ASAM 3.5 level of care;

2. Been unable to achieve the goals of the individual's treatment but could achieve the individual's goals with a different type of treatment; or

3. Achieved the individual's original treatment goals but have developed new treatment challenges that can only be adequately addressed in a different type of treatment.

12VAC35-105-1570. Clinically managed high-intensity residential services co-occurring enhanced programs.

A. Clinically managed high-intensity residential services co-occurring enhanced programs shall offer psychiatric services, medication evaluation, and laboratory services. Such services shall be available by telephone within eight hours and onsite or closely coordinated offsite within 24 hours.

B. Clinically managed high-intensity residential services co-occurring enhanced programs shall be staffed by appropriately credentialed mental health professionals, including addiction psychiatrists who are able to assess and treat co-occurring mental disorders and who have specialized training in behavior management techniques. All clinical staff shall be qualified by training and experience and appropriately licensed, certified, or registered by the appropriate health regulatory board to serve individuals admitted to the service.

C. Clinically managed high-intensity residential services co-occurring enhanced programs shall offer planned clinical activities designed to stabilize the individual's mental health problems and psychiatric symptoms and to maintain such stabilization, including medication education and management and motivational and engagement strategies. Goals of therapy shall apply to both the individual's substance use disorder and any co-occurring mental disorder.

Article 4

Clinically Managed Population-Specific High Intensity Residential Services

12VAC35-105-1580. Clinically managed population-specific high-intensity residential services staff criteria.

A high-intensity residential services program shall meet the following staff requirements. The program shall:

1. Offer telephone or in-person consultation with a physician, a licensed nurse practitioner, or a physician assistant in case of emergency related to an individual's substance use disorder 24 hours a day, seven days a week;

2. Have allied health professional staff onsite 24 hours a day. At least one clinician with competence in the treatment of substance use disorder shall be available onsite or by telephone 24 hours a day;

3. Have clinical staff knowledgeable about the biological and psychosocial dimensions of substance use and mental health disorders and their treatment and able to identify the signs and symptoms of acute psychiatric conditions. Staff shall have specialized training in behavior management techniques; and

4. Ensure all clinical staff are qualified by training and experience and appropriately licensed, certified, or registered by the appropriate health regulatory board to serve individuals admitted to the service.

12VAC35-105-1590. Clinically managed population-specific high-intensity residential services program criteria.

A high-intensity residential services program shall meet the following programmatic requirements. The program shall:

1. Provide daily clinical services that shall include a range of cognitive, behavioral, and other therapies administered on an individual and group basis, medication education and management, educational groups, and occupational or recreation activities as deemed appropriate by a licensed professional and included in an assessment and treatment plan;

2. Provide daily professional addiction and mental health treatment services that may include relapse prevention, exploring interpersonal choices, peer recovery support, and development of a social network;

3. Provide services to improve the individual's ability to structure and organize the tasks of daily living and recovery. Such services shall accommodate the cognitive limitations within this population;

4. Make available medical, psychiatric, psychological, and laboratory and toxicology services through consultation or referral as indicated by the individual's condition;

5. Provide case management, including ongoing transition and continuing care planning;

6. Provide motivational interventions appropriate to the individual's stage of readiness to change and designed to address the individual's functional limitations;

7. Have direct affiliations with other easily accessible levels of care or coordinate through referral to more or less intensive levels of care and other services;

8. Provide family and caregiver treatment services as deemed appropriate by an assessment and treatment plan;

9. Utilize random drug screening to monitor progress and reinforce treatment gains;

10. Regularly monitor the individual's adherence to taking prescribed medications;

11. Make the substance use treatment program available to all individuals served by the residential care service; and

12. Make MAT available for all individuals. Medication assisted treatment may be provided by facility staff or coordinated through alternative resources.

12VAC35-105-1600. Clinically managed population-specific high-intensity residential services admission criteria.

Before a clinically managed, population-specific, high-intensity residential service program may admit an individual, the individual shall meet the criteria for admission as defined by the provider's policies. The provider's policy regarding admission shall at a minimum require the individual to:

1. Meet diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder or addictive disorder of moderate to high severity as defined by the DSM; and

2. Meet the admission criteria of Level 3.3 of ASAM.

12VAC35-105-1610. Clinically managed population-specific high-intensity residential services discharge criteria.

A. Before a clinically managed, population-specific, high-intensity residential service program may discharge or transfer an individual, the individual shall meet the criteria for discharge or transfer as defined by the provider's policies, which shall include provisions for the discharge or transfer of individuals who have:

1. Achieved the goals of the treatment services and no longer require ASAM 3.3 level of care;

2. Been unable to achieve the goals of the individual's treatment but could achieve the individual's goals with a different type of treatment; or

3. Achieved the individual's original treatment goals but have developed new treatment challenges that can only be adequately addressed in a different type of treatment.

B. Discharge planning shall occur for individuals and include realistic plans for the continuity of MAT services as indicated.

12VAC35-105-1620. Clinically managed population-specific high-intensity residential services co-occurring enhanced programs.

A. Clinically managed population-specific high-intensity residential services co-occurring enhanced programs shall offer psychiatric services, medication evaluation, and laboratory services. Such services shall be available by telephone within eight hours and onsite or closely coordinated offsite within 24 hours, as appropriate to the severity and urgency of the individual's mental condition.

B. Clinically managed population-specific high-intensity residential services co-occurring enhanced programs shall be staffed by appropriately credentialed psychiatrists and licensed mental health professionals who are able to assess and treat co-occurring mental disorders and who have specialized training in behavior management techniques. All clinical staff shall be qualified by training and experience and appropriately licensed, certified, or registered by the appropriate health regulatory board to serve individuals admitted to the service.

C. Clinically managed population-specific high-intensity residential services co-occurring enhanced programs shall offer planned clinical activities designed to stabilize the individual's mental health problems and psychiatric symptoms and to maintain such stabilization, including medication education and management and motivational and engagement strategies. Goals of therapy shall apply to both the substance use disorder and any co-occurring mental health disorder.

Article 5

Clinically Managed Low-Intensity Residential Services

12VAC35-105-1630. Clinically managed low-intensity residential services staff criteria.

A clinically managed low-intensity residential services program shall meet the following staff requirements. The program shall:

1. Offer telephone or in-person consultation with a physician in case of emergency related to an individual's substance use disorder, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The program shall also provide allied health professional staff onsite 24 hours a day;

2. Have clinical staff who are knowledgeable about the biological and psychosocial dimensions of substance use disorder and their treatment and are able to identify the signs and symptoms of acute psychiatric conditions;

3. Have a team comprised of appropriately trained and credentialed medical, addiction, and mental health professionals; and

4. Ensure all clinical staff are qualified by training and experience and appropriately licensed, certified, or registered by the appropriate health regulatory board to serve individuals admitted to the service.

12VAC35-105-1640. Clinically managed low-intensity residential services program criteria.

A clinically managed low-intensity residential services program shall meet the following programmatic requirements. The program shall:

1. Offer a minimum of five hours a week of professionally directed treatment in addition to other treatment services offered to individuals, such as partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient treatment the focus of which is stabilizing the individual's substance use disorder. Services shall be designed to improve the individual's ability to structure and organize the tasks of daily living and recovery;

2. Ensure collaboration with care providers to develop an individual treatment plan for each individual with time-specific goals and objectives;

3. Provide counseling and clinical monitoring to support successful initial involvement in regular, productive daily activity;

4. Provide case management services;

5. Provide motivational interventions appropriate to the individual's stage of readiness to change and level of comprehension;

6. Have direct affiliations with other easily accessible levels of care or coordinate through referral to more or less intensive levels of care and other services;

7. Include the ability to arrange for needed procedures as appropriate to the severity and urgency of the individual's condition;

8. Provide family and caregiver treatment and peer recovery support services as deemed appropriate by a licensed professional and included in an assessment and treatment plan;

9. Provide addiction pharmacotherapy and the ability to arrange for pharmacotherapy for psychiatric medications;

10. Utilize random drug screening to monitor progress and reinforce treatment gains;

11. Make a substance abuse treatment program available to all individuals; and

12. Make MAT available for all individuals. Medication assisted treatment may be provided by facility staff or coordinated through alternative resources.

12VAC35-105-1650. Clinically managed low-intensity residential services admission criteria.

Before a clinically managed low-intensity residential service program may admit an individual, the individual shall meet the criteria for admission as defined by the provider's policies. The provider's policy regarding admission shall at a minimum require the individual to:

1. Meet diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder or addictive disorder of moderate to high severity as defined by the DSM; and

2. Meet the admission criteria of Level 3.1 of ASAM.

12VAC35-105-1660. Clinically managed low-intensity residential services discharge criteria.

Before a clinically managed low-intensity residential service program may discharge or transfer an individual, the individual shall meet the criteria for discharge or transfer as defined by the provider's policies, which shall include provisions for the discharge or transfer of individuals who have:

1. Achieved the goals of the treatment services and no longer require ASAM 3.1 level of care;

2. Been unable to achieve the goals of the individual's treatment but could achieve the individual's goals with a different type of treatment; or

3. Achieved the individual's original treatment goals but have developed new treatment challenges that can only be adequately addressed in a different type of treatment.

12VAC35-105-1670. Clinically managed low-intensity residential services co-occurring enhanced programs.

A. Clinically managed low-intensity residential services co-occurring enhanced programs shall offer psychiatric services, including medication evaluation and laboratory services. Such services shall be provided onsite or closely coordinated offsite, as appropriate to the severity and urgency of the individual's mental condition.

B. Clinically managed low-intensity residential services co-occurring enhanced programs shall be staffed by appropriately credentialed licensed mental health professionals who are able to assess and treat co-occurring disorders with the capacity to involve addiction-trained psychiatrists. All clinical staff shall be qualified by training and experience and appropriately licensed, certified, or registered by the appropriate health regulatory board to serve individuals admitted to the service.

C. Clinically managed low-intensity residential services co-occurring enhanced programs shall offer planned clinical activities that are designed to stabilize the individual's mental health problems and psychiatric symptoms and to maintain such stabilization, including medication education and management and motivational and engagement strategies. Goals of therapy shall apply to both the substance use disorder and any co-occurring mental disorder.

Article 6

Partial Hospitalization

12VAC35-105-1680. Substance abuse partial hospitalization services (ASAM LOC 2.5) staff criteria.

A substance abuse partial hospitalization program shall meet the following staff requirements. The program shall:

1. Have an interdisciplinary team of addiction treatment professionals, including counselors, psychologists, social workers, and addiction-credentialed physicians. Physicians treating individuals in this level shall have specialty training or experience in addiction medicine;

2. Have staff able to obtain and interpret information regarding the individual's biopsychosocial needs;

3. Have staff trained to understand the signs and symptoms of mental disorders and to understand and be able to explain the uses of psychotropic medications and their interactions with substance-related disorders; and

4. Ensure all clinical staff are qualified by training and experience and appropriately licensed, certified, or registered by the appropriate health regulatory board to serve individuals admitted to the service.

12VAC35-105-1690. Substance abuse partial hospitalization services program criteria.

A substance abuse partial hospitalization program shall meet the following programmatic requirements. The program shall:

1. Offer no fewer than 20 hours of programming per week in a structured program. Services may include individual and group counseling, medication management, family therapy, peer recovery support services, educational groups, or occupational and recreational therapy;

2. Provide a combination of individual and group therapy as deemed appropriate by a licensed professional and included in an assessment and treatment plan;

3. Provide medical and nursing services as deemed appropriate by a licensed professional and included in an assessment and treatment plan;

4. Provide motivational enhancement and engagement strategies appropriate to an individual's stage of readiness to change and level of comprehension;

5. Have direct affiliations with other easily accessible levels of care or coordinate through referral to more or less intensive levels of care and other services;

6. Provide family and caregiver treatment services as deemed appropriate by a licensed professional and included in an assessment and treatment plan;

7. Provide educational and informational programming adaptable to individual needs;

8. Ensure and document that the length of service shall be determined by the individual's condition and functioning;

9. Make emergency services available by telephone 24 hours a day, seven days a week when the program is not in session; and

10. Make MAT available for all individuals. MAT may be provided by facility staff or coordinated through alternative resources.

12VAC35-105-1700. Substance abuse partial hospitalization admission criteria.

Before a substance abuse partial hospitalization program may admit an individual, the individual shall meet the criteria for admission as defined by the provider's policies. The provider's policy regarding admission shall at a minimum require the individual to:

1. Meet diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder or addictive disorder as defined by the DSM; and

2. Meet the admission criteria of Level 2.5 of ASAM, including the specific criteria for adult and adolescent populations.

12VAC35-105-1710. Substance abuse partial hospitalization discharge criteria.

Before a substance abuse partial hospitalization program may discharge or transfer an individual, the individual shall meet the criteria for discharge or transfer as defined by the provider's policies, which shall include provisions for the discharge or transfer of individuals who have:

1. Achieved the goals of the treatment services and no longer require ASAM 2.5 level of care;

2. Been unable to achieve the goals of the individual's treatment but could achieve the individual's goals with a different type of treatment; or

3. Achieved the individual's original treatment goals but have developed new treatment challenges that can only be adequately addressed in a different type of treatment.

12VAC35-105-1720. Substance abuse partial hospitalization co-occurring enhanced programs.

A. Substance abuse partial hospitalization co-occurring enhanced programs shall offer psychiatric services appropriate to the individual's mental health condition. Such services shall be available by telephone and onsite or closely coordinated offsite, within a shorter time than in a co-occurring capable program.

B. Substance abuse partial hospitalization co-occurring enhanced programs shall be staffed by appropriately credentialed mental health professionals who assess and treat co-occurring mental disorders. Intensive case management shall be delivered by cross-trained, interdisciplinary staff through mobile outreach and shall involve engagement-oriented addiction treatment and psychiatric programming. All clinical staff shall be qualified by training and experience and appropriately licensed, certified, or registered by the appropriate health regulatory board to serve individuals admitted to the service.

C. Substance abuse partial hospitalization co-occurring enhanced programs shall offer intensive case management, assertive community treatment, medication management, and psychotherapy.

Article 7

Intensive Outpatient Services

12VAC35-105-1730. Substance abuse intensive outpatient services staff criteria.

A substance abuse intensive outpatient services program shall meet the following staff requirements. The program shall:

1. Be staffed by interdisciplinary team of appropriately credentialed addiction treatment professionals, including counselors, psychologists, social workers, and addiction-credentialed physicians. Physicians shall have specialty training or experience in addiction medicine or addiction psychiatry;

2. Have program staff that are able to obtain and interpret information regarding the individual's biopsychosocial needs;

3. Have program staff trained to understand the signs and symptoms of mental disorders and to understand and be able to explain the uses of psychotropic medications and their interactions with substance use and other addictive disorders; and

4. Ensure all clinical staff are qualified by training and experience and appropriately licensed, certified, or registered by the appropriate health regulatory board to serve individuals admitted to the service.

12VAC35-105-1740. Substance abuse intensive outpatient services program criteria.

A substance abuse intensive outpatient program shall meet the following programmatic requirements. The program shall:

1. Offer a minimum of three service hours per service day to achieve no fewer than nine hours and no more than 19 hours of programming per week in a structured environment;

2. Ensure psychiatric and other medical consultation shall be available within 24 hours by telephone and within 72 hours in person;

3. Offer consultation in case of emergency related to an individual's substance use disorder by telephone 24 hours a day, seven days a week when the treatment program is not in session;

4. Provide a combination of individual and group therapy as deemed appropriate by a licensed professional and included in an assessment and treatment plan;

5. Have direct affiliations with other easily accessible levels of care or coordinate through referral to more or less intensive levels of care and other services;

6. Provide family and caregiver treatment and peer recovery support services as deemed appropriate by a licensed professional and included in an assessment and treatment plan;

7. Provide education and informational programming adaptable to individual needs and developmental status;

8. Ensure and document that the length of service shall be determined by the individual's condition and functioning; and

9. Make MAT available for all individuals. MAT may be provided by facility staff or coordinated through alternative resources.

12VAC35-105-1750. Substance abuse intensive outpatient services admission criteria.

Before a substance abuse intensive outpatient service program may admit an individual, the individual shall meet the criteria for admission as defined by the provider's policies. The provider's policy regarding admission shall at a minimum require the individual to:

1. Meet diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder or addictive disorder as defined by the DSM; and

2. Meet the admission criteria of Level 2.1 of ASAM, including the specific criteria for adult and adolescent populations.

12VAC35-105-1760. Substance abuse intensive outpatient services discharge criteria.

Before a substance abuse intensive outpatient service program may discharge or transfer an individual, the individual shall meet the criteria for discharge or transfer as defined by the provider's policies, which shall include provisions for the discharge or transfer of individuals who have:

1. Achieved the goals of the treatment services and no longer require ASAM 2.1 level of care;

2. Been unable to achieve the goals of the individual's treatment but could achieve the individual's goals with a different type of treatment; or

3. Achieved the individual's original treatment goals but have developed new treatment challenges that can only be adequately addressed in a different type of treatment.

12VAC35-105-1770. Substance abuse intensive outpatient services co-occurring enhanced programs.

A. Substance abuse intensive outpatient services co-occurring enhanced programs shall offer psychiatric services appropriate to the individual's mental health condition. Such services shall be available by telephone and onsite or closely coordinated offsite, within a shorter time than in a co-occurring capable program.

B. Substance abuse intensive outpatient services co-occurring enhanced programs shall be staffed by appropriately credential mental health professionals who assess and treat co-occurring mental disorders. Capacity to consult with an addiction psychiatrist shall be available. All clinical staff shall be qualified by training and experience and appropriately licensed, certified, or registered by the appropriate health regulatory board to serve individuals admitted to the service.

C. Substance abuse intensive outpatient services co-occurring enhanced programs shall offer intensive case management, assertive community treatment, medication management, and psychotherapy.

Article 8

Substance Abuse Outpatient Services

12VAC35-105-1780. Substance abuse outpatient services staff criteria.

Substance abuse outpatient service programs shall meet the following staff requirements. The program shall:

1. Have appropriately credentialed or licensed treatment professionals who assess and treat substance-related mental and addictive disorders;

2. Have program staff who are capable of monitoring stabilized mental health problems and recognizing any instability of individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions;

3. Provide medication management services by a licensed independent practitioner with prescribing authority; and

4. Ensure all clinical staff are qualified by training and experience and appropriately licensed, certified, or registered by the appropriate health regulatory board to serve individuals admitted to the service.

12VAC35-105-1790. Substance abuse outpatient service program criteria.

Substance abuse outpatient service programs shall meet the following programmatic requirements. The program shall:

1. Offer no more than nine hours of programming a week;

2. Ensure emergency services shall be available by telephone 24 hours a day, seven days a week;

3. Provide individual or group counseling, motivational enhancement, family therapy, educational groups, occupational and recreational therapy, psychotherapy, addiction and pharmacotherapy as indicated by each individual's needs;

4. For individuals with mental illness, ensure the use of psychotropic medication, mental health treatment and that the individual's relationship to substance abuse disorders shall be addressed as the need arises;

5. Provide medical, psychiatric, psychological, laboratory, and toxicology services onsite or through consultation or referral. Medical and psychiatric consultation shall be available within 24 hours by telephone, or if in person, within a timeframe appropriate to the severity and urgency of the consultation requested;

6. Have direct affiliations with other easily accessible levels of care or coordinate through referral to more or less intensive levels of care and other services; and

7. Ensure through documentation that the duration of treatment varies with the severity of the individual's illness and response to treatment.

12VAC35-105-1800. Substance abuse outpatient service admission criteria.

Before a substance abuse outpatient service program may admit an individual, the individual shall meet the criteria for admission as defined by the provider's policies. The provider's policy regarding admission shall at a minimum require the individual to:

1. Meet diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder or addictive disorder as defined by the DSM; and

2. Meet the admission criteria of Level 1.0 of ASAM, including the specific criteria for adult and adolescent populations.

12VAC35-105-1810. Substance abuse outpatient services discharge criteria.

Before a substance abuse outpatient service program may discharge or transfer an individual, the individual shall meet the criteria for discharge or transfer as defined by the provider's policies, which shall include provisions for the discharge or transfer of individuals who have:

1. Achieved the goals of the treatment services and no longer require ASAM 1.0 level of care;

2. Been unable to achieve the goals of the individual's treatment but could achieve the individual's goals with a different type of treatment; or

3. Achieved the individual's original treatment goals but have developed new treatment challenges that can only be adequately addressed in a different type of treatment.

12VAC35-105-1820. Substance abuse outpatient services co-occurring enhanced programs.

A. Substance abuse outpatient services co-occurring enhanced programs shall offer ongoing intensive case management for highly crisis-prone individuals with co-occurring disorders.

B. Substance abuse outpatient services co-occurring enhanced programs shall include credentialed mental health trained personnel who are able to assess, monitor, and manage the types of severe and chronic mental disorders seen in a level 1 setting as well as other psychiatric disorders that are mildly unstable. Staff shall be knowledgeable about management of co-occurring mental and substance-related disorders, including assessment of the individual's stage of readiness to change and engagement of individuals who have co-occurring mental disorders. All clinical staff shall be qualified by training and experience and appropriately licensed, certified, or registered by the appropriate health regulatory board to serve individuals admitted to the service.

C. Substance abuse outpatient services co-occurring enhanced programs shall offer therapies to actively address, monitor, and manage psychotropic medication, mental health treatment, and interaction with substance-related and addictive disorders.

Article 9

Medication Assisted Opioid Treatment Program

12VAC35-105-1830. Medication assisted opioid treatment staff criteria.

Medication assisted opioid treatment programs shall meet the following staff requirements. The program shall:

1. Have linkage with or access to psychological, medical, and psychiatric consultation;

2. Have access to emergency medical and psychiatric care through affiliations with more intensive levels of care;

3. Have access to physical evaluations and ongoing primary medical care;

4. Have the ability to conduct or arrange for appropriate laboratory and toxicology tests; and

5. Ensure all clinical staff, whether employed by the provider or available through consultation, contract, or other means, are qualified by training and experience and appropriately licensed, certified, or registered by the appropriate health regulatory board to serve individuals admitted to the service.

12VAC35-105-1840. Medication assisted opioid treatment program criteria.

Medication assisted opioid treatment programs shall meet the following programmatic requirements. The program shall:

1. Provide individualized, patient-centered assessment and treatment, which may include peer recovery support services;

2. Provide case management, including medical monitoring and coordination, with onsite and offsite treatment services provided as needed;

3. Provide psychoeducation, including HIV/AIDS education and other health education services;

4. Assess, order, administer, reassess, and regulate medication and dose levels appropriate to the individual; supervise withdrawal management from opioid analgesics, including methadone or buprenorphine; and oversee and facilitate access to appropriate treatment;

5. Monitor drug testing that is to be done a minimum of eight times per year; and

6. Comply with 12VAC35-105-925 through 12VAC35-105-1050.

12VAC35-105-1850. Medication assisted opioid treatment admission criteria.

Before a medication assisted opioid treatment program may admit an individual, the individual shall meet the criteria for admission as defined by the provider's policies. The provider's policy regarding admission shall at a minimum require the individual to:

1. Meet diagnostic criteria for severe opioid use disorder; and

2. Meet the admission criteria of Level 1.0 of ASAM.

12VAC35-105-1860. Medication assisted opioid treatment discharge criteria.

Before a medication assisted opioid treatment program may discharge or transfer an individual, the individual shall meet the criteria for discharge or transfer as defined by the provider's policies, which shall include provisions for the discharge or transfer of individuals who have:

1. Achieved the goals of the treatment services and no longer require ASAM OTS level of care;

2. Been unable to achieve the goals of the individual's treatment but could achieve the individual's goals with a different type of treatment; or

3. Achieved the individual's original treatment goals but have developed new treatment challenges that can only be adequately addressed in a different type of treatment.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The ASAM: Treatment for Addictive, Substance-Related and Co-Occuring Conditions, Third Edition, American Society of Addiction Medicine, asam.org

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition. DSM-5, American Psychiatric Association, 800 Maine Avenue, S.W., Suite 900 Washington, DC 20024, psychiatry.org

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-6439; Filed January 08, 2021
TITLE 12. HEALTH
DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES
Emergency

Title of Regulation: 12VAC35-105. Rules and Regulations for Licensing Providers by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (amending 12VAC35-105-20, 12VAC35-105-30, 12VAC35-105-1360 through 12VAC35-105-1390, 12VAC35-105-1410).

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

Effective Dates: February 20, 2021, through August 19, 2022.

Agency Contact: Ruth Anne Walker, Director of Regulatory Affairs, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, 1220 Bank Street, 4th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 225-2252, FAX (804) 371-4609, TDD (804) 371-8977, or email ruthanne.walker@dbhds.virginia.gov.

Preamble:
Section 2.2-4011 B of the Code of Virginia states that agencies may adopt emergency regulations in situations in which Virginia statutory law or the appropriation act or federal law or federal regulation requires that a regulation be effective in 280 days or less from its enactment, and the regulation is not exempt under the provisions of § 2.2-4006 A 4 of the Code of Virginia.
Pursuant to Item 318 of Chapter 1289 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly (2020 Appropriation Act) and to align the department's licensing regulations with anticipated changes to Medicaid behavioral health regulations in Item 313 of Chapter 1289, the amendments remove provisions that would conflict with newly funded behavioral health services and establish new licensed services for those newly funded behavioral health services that cannot be nested under an existing department license, including substantive changes to the existing license requirements for Program for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) services, which are inconsistent with the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) services that will be funded as part of Behavioral Health Enhancement.

12VAC35-105-20. Definitions and units of measurement.

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Abuse" means any act or failure to act by an employee or other person responsible for the care of an individual in a facility or program operated, licensed, or funded by the department, excluding those operated by the Virginia Department of Corrections, that was performed or was failed to be performed knowingly, recklessly, or intentionally, and that caused or might have caused physical or psychological harm, injury, or death to an individual receiving care or treatment for mental illness, developmental disabilities, or substance abuse. Examples of abuse include acts such as:

1. Rape, sexual assault, or other criminal sexual behavior;

2. Assault or battery;

3. Use of language that demeans, threatens, intimidates, or humiliates the individual;

4. Misuse or misappropriation of the individual's assets, goods, or property;

5. Use of excessive force when placing an individual in physical or mechanical restraint;

6. Use of physical or mechanical restraints on an individual that is not in compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and policies, professional accepted standards of practice, or his individualized services plan; or

7. Use of more restrictive or intensive services or denial of services to punish an individual or that is not consistent with his individualized services plan.

"Activities of daily living" or "ADLs" means personal care activities and includes bathing, dressing, transferring, toileting, grooming, hygiene, feeding, and eating. An individual's degree of independence in performing these activities is part of determining the appropriate level of care and services.

"Admission" means the process of acceptance into a service as defined by the provider's policies.

"Assertive community treatment service" or "ACT" means a self-contained interdisciplinary community-based team of medical, behavioral health, and rehabilitation professionals who use a team approach to meet the needs of an individual with severe and persistent mental illness. ACT teams:

1. Provide person-centered services addressing the breadth of an individual's needs, helping him achieve his personal goals;

2. Serve as the primary provider of all the services that an individual receiving ACT services needs;

3. Maintain a high frequency and intensity of community-based contacts;

4. Maintain a very low individual-to-staff ratio;

5. Offer varying levels of care for all individuals receiving ACT services, and appropriately adjust service levels according to each individual's needs over time;

6. Assist individuals in advancing toward personal goals with a focus on enhancing community integration and regaining valued roles, such as worker, family member, resident, spouse, tenant, or friend;

7. Carry out planned assertive engagement techniques, including rapport-building strategies, facilitating meeting basic needs, and motivational interviewing techniques;

8. Monitor the individual's mental status and provide needed supports in a manner consistent with the individual's level of need and functioning;

9. Deliver all services according to a recovery-based philosophy of care; and

10. Promote self-determination, respect for the individual receiving ACT as an individual in such individual's own right, and engage peers in promoting recovery and regaining meaningful roles and relationships in the community.

"Authorized representative" means a person permitted by law or 12VAC35-115 to authorize the disclosure of information or consent to treatment and services or participation in human research.

"Behavior intervention" means those principles and methods employed by a provider to help an individual receiving services to achieve a positive outcome and to address challenging behavior in a constructive and safe manner. Behavior intervention principles and methods shall be employed in accordance with the individualized services plan and written policies and procedures governing service expectations, treatment goals, safety, and security.

"Behavioral treatment plan," "functional plan," or "behavioral support plan" means any set of documented procedures that are an integral part of the individualized services plan and are developed on the basis of a systematic data collection, such as a functional assessment, for the purpose of assisting individuals to achieve the following:

1. Improved behavioral functioning and effectiveness;

2. Alleviation of symptoms of psychopathology; or

3. Reduction of challenging behaviors.

"Brain injury" means any injury to the brain that occurs after birth, but before age 65, that is acquired through traumatic or nontraumatic insults. Nontraumatic insults may include anoxia, hypoxia, aneurysm, toxic exposure, encephalopathy, surgical interventions, tumor, and stroke. Brain injury does not include hereditary, congenital, or degenerative brain disorders or injuries induced by birth trauma.

"Care," "treatment," or "support" means the individually planned therapeutic interventions that conform to current acceptable professional practice and that are intended to improve or maintain functioning of an individual receiving services delivered by a provider.

"Case management service" or "support coordination service" means services that can include assistance to individuals and their family members in accessing needed services that are responsive to the individual's needs. Case management services include identifying potential users of the service; assessing needs and planning services; linking the individual to services and supports; assisting the individual directly to locate, develop, or obtain needed services and resources; coordinating services with other providers; enhancing community integration; making collateral contacts; monitoring service delivery; discharge planning; and advocating for individuals in response to their changing needs. "Case management service" does not include assistance in which the only function is maintaining service waiting lists or periodically contacting or tracking individuals to determine potential service needs.

"Clinical experience" means providing direct services to individuals with mental illness or the provision of direct geriatric services or special education services. Experience may include supervised internships, practicums, and field experience.

"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.

"Community gero-psychiatric residential services" means 24-hour care provided to individuals with mental illness, behavioral problems, and concomitant health problems who are usually age 65 or older in a geriatric setting that is less intensive than a psychiatric hospital but more intensive than a nursing home or group home. Services include assessment and individualized services planning by an interdisciplinary services team, intense supervision, psychiatric care, behavioral treatment planning and behavior interventions, nursing, and other health related services.

"Complaint" means an allegation of a violation of this chapter or a provider's policies and procedures related to this chapter.

"Co-occurring disorders" means the presence of more than one and often several of the following disorders that are identified independently of one another and are not simply a cluster of symptoms resulting from a single disorder: mental illness, a developmental disability, substance abuse (substance use disorders), or brain injury.

"Co-occurring services" means individually planned therapeutic treatment that addresses in an integrated concurrent manner the service needs of individuals who have co-occurring disorders.

"Corrective action plan" means the provider's pledged corrective action in response to cited areas of noncompliance documented by the regulatory authority.

"Correctional facility" means a facility operated under the management and control of the Virginia Department of Corrections.

"Crisis" means a deteriorating or unstable situation often developing suddenly or rapidly that produces acute, heightened, emotional, mental, physical, medical, or behavioral distress.

"Crisis stabilization" means direct, intensive nonresidential or residential direct care and treatment to nonhospitalized individuals experiencing an acute crisis that may jeopardize their current community living situation. Crisis stabilization is intended to avert hospitalization or rehospitalization; provide normative environments with a high assurance of safety and security for crisis intervention; stabilize individuals in crisis; and mobilize the resources of the community support system, family members, and others for ongoing rehabilitation and recovery.

"Day support service" means structured programs of training, assistance, and specialized supervision in the acquisition, retention, or improvement of self-help, socialization, and adaptive skills for adults with a developmental disability provided to groups or individuals in nonresidential community-based settings. Day support services may provide opportunities for peer interaction and community integration and are designed to enhance the following: self-care and hygiene, eating, toileting, task learning, community resource utilization, environmental and behavioral skills, social skills, medication management, prevocational skills, and transportation skills. The term "day support service" does not include services in which the primary function is to provide employment-related services, general educational services, or general recreational services.

"Department" means the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.

"Developmental disability" means a severe, chronic disability of an individual that (i) is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or a combination of mental and physical impairments other than a sole diagnosis of mental illness; (ii) is manifested before the individual reaches 22 years of age; (iii) is likely to continue indefinitely; (iv) results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity: self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living, or economic self-sufficiency; and (v) reflects the individual's need for a combination and sequence of special interdisciplinary or generic services, individualized supports, or other forms of assistance that are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated. An individual from birth to nine years of age, inclusive, who has a substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired condition may be considered to have a developmental disability without meeting three or more of the criteria described in clauses (i) through (v) if the individual without services and supports has a high probability of meeting those criteria later in life.

"Developmental services" means planned, individualized, and person-centered services and supports provided to individuals with developmental disabilities for the purpose of enabling these individuals to increase their self-determination and independence, obtain employment, participate fully in all aspects of community life, advocate for themselves, and achieve their fullest potential to the greatest extent possible.

"Direct care position" means any position that includes responsibility for (i) treatment, case management, health, safety, development, or well-being of an individual receiving services or (ii) immediately supervising a person in a position with this responsibility.

"Discharge" means the process by which the individual's active involvement with a service is terminated by the provider, individual, or authorized representative.

"Discharge plan" means the written plan that establishes the criteria for an individual's discharge from a service and identifies and coordinates delivery of any services needed after discharge.

"Dispense" means to deliver a drug to an ultimate user by or pursuant to the lawful order of a practitioner, including the prescribing and administering, packaging, labeling, or compounding necessary to prepare the substance for that delivery (§ 54.1-3400 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

"Emergency service" means unscheduled and sometimes scheduled crisis intervention, stabilization, and referral assistance provided over the telephone or face-to-face, if indicated, available 24 hours a day and seven days per week. Emergency services also may include walk-ins, home visits, jail interventions, and preadmission screening activities associated with the judicial process.

"Group home or community residential service" means a congregate service providing 24-hour supervision in a community-based home having eight or fewer residents. Services include supervision, supports, counseling, and training in activities of daily living for individuals whose individualized services plan identifies the need for the specific types of services available in this setting.

"HCBS Waiver" means a Medicaid Home and Community Based Services Waiver.

"Home and noncenter based" means that a service is provided in the individual's home or other noncenter-based setting. This includes noncenter-based day support, supportive in-home, and intensive in-home services.

"Individual" or "individual receiving services" means a current direct recipient of public or private mental health, developmental, or substance abuse treatment, rehabilitation, or habilitation services and includes the terms "consumer," "patient," "resident," "recipient," or "client". When the term is used in this chapter, the requirement applies to every individual receiving licensed services from the provider.

"Individualized services plan" or "ISP" means a comprehensive and regularly updated written plan that describes the individual's needs, the measurable goals and objectives to address those needs, and strategies to reach the individual's goals. An ISP is person-centered, empowers the individual, and is designed to meet the needs and preferences of the individual. The ISP is developed through a partnership between the individual and the provider and includes an individual's treatment plan, habilitation plan, person-centered plan, or plan of care, which are all considered individualized service plans.

"Informed choice" means a decision made after considering options based on adequate and accurate information and knowledge. These options are developed through collaboration with the individual and his authorized representative, as applicable, and the provider with the intent of empowering the individual and his authorized representative to make decisions that will lead to positive service outcomes.

"Informed consent" means the voluntary written agreement of an individual, or that individual's authorized representative, to surgery, electroconvulsive treatment, use of psychotropic medications, or any other treatment or service that poses a risk of harm greater than that ordinarily encountered in daily life or for participation in human research. To be voluntary, informed consent must be given freely and without undue inducement; any element of force, fraud, deceit, or duress; or any form of constraint or coercion.

"Initial assessment" means an assessment conducted prior to or at admission to determine whether the individual meets the service's admission criteria; what the individual's immediate service, health, and safety needs are; and whether the provider has the capability and staffing to provide the needed services.

"Inpatient psychiatric service" means intensive 24-hour medical, nursing, and treatment services provided to individuals with mental illness or substance abuse (substance use disorders) in a hospital as defined in § 32.1-123 of the Code of Virginia or in a special unit of such a hospital.

"Instrumental activities of daily living" or "IADLs" means meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, and managing money. A person's degree of independence in performing these activities is part of determining appropriate level of care and services.

"Intellectual disability" means a disability originating before 18 years of age, characterized concurrently by (i) significant subaverage intellectual functioning as demonstrated by performance on a standardized measure of intellectual functioning administered in conformity with accepted professional practice that is at least two standard deviations below the mean and (ii) significant limitations in adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills.

"Intensive community treatment service" or "ICT" means a self-contained interdisciplinary team of at least five full-time equivalent clinical staff, a program assistant, and a full-time psychiatrist that:

1. Assumes responsibility for directly providing needed treatment, rehabilitation, and support services to identified individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, especially those who have severe symptoms that are not effectively remedied by available treatments or who because of reasons related to their mental illness resist or avoid involvement with mental health services;

2. Minimally refers individuals to outside service providers;

3. Provides services on a long-term care basis with continuity of caregivers over time;

4. Delivers 75% or more of the services outside program offices; and

5. Emphasizes outreach, relationship building, and individualization of services.

"Intensive in-home service" means family preservation interventions for children and adolescents who have or are at-risk of serious emotional disturbance, including individuals who also have a diagnosis of developmental disability. Intensive in-home service is usually time-limited and is provided typically in the residence of an individual who is at risk of being moved to out-of-home placement or who is being transitioned back home from an out-of-home placement. The service includes 24-hour per day emergency response; crisis treatment; individual and family counseling; life, parenting, and communication skills; and case management and coordination with other services.

"Intermediate care facility/individuals with intellectual disability" or "ICF/IID" means a facility or distinct part of a facility certified by the Virginia Department of Health as meeting the federal certification regulations for an intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disability and persons with related conditions and that addresses the total needs of the residents, which include physical, intellectual, social, emotional, and habilitation, providing active treatment as defined in 42 CFR 435.1010 and 42 CFR 483.440.

"Investigation" means a detailed inquiry or systematic examination of the operations of a provider or its services regarding an alleged violation of regulations or law. An investigation may be undertaken as a result of a complaint, an incident report, or other information that comes to the attention of the department.

"Licensed mental health professional" or "LMHP" means a physician, licensed clinical psychologist, licensed professional counselor, licensed clinical social worker, licensed substance abuse treatment practitioner, licensed marriage and family therapist, certified psychiatric clinical nurse specialist, licensed behavior analyst, or licensed psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner.

"Location" means a place where services are or could be provided.

"Medically managed withdrawal services" means detoxification services to eliminate or reduce the effects of alcohol or other drugs in the individual's body.

"Mandatory outpatient treatment order" means an order issued by a court pursuant to § 37.2-817 of the Code of Virginia.

"Medical detoxification" means a service provided in a hospital or other 24-hour care facility under the supervision of medical personnel using medication to systematically eliminate or reduce effects of alcohol or other drugs in the individual's body.

"Medical evaluation" means the process of assessing an individual's health status that includes a medical history and a physical examination of an individual conducted by a licensed medical practitioner operating within the scope of his license.

"Medication" means prescribed or over-the-counter drugs or both.

"Medication administration" means the direct application of medications by injection, inhalation, ingestion, or any other means to an individual receiving services by (i) persons legally permitted to administer medications or (ii) the individual at the direction and in the presence of persons legally permitted to administer medications.

"Medication assisted treatment (Opioid treatment service)" means an intervention strategy that combines outpatient treatment with the administering or dispensing of synthetic narcotics, such as methadone or buprenorphine (suboxone), approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration for the purpose of replacing the use of and reducing the craving for opioid substances, such as heroin or other narcotic drugs.

"Medication error" means an error in administering a medication to an individual and includes when any of the following occur: (i) the wrong medication is given to an individual, (ii) the wrong individual is given the medication, (iii) the wrong dosage is given to an individual, (iv) medication is given to an individual at the wrong time or not at all, or (v) the wrong method is used to give the medication to the individual.

"Medication storage" means any area where medications are maintained by the provider, including a locked cabinet, locked room, or locked box.

"Mental Health Community Support Service " or "MCHSS" means the provision of recovery-oriented services to individuals with long-term, severe mental illness. MHCSS includes skills training and assistance in accessing and effectively utilizing services and supports that are essential to meeting the needs identified in the individualized services plan and development of environmental supports necessary to sustain active community living as independently as possible. MHCSS may be provided in any setting in which the individual's needs can be addressed, skills training applied, and recovery experienced.

"Mental health intensive outpatient service" means a structured program of skilled treatment services focused on maintaining and improving functional abilities through a time-limited, interdisciplinary approach to treatment. This service is provided over a period of time for individuals requiring more intensive services than an outpatient service can provide and may include individual, family, or group counseling or psychotherapy; skill development and psychoeducational activities; certified peer support services; medication management; and psychological assessment or testing.

"Mental health outpatient service" means treatment provided to individuals on an hourly schedule, on an individual, group, or family basis, and usually in a clinic or similar facility or in another location. Mental health outpatient services may include diagnosis and evaluation, screening and intake, counseling, psychotherapy, behavior management, psychological testing and assessment, laboratory, and other ancillary services, medical services, and medication services. Mental health outpatient service specifically includes:

1. Mental health services operated by a community services board or a behavioral health authority established pursuant to Chapter 5 (§ 37.2-500 et seq.) or Chapter 6 (§ 37.2-600 et seq.) of Title 37.2 of the Code of Virginia;

2. Mental health services contracted by a community services board or a behavioral health authority established pursuant to Chapter 5 (§ 37.2-500 et seq.) or Chapter 6 (§ 37.2-600 et seq.) of Title 37.2 of the Code of Virginia; or

3. Mental health services that are owned, operated, or controlled by a corporation organized pursuant to the provisions of either Chapter 9 (§ 13.1-601 et seq.) or Chapter 10 (§13.1-801 et seq.) of Title 13.1 of the Code of Virginia.

"Mental health partial hospitalization service" means time-limited active treatment interventions that are more intensive than outpatient services, designed to stabilize and ameliorate acute symptoms, and serve as an alternative to inpatient hospitalization or to reduce the length of a hospital stay. Partial hospitalization is provided through a minimum of 20 hours per week of skilled treatment services focused on individuals who require intensive, high coordinated, structured, and interdisciplinary ambulatory treatment within a stable environment that is of greater intensity than intensive outpatient, but of lesser intensity than inpatient.

"Mental illness" means a disorder of thought, mood, emotion, perception, or orientation that significantly impairs judgment, behavior, capacity to recognize reality, or ability to address basic life necessities and requires care and treatment for the health, safety, or recovery of the individual or for the safety of others.

"Missing" means a circumstance in which an individual is not physically present when and where he should be and his absence cannot be accounted for or explained by his supervision needs or pattern of behavior.

"Neglect" means the failure by a person, or a program or facility operated, licensed, or funded by the department, excluding those operated by the Department of Corrections, responsible for providing services to do so, including nourishment, treatment, care, goods, or services necessary to the health, safety, or welfare of an individual receiving care or treatment for mental illness, developmental disabilities, or substance abuse.

"Neurobehavioral services" means the assessment, evaluation, and treatment of cognitive, perceptual, behavioral, and other impairments caused by brain injury that affect an individual's ability to function successfully in the community.

"Outpatient service" means treatment provided to individuals on an hourly schedule, on an individual, group, or family basis, and usually in a clinic or similar facility or in another location. Outpatient services may include diagnosis and evaluation, screening and intake, counseling, psychotherapy, behavior management, psychological testing and assessment, laboratory and other ancillary services, medical services, and medication services. "Outpatient service" specifically includes:

1. Services operated by a community services board or a behavioral health authority established pursuant to Chapter 5 (§ 37.2-500 et seq.) or Chapter 6 (§ 37.2-600 et seq.) of Title 37.2 of the Code of Virginia;

2. Services contracted by a community services board or a behavioral health authority established pursuant to Chapter 5 (§ 37.2-500 et seq.) or Chapter 6 (§ 37.2-600 et seq.) of Title 37.2 of the Code of Virginia; or

3. Services that are owned, operated, or controlled by a corporation organized pursuant to the provisions of either Chapter 9 (§ 13.1-601 et seq.) or Chapter 10 (§ 13.1-801 et seq.) of Title 13.1 of the Code of Virginia.

"Partial hospitalization service" means time-limited active treatment interventions that are more intensive than outpatient services, designed to stabilize and ameliorate acute symptoms, and serve as an alternative to inpatient hospitalization or to reduce the length of a hospital stay. Partial hospitalization is focused on individuals with serious mental illness, substance abuse (substance use disorders), or co-occurring disorders at risk of hospitalization or who have been recently discharged from an inpatient setting.

"Person-centered" means focusing on the needs and preferences of the individual; empowering and supporting the individual in defining the direction for his life; and promoting self-determination, community involvement, and recovery.

"Program of assertive community treatment service" or "PACT" means a self-contained interdisciplinary team of at least 10 full-time equivalent clinical staff, a program assistant, and a full-time or part-time psychiatrist that:

1. Assumes responsibility for directly providing needed treatment, rehabilitation, and support services to identified individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses, including those who have severe symptoms that are not effectively remedied by available treatments or who because of reasons related to their mental illness resist or avoid involvement with mental health services;

2. Minimally refers individuals to outside service providers;

3. Provides services on a long-term care basis with continuity of caregivers over time;

4. Delivers 75% or more of the services outside program offices; and

5. Emphasizes outreach, relationship building, and individualization of services.

"Provider" means any person, entity, or organization, excluding an agency of the federal government by whatever name or designation, that delivers (i) services to individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, or substance abuse (substance use disorders) or (ii) residential services for individuals with brain injury. The person, entity, or organization shall include a hospital as defined in § 32.1-123 of the Code of Virginia, community services board, behavioral health authority, private provider, and any other similar or related person, entity, or organization. It shall not include any individual practitioner who holds a license issued by a health regulatory board of the Department of Health Professions or who is exempt from licensing pursuant to §§ 54.1-2901, 54.1-3001, 54.1-3501, 54.1-3601, and 54.1-3701 of the Code of Virginia.

"Psychosocial rehabilitation service" means a program of two or more consecutive hours per day provided to groups of adults in a nonresidential setting. Individuals must demonstrate a clinical need for the service arising from a condition due to mental, behavioral, or emotional illness that results in significant functional impairments in major life activities. This service provides education to teach the individual about mental illness, substance abuse, and appropriate medication to avoid complication and relapse and opportunities to learn and use independent skills and to enhance social and interpersonal skills within a consistent program structure and environment. Psychosocial rehabilitation includes skills training, peer support, vocational rehabilitation, and community resource development oriented toward empowerment, recovery, and competency.

"Qualified developmental disability professional" or "QDDP" means a person who possesses at least one year of documented experience working directly with individuals who have a developmental disability and who possesses one of the following credentials: (i) a doctor of medicine or osteopathy licensed in Virginia, (ii) a registered nurse licensed in Virginia, (iii) a licensed occupational therapist, or (iv) completion of at least a bachelor's degree in a human services field, including sociology, social work, special education, rehabilitation counseling, or psychology.

"Qualified mental health professional" or "QMHP" means a person who by education and experience is professionally qualified and registered by the Board of Counseling in accordance with 18VAC115-80 to provide collaborative mental health services for adults or children. A QMHP shall not engage in independent or autonomous practice. A QMHP shall provide such services as an employee or independent contractor of the department or a provider licensed by the department.

"Qualified mental health professional-adult" or "QMHP-A" means a person who by education and experience is professionally qualified and registered with the Board of Counseling in accordance with 18VAC115-80 to provide collaborative mental health services for adults. A QMHP-A shall provide such services as an employee or independent contractor of the department or a provider licensed by the department. A QMHP-A may be an occupational therapist who by education and experience is professionally qualified and registered with the Board of Counseling in accordance with 18VAC115-80.

"Qualified mental health professional-child" or "QMHP-C" means a person who by education and experience is professionally qualified and registered with the Board of Counseling in accordance with 18VAC115-80 to provide collaborative mental health services for children. A QMHP-C shall provide such services as an employee or independent contractor of the department or a provider licensed by the department. A QMHP-C may be an occupational therapist who by education and experience is professionally qualified and registered with the Board of Counseling in accordance with 18VAC115-80.

"Qualified mental health professional-eligible" or "QMHP-E" means a person receiving supervised training in order to qualify as a QMHP in accordance with 18VAC115-80 and who is registered with the Board of Counseling.

"Qualified paraprofessional in mental health" or "QPPMH" means a person who must meet at least one of the following criteria: (i) registered with the United States Psychiatric Association (USPRA) as an Associate Psychiatric Rehabilitation Provider (APRP); (ii) has an associate's degree in a related field (social work, psychology, psychiatric rehabilitation, sociology, counseling, vocational rehabilitation, human services counseling) and at least one year of experience providing direct services to individuals with a diagnosis of mental illness; (iii) licensed as an occupational therapy assistant, and supervised by a licensed occupational therapist, with at least one year of experience providing direct services to individuals with a diagnosis of mental illness; or (iv) has a minimum of 90 hours classroom training and 12 weeks of experience under the direct personal supervision of a QMHP-A providing services to individuals with mental illness and at least one year of experience (including the 12 weeks of supervised experience).

"Quality improvement plan" means a detailed work plan developed by a provider that defines steps the provider will take to review the quality of services it provides and to manage initiatives to improve quality. A quality improvement plan consists of systematic and continuous actions that lead to measurable improvement in the services, supports, and health status of the individuals receiving services.

"Recovery" means a journey of healing and transformation enabling an individual with a mental illness to live a meaningful life in a community of his choice while striving to achieve his full potential. For individuals with substance abuse (substance use disorders), recovery is an incremental process leading to positive social change and a full return to biological, psychological, and social functioning. For individuals with a developmental disability, the concept of recovery does not apply in the sense that individuals with a developmental disability will need supports throughout their entire lives although these may change over time. With supports, individuals with a developmental disability are capable of living lives that are fulfilling and satisfying and that bring meaning to themselves and others whom they know.

"Referral" means the process of directing an applicant or an individual to a provider or service that is designed to provide the assistance needed.

"Residential crisis stabilization service" means (i) providing short-term, intensive treatment to nonhospitalized individuals who require multidisciplinary treatment in order to stabilize acute psychiatric symptoms and prevent admission to a psychiatric inpatient unit; (ii) providing normative environments with a high assurance of safety and security for crisis intervention; and (iii) mobilizing the resources of the community support system, family members, and others for ongoing rehabilitation and recovery.

"Residential service" means providing 24-hour support in conjunction with care and treatment or a training program in a setting other than a hospital or training center. Residential services provide a range of living arrangements from highly structured and intensively supervised to relatively independent requiring a modest amount of staff support and monitoring. Residential services include residential treatment, group homes, supervised living, residential crisis stabilization, community gero-psychiatric residential, ICF/IID, sponsored residential homes, medical and social detoxification, neurobehavioral services, and substance abuse residential treatment for women and children.

"Residential treatment service" means providing an intensive and highly structured mental health, substance abuse, or neurobehavioral service, or services for co-occurring disorders in a residential setting, other than an inpatient service.

"Respite care service" means providing for a short-term, time-limited period of care of an individual for the purpose of providing relief to the individual's family, guardian, or regular care giver. Persons providing respite care are recruited, trained, and supervised by a licensed provider. These services may be provided in a variety of settings including residential, day support, in-home, or a sponsored residential home.

"Restraint" means the use of a mechanical device, medication, physical intervention, or hands-on hold to prevent an individual receiving services from moving his body to engage in a behavior that places him or others at imminent risk. There are three kinds of restraints:

1. Mechanical restraint means the use of a mechanical device that cannot be removed by the individual to restrict the individual's freedom of movement or functioning of a limb or portion of an individual's body when that behavior places him or others at imminent risk.

2. Pharmacological restraint means the use of a medication that is administered involuntarily for the emergency control of an individual's behavior when that individual's behavior places him or others at imminent risk and the administered medication is not a standard treatment for the individual's medical or psychiatric condition.

3. Physical restraint, also referred to as manual hold, means the use of a physical intervention or hands-on hold to prevent an individual from moving his body when that individual's behavior places him or others at imminent risk.

"Restraints for behavioral purposes" means using a physical hold, medication, or a mechanical device to control behavior or involuntary restrict the freedom of movement of an individual in an instance when all of the following conditions are met: (i) there is an emergency; (ii) nonphysical interventions are not viable; and (iii) safety issues require an immediate response.

"Restraints for medical purposes" means using a physical hold, medication, or mechanical device to limit the mobility of an individual for medical, diagnostic, or surgical purposes, such as routine dental care or radiological procedures and related post-procedure care processes, when use of the restraint is not the accepted clinical practice for treating the individual's condition.

"Restraints for protective purposes" means using a mechanical device to compensate for a physical or cognitive deficit when the individual does not have the option to remove the device. The device may limit an individual's movement, for example, bed rails or a gerichair, and prevent possible harm to the individual or it may create a passive barrier, such as a helmet to protect the individual.

"Restriction" means anything that limits or prevents an individual from freely exercising his rights and privileges.

"Risk management" means an integrated system-wide program to ensure the safety of individuals, employees, visitors, and others through identification, mitigation, early detection, monitoring, evaluation, and control of risks.

"Root cause analysis" means a method of problem solving designed to identify the underlying causes of a problem. The focus of a root cause analysis is on systems, processes, and outcomes that require change to reduce the risk of harm.

"Screening" means the process or procedure for determining whether the individual meets the minimum criteria for admission.

"Seclusion" means the involuntary placement of an individual alone in an area secured by a door that is locked or held shut by a staff person, by physically blocking the door, or by any other physical means so that the individual cannot leave it.

"Serious incident" means any event or circumstance that causes or could cause harm to the health, safety, or well-being of an individual. The term "serious incident" includes death and serious injury.

"Level I serious incident" means a serious incident that occurs or originates during the provision of a service or on the premises of the provider and does not meet the definition of a Level II or Level III serious incident. Level I serious incidents do not result in significant harm to individuals, but may include events that result in minor injuries that do not require medical attention or events that have the potential to cause serious injury, even when no injury occurs. "Level II serious incident" means a serious incident that occurs or originates during the provision of a service or on the premises of the provider that results in a significant harm or threat to the health and safety of an individual that does not meet the definition of a Level III serious incident.

"Level II serious incident" includes a significant harm or threat to the health or safety of others caused by an individual. Level II serious incidents include:

1. A serious injury;

2. An individual who is or was missing;

3. An emergency room visit;

4. An unplanned psychiatric or unplanned medical hospital admission of an individual receiving services other than licensed emergency services, except that a psychiatric admission in accordance with the individual's Wellness Recovery Action Plan shall not constitute an unplanned admission for the purposes of this chapter;

5. Choking incidents that require direct physical intervention by another person;

6. Ingestion of any hazardous material; or

7. A diagnosis of:

a. A decubitus ulcer or an increase in severity of level of previously diagnosed decubitus ulcer;

b. A bowel obstruction; or

c. Aspiration pneumonia.

"Level III serious incident" means a serious incident whether or not the incident occurs while in the provision of a service or on the provider's premises and results in:

1. Any death of an individual;

2. A sexual assault of an individual; or

3. A suicide attempt by an individual admitted for services, other than licensed emergency services, that results in a hospital admission.

"Serious injury" means any injury resulting in bodily hurt, damage, harm, or loss that requires medical attention by a licensed physician, doctor of osteopathic medicine, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner.

"Service" means (i) planned individualized interventions intended to reduce or ameliorate mental illness, developmental disabilities, or substance abuse (substance use disorders) through care, treatment, training, habilitation, or other supports that are delivered by a provider to individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, or substance abuse (substance use disorders). Services include outpatient services, intensive in-home services, opioid treatment services, inpatient psychiatric hospitalization, community gero-psychiatric residential services, assertive community treatment and other clinical services; day support, day treatment, partial hospitalization, psychosocial rehabilitation, and habilitation services; case management services; and supportive residential, special school, halfway house, in-home services, crisis stabilization, and other residential services; and (ii) planned individualized interventions intended to reduce or ameliorate the effects of brain injury through care, treatment, or other supports provided in residential services for persons with brain injury.

"Shall" means an obligation to act is imposed.

"Shall not" means an obligation not to act is imposed.

"Skills training" means systematic skill building through curriculum-based psychoeducational and cognitive-behavioral interventions. These interventions break down complex objectives for role performance into simpler components, including basic cognitive skills such as attention, to facilitate learning and competency.

"Social detoxification service" means providing nonmedical supervised care for the individual's natural process of withdrawal from use of alcohol or other drugs.

"Sponsored residential home" means a service where providers arrange for, supervise, and provide programmatic, financial, and service support to families or persons (sponsors) providing care or treatment in their own homes for individuals receiving services.

"State board" means the State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. The board has statutory responsibility for adopting regulations that may be necessary to carry out the provisions of Title 37.2 of the Code of Virginia and other laws of the Commonwealth administered by the commissioner or the department.

"State methadone authority" means the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services that is authorized by the federal Center for Substance Abuse Treatment to exercise the responsibility and authority for governing the treatment of opiate addiction with an opioid drug.

"Substance abuse (substance use disorders)" means the use of drugs enumerated in the Virginia Drug Control Act (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.) without a compelling medical reason or alcohol that (i) results in psychological or physiological dependence or danger to self or others as a function of continued and compulsive use or (ii) results in mental, emotional, or physical impairment that causes socially dysfunctional or socially disordering behavior; and (iii), because of such substance abuse, requires care and treatment for the health of the individual. This care and treatment may include counseling, rehabilitation, or medical or psychiatric care.

"Substance abuse intensive outpatient service" means structured treatment provided in a concentrated manner for two or more consecutive hours per day to groups of individuals in a nonresidential setting. This service is provided over a period of time for individuals requiring to individuals who require more intensive services than is normally provided in an outpatient service can provide. Substance abuse intensive outpatient services include multiple group therapy sessions during the week, individual and family therapy, individual monitoring, and case management. but do not require inpatient services. Treatment consists primarily of counseling and education about addiction-related and mental health challenges delivered a minimum of nine to 19 hours of services per week for adults or six to 19 hours of services per week for children and adolescents. Within this level of care, an individual's needs for psychiatric and medical services are generally addressed through consultation and referrals.

"Substance abuse outpatient services" means a center based substance abuse treatment delivered to individuals for fewer than nine hours of service per weeks for adults or fewer than six hours per week for adolescents on an individual, group or family basis. Substance abuse outpatient services may include diagnosis and evaluation, screening and intake, counseling, psychotherapy, behavior management, psychological testing and assessment, laboratory and other ancillary services, medical services, and medication services. Substance abuse outpatient service includes substance abuse services or an office practice that provides professionally directed aftercare, individual, and other addiction services to individuals according to a predetermined regular schedule of fewer than nine contact hours a week. Substance abuse outpatient service also includes:

1. Substance abuse services operated by a community services board or a behavioral health authority established pursuant to Chapter 5 (§ 37.2-500 et seq.) or Chapter 6 (§ 37.2-600 et seq.) of Title 37.2 of the Code of Virginia;

2. Substance abuse services contracted by a community services board or a behavioral health authority established pursuant to Chapter 5 (§ 37.2-500 et seq.) or Chapter 6 (§ 37.2-600 et seq.) of Title 37.2 of the Code of Virginia;

3. Substance abuse services that are owned, operated, or controlled by a corporation organized pursuant to the provisions of either Chapter 9 (§ 13.1-601 et seq.) or Chapter 10 (§13.1-801 et seq.) of Title 13.1 of the Code of Virginia.

"Substance abuse partial hospitalization services" means a short-term, nonresidential substance use treatment program provided for a minimum of 20 hours a week that uses multidisciplinary staff and is provided for individuals who require a more intensive treatment experience than intensive outpatient treatment but who do not require residential treatment. This level of care is designed to offer highly structured intensive treatment to those individual whose condition is sufficiently stable so as not to require 24-hour-per-day monitoring and care, but whose illness has progressed so as to require consistent near-daily treatment intervention.

"Substance abuse residential treatment for women with children service" means a 24-hour residential service providing an intensive and highly structured substance abuse service for women with children who live in the same facility.

"Suicide attempt" means a nonfatal, self-directed, potentially injurious behavior with an intent to die as a result of the behavior regardless of whether it results in injury.

"Supervised living residential service" means the provision of significant direct supervision and community support services to individuals living in apartments or other residential settings. These services differ from supportive in-home service because the provider assumes responsibility for management of the physical environment of the residence, and staff supervision and monitoring are daily and available on a 24-hour basis. Services are provided based on the needs of the individual in areas such as food preparation, housekeeping, medication administration, personal hygiene, treatment, counseling, and budgeting.

"Supportive in-home service" (formerly supportive residential) means the provision of community support services and other structured services to assist individuals, to strengthen individual skills, and that provide environmental supports necessary to attain and sustain independent community residential living. Services include drop-in or friendly-visitor support and counseling to more intensive support, monitoring, training, in-home support, respite care, and family support services. Services are based on the needs of the individual and include training and assistance. These services normally do not involve overnight care by the provider; however, due to the flexible nature of these services, overnight care may be provided on an occasional basis.

"Systemic deficiency" means violations of regulations documented by the department that demonstrate multiple or repeat defects in the operation of one or more services.

"Therapeutic day treatment for children and adolescents" means a treatment program that serves (i) children and adolescents from birth through 17 years of age and under certain circumstances up to 21 years of age with serious emotional disturbances, substance use, or co-occurring disorders or (ii) children from birth through seven years of age who are at risk of serious emotional disturbance, in order to combine psychotherapeutic interventions with education and mental health or substance abuse treatment. Services include: evaluation; medication education and management; opportunities to learn and use daily living skills and to enhance social and interpersonal skills; and individual, group, and family counseling.

"Time out" means the involuntary removal of an individual by a staff person from a source of reinforcement to a different, open location for a specified period of time or until the problem behavior has subsided to discontinue or reduce the frequency of problematic behavior.

"Volunteer" means a person who, without financial remuneration, provides services to individuals on behalf of the provider.

12VAC35-105-30. Licenses.

A. Licenses are issued to providers who offer services to individuals who have mental illness, a developmental disability, or substance abuse (substance use disorders) or have brain injury and are receiving residential services.

B. Providers shall be licensed to provide specific services as defined in this chapter or as determined by the commissioner. These services include:

1. Assertive community treatment (ACT);

2. Case management;

2. Community gero-psychiatric residential; 3. ICF/IID;

3. 4. Community intermediate care facility-MR;

4. 5. Residential crisis stabilization;

5. 6. Nonresidential crisis stabilization;

6. 7. Day support;

7. 8. Day treatment, includes therapeutic day treatment for children and adolescents;

8. Group home and community residential;

9. Emergency;

10. Group home and community residential;

11. Inpatient psychiatric;

10. Intensive community treatment (ICT);

11. 12. Intensive in-home;

12. 13. Managed withdrawal, including medical detoxification and social detoxification;

13. 14. Mental health community support;

14. 15. Mental health intensive outpatient;

16. Mental health outpatient;

17. Mental health partial hospitalization;

18. Opioid treatment/medication assisted treatment;

15. Emergency;

16. Outpatient;

17. Partial hospitalization;

18. Program of assertive community treatment (PACT);

19. Psychosocial rehabilitation;

20. 20. Residential treatment;

21. 21. Respite care;

22. 22. Sponsored residential home;

23. Substance abuse residential treatment for women with children;

24. 23. Substance abuse intensive outpatient;

24. Substance abuse outpatient;

25. Substance abuse partial hospitalization;

26. Substance abuse residential treatment for women with children;

27. Supervised living residential; and

26. 28. Supportive in-home.

C. A license addendum shall describe the services licensed, the disabilities of individuals who may be served, the specific locations where services are to be provided or administered, and the terms and conditions for each service offered by a licensed provider. For residential and inpatient services, the license identifies the number of individuals each residential location may serve at a given time.

Article 7

Intensive Community Treatment and Program of Assertive Community Treatment Services

12VAC35-105-1360. Admission and discharge criteria.

A. Individuals must meet the following admission criteria:

1. Diagnosis of a severe and persistent mental illness, predominantly schizophrenia, other psychotic disorder, or bipolar disorder that seriously impairs functioning in the community. Individuals with a sole diagnosis of a substance addiction or abuse use disorder or developmental disability are not eligible for services, personality disorder, traumatic brain injury, or an autism spectrum disorder are not the intended service recipients and should not be referred to ACT if they do not have a co-occurring psychiatric disorder.

2. Significant challenges to community integration without intensive community support including persistent or recurrent difficulty with one or more of the following:

a. Performing practical daily living tasks;

b. Maintaining employment at a self-sustaining level or consistently carrying out homemaker roles; or

c. Maintaining a safe living situation.

3. High service needs indicated due to one or more of the following:

a. Residence in a state hospital or other psychiatric hospital but clinically assessed to be able to live in a more independent situation if intensive services were provided or anticipated to require extended hospitalization, if more intensive services are not available;

b. Multiple admissions to or at least one recent long-term stay (30 days or more) in a state hospital or other acute psychiatric hospital inpatient setting within the past two years; or a recent history of more than four interventions by psychiatric emergency services per year;

c. Persistent or very recurrent severe major symptoms (e.g., affective, psychotic, suicidal);

d. Co-occurring substance addiction or abuse of significant duration (e.g., greater than six months);

e. High risk or a recent history (within the past six months) of criminal justice involvement (e.g., arrest or incarceration);

f. Ongoing difficulty meeting basic survival needs or residing in substandard housing, homeless, or at imminent risk of becoming homeless; or

g. Inability to consistently participate in traditional office-based services.

B. Individuals receiving PACT or ICT ACT services should not be discharged for failure to comply with treatment plans or other expectations of the provider, except in certain circumstances as outlined. Individuals must meet at least one of the following criteria to be discharged:

1. Change in the individual's residence to a location out of the service area;

2. Death of the individual;

3. 2. Incarceration of the individual for a period to exceed a year or long-term hospitalization (more than one year); however, the provider is expected to prioritize these individuals for PACT or ICT ACT services upon the individual's anticipated return to the community if the individual wishes to return to services and the service level is appropriate to his needs;

4. Choice of the individual with the provider responsible for revising the ISP to meet any concerns of the individual leading to the choice of discharge 3. The individual and, if appropriate, the legally responsible person, choose to withdraw from services and documented attempts by the program to re-engage the individual with the service have not been successful; or

5. Significant sustained recovery by the individual in all major role areas with minimal team contact and support for at least two years as determined by both the individual and ICT or PACT team 4. The individual and team determine that ACT services are no longer needed based on the attainment of goals as identified in the person centered plan and a less intensive level of care would adequately address current goals.

12VAC35-105-1370. Treatment team and staffing plan.

A. Services ACT services are delivered by interdisciplinary teams.

1. PACT and ICT teams shall include the following positions:

a. Team Leader - one full-time QMHP-A with at least three years experience in the provision of mental health services to adults with serious mental illness. The team leader shall oversee all aspects of team operations and shall routinely provide direct services to individuals in the community.

b. Nurses - PACT and ICT nurses shall be full-time employees or contractors with the following minimum qualifications: A registered nurse (RN) shall have one year of experience in the provision of mental health services to adults with serious mental illness. A licensed practical nurse (LPN) shall have three years of experience in the provision of mental health services to adults with serious mental illness. ICT teams shall have at least one qualified full-time nurse. PACT teams shall have at least three qualified full-time nurses at least one of whom shall be a qualified RN.

c. One full-time vocational specialist and one full-time substance abuse specialist. These staff members shall provide direct services to individuals in their area of specialty and provide leadership to other team members to also assist individuals with their self-identified employment or substance abuse recovery goals.

d. Peer specialists - one or more full-time equivalent QPPMH or QMHP-A who is or has been a recipient of mental health services for severe and persistent mental illness. The peer specialist shall be a fully integrated team member who provides peer support directly to individuals and provides leadership to other team members in understanding and supporting individuals' recovery goals.

e. Program assistant - one full-time person with skills and abilities in medical records management shall operate and coordinate the management information system, maintain accounts and budget records for individual and program expenditures, and provide receptionist activities.

f. Psychiatrist - one physician who is board certified in psychiatry or who is board eligible in psychiatry and is licensed to practice medicine in Virginia. An equivalent ratio to 20 minutes (.008 FTE) of psychiatric time for each individual served must be maintained. The psychiatrist shall be a fully integrated team member who attends team meetings and actively participates in developing and implementing each individual ISP.

2. QMHP-A and mental health professional standards:

a. At least 80% of the clinical employees or contractors not including the program assistant or psychiatrist, shall be QMHP-As qualified to provide the services described in 12VAC35-105-1410.

b. Mental health professionals - At least half of the clinical employees or contractors not including the team leader or nurses and including the peer specialist if that person holds such a degree, shall hold a master's degree in a human service field.

3. Staffing capacity:

a. An ICT team shall have at least five full-time equivalent clinical employees or contractors. A PACT team shall have at least 10 full-time equivalent clinical employees or contractors.

b. ICT and PACT teams shall include a minimum number of employees (counting contractors but not counting the psychiatrist and program assistant) to maintain an employee to individual ratio of at least 1:10.

c. ICT teams may serve no more than 80 individuals. PACT teams may serve no more than 120 individuals.

d. A transition plan shall be required of PACT teams that will allow for "start-up" when newly forming teams are not in full compliance with the PACT model relative to staffing patterns and individuals receiving services capacity.

B. ICT and PACT teams shall meet daily Monday through Friday or at least four days per week to review and plan routine services and to address or prevent emergency and crisis situations.

1. ACT teams shall have sufficient staffing composition to meet the varying needs of individuals served by the team as required by this section. Each ACT team shall meet the following minimum position and staffing requirements:

a. Team leader. There shall be one full-time LMHP with three years of work experience in the provision of mental health services to adults with serious mental illness; a resident who is under the supervision of a licensed professional counselor in accordance with 18VAC115-20-10 and who is registered with the Virginia Board of Counseling with three years of experience in the provision of mental health services to adults with serious mental illness; a resident in psychology who is under supervision of a licensed clinical psychologist and is registered with the Virginia Board of Psychology in accordance with 18VAC125-20-10 and who has three years of experience in the provision of mental health services to adults with serious mental illness; a supervisee, in social work who is under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker and who is registered with the Virginia Board of Social Work in accordance with 18VAC140-20-10 and who has three years of experience in the provision of mental health services to adults with serious mental illness; or one full-time registered QMHP-A with at least three years of experience in the provision of mental health services to adults with serious mental illness who was employed by the provider as a team leader prior to July 1, 2020. The team leader shall oversee all aspects of team operations and shall provide direct services to individuals in the community.

b. Nurses. ACT nurses shall be full-time employees or contractors with the following minimum qualifications: a registered nurse shall have one year of experience in the provision of mental health services to adults with serious mental illness; or a licensed practical nurse shall have three years of experience in the provision of mental health services to adults with serious mental illness.

(1) Small ACT teams shall have at least one full-time nurse, who shall be either an RN or an LPN;

(2) Medium ACT teams shall have at least one full-time RN, and at least one additional full-time nurse who shall be an LPN or RN; and

(3) Large ACT teams shall have at least one full-time RN and at least two additional full-time nurses who shall be LPNs or RNs.

c. Vocational specialist. There shall be one or more full-time vocational specialist, who shall be a registered QMHP with demonstrated expertise in vocational services through experience or education.

d. Co-occurring disorder specialist. There shall be one or more full-time co-occurring disorder specialists, who shall be a LMHP; a resident who is under the supervision of a licensed professional counselor in accordance with 18VAC115-20-10 and who is registered with the Virginia Board of Counseling; a resident in psychology who is under supervision of a licensed clinical psychologist and is registered with the Virginia Board of Psychology in accordance with 18VAC125-20-10; a supervisee in social work who is under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker and who is registered with the Virginia Board of Social Work in accordance with 18VAC140-20-10; registered QMHP; or certified substance abuse specialist (CSAC) with training or experience working with adults with co-occurring serious mental illness and substance use disorder.

e. ACT peer specialists. There shall be one full-time equivalent peer recovery specialists who is or has been a recipient of mental health services for severe and persistent mental illness. The peer specialist shall be certified as a peer recovery specialist in accordance with 12VAC35-250, or shall become certified in the first year of employment. The peer specialist shall be a fully integrated team member who provides peer support directly to individuals and provides leadership to other team members in understanding and supporting each individual's recovery goals.

f. Program assistant. There shall be one full-time or two part-time program assistants with skills and abilities in medical records management shall operate and coordinate the management information system, maintain accounts and budget records for individual and program expenditures, and perform administrative support activities.

g. Psychiatric care provider. There shall be one physician who is board certified in psychiatry or who is board eligible in psychiatry and is licensed to practice medicine in Virginia or a psychiatric nurse practitioner practicing within the scope of practice as defined in 18VAC90-30-120. An equivalent ratio of 16 hours of psychiatric time per 50 individuals served must be maintained. The psychiatric care provider shall be a fully integrated team member who attends team meetings and actively participates in developing and implementing each individual ISP.

h. Generalist clinical staff. There shall be additional clinical staff with the knowledge, skill, and ability required, based on the population and age of individuals being served, to carry out rehabilitation and support functions, at least 50% of whom shall be LMHPs, QMHP-As, QMHP-Es, or QPPMHs.

(1) Small ACT teams shall have at least one generalist clinical staff;

(2) Medium ACT teams shall have at least two generalist clinical staff; and

(3) Large ACT teams shall have at least three generalist clinical staff.

2. Staff-to-individual ratios for ACT Teams:

a. Small ACT teams shall maintain a caseload of no more than 50 individuals and shall maintain at least one staff member per eight individuals, in addition to a psychiatric care provider and a program assistant.

b. Medium ACT teams shall maintain a caseload of no more than 74 individuals and shall maintain at least one staff member per nine individuals, in addition to a psychiatric care provider and a program assistant.

c. Large ACT teams shall maintain a caseload of no more than 120 individuals and shall maintain at least one staff member per nine individuals, in addition to a psychiatric care provider and a program assistant.

C. ICT teams shall operate a minimum of eight hours per day, five days per week and shall provide services on a case-by-case basis in the evenings and on weekends. PACT B. ACT teams shall be available to individuals 24 hours per day and shall operate a minimum of 12 hours each weekday and eight hours each weekend day and each holiday.

D. C. The ICT or PACT ACT team shall make crisis services directly available 24 hours a day but may arrange coverage through another crisis services provider if the team coordinates with the crisis services provider daily.

D. The PACT ACT team shall operate an after-hours on-call system and shall be available to individuals by telephone or and in person when needed as determined by the team.

E. ACT teams in development may submit a transition plan to the department for approval that will allow for "start-up" when newly forming teams are not in full compliance with the ACT model relative to staffing patterns and individuals receiving services capacity. Approved transition plans shall be limited to a six-month period.

12VAC35-105-1380. Contacts.

A. The ICT and PACT ACT team shall have the capacity to provide multiple contacts per week to individuals experiencing severe symptoms or significant problems in daily living, for an aggregate average of three contacts per individual per week.

B. Each individual receiving ICT or PACT ACT services shall be seen face-to-face by an employee or contractor; or the employee or contractor should attempt to make contact as specified in the individual's ISP. Providers shall document all attempts to make contact, and if contact is not made, the reasons why contact was not made.

12VAC35-105-1390. ICT and PACT ACT service daily operation and progress notes.

A. ICT teams and PACT ACT teams shall conduct daily organizational meetings Monday through Friday at least four days per week at a regularly scheduled time to review the status of all individuals and the outcome of the most recent employee or contractor contact, assign daily and weekly tasks to employees and contractors, revise treatment plans as needed, plan for emergency and crisis situations, and to add service contacts that are identified as needed.

B. A daily log that provides a roster of individuals served in the ICT or PACT ACT services program and documentation of services provided and contacts made with them shall be maintained and utilized in the daily team meeting. Daily logs shall not be considered progress notes.

C. There shall also be at least a weekly individual progress note notes documenting services provided in accordance with the ISP or attempts to engage the individual in services. each time the individual receives services, which shall be included within the individual's record. ACT teams shall also document within the individual's record attempts at outreach and engagement.

12VAC35-105-1410. Service requirements.

Providers ACT teams shall document that the following services are provided consistent with the individual's assessment and ISP.

1. Ongoing assessment to ascertain the needs, strengths, and preferences of the individual;

2. Case management;

3. Nursing;

4. Support for wellness self-management, including the development and implementation of individual recovery plans, symptom assessment, and recovery education;

5. Psychopharmacological treatment, administration, and monitoring;

6. Substance abuse assessment and treatment for individuals with a co-occurring diagnosis of mental illness and substance abuse Co-occurring diagnosis substance use disorder services that are nonconfrontational, trauma informed, person-centered, consider interactions of mental illness and substance use, and have goals determined by the individual;

7. Individual supportive therapy Empirically supported interventions and psychotherapy;

8. Skills training in activities of daily living, social skills, interpersonal relationships, and leisure time Psychiatric rehabilitation, which may include skill-building, coaching, and facilitating access to necessary resources to help individuals with personal care, safety skills, money management, grocery shopping, cooking, food safety and storage, purchasing and caring for clothing, household maintenance and cleaning skills, social skills, and use of transportation and other community resources;

9. Supportive in-home services; 10. Work-related services to help find and maintain employment that follow evidence-based supported employment principles, such as direct assistance with job development, locating preferred jobs, assisting the individual through the application process, and communicating with employers;

11. 10. Support for resuming education;

12. 11. Support, education, consultation, and skill-teaching to family members and, significant others, and broader natural support systems, which shall be directed exclusively to the well-being and benefit of the individual;

13. 12. Collaboration with families and assistance to individuals with children development of family and other natural supports;

13. Assistance in obtaining and maintaining safe, decent, and affordable housing that follows the individual's preferences in level of independence and location, consistent with an evidence-based supportive housing model;

14. Direct support to help individuals secure and maintain decent, affordable housing that is integrated into the broader community and to obtain legal and advocacy services, financial support, money-management services, medical and dental services, transportation, and natural supports in the community; and

15. Mobile crisis Crisis assessment, interventions to prevent or resolve potential crises, and admission to and discharge from psychiatric hospitals;

16. Assistance in developing and maintaining natural supports and social relationships;

17. Medication education, assistance, and support; and

18. Peer support services, such as coaching, mentoring, assistance with self-advocacy and self-direction, and modeling recovery practices.

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-6076; Filed January 08, 2021
TITLE 12. HEALTH
DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES
Final

Title of Regulation: 12VAC35-105. Rules and Regulations for Licensing Providers by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (amending 12VAC35-105-675).

Statutory Authority: § 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: March 4, 2021.

Agency Contact: Ruth Anne Walker, Director of Regulatory Affairs, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Jefferson Building, 1220 Bank Street, 4th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 225-2252, FAX (804) 371-4609, TDD (804) 371-8977, or email ruthanne.walker@dbhds.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The amendments allow case management providers a 30-day grace period and other mental health providers a 15-day grace period for documentation of an individualized services plan, aligning the regulation with Medicaid timeframe requirements.

Summary of Public Comments and Agency's Response: A summary of comments made by the public and the agency's response may be obtained from the promulgating agency or viewed at the office of the Registrar of Regulations.

12VAC35-105-675. Reassessments and ISP reviews.

A. Reassessments shall be completed at least annually and any time there is a need based on changes in the medical, psychiatric, behavioral, or other status of the individual.

B. Providers shall complete changes to the ISP as a result of the assessments.

C. The provider shall update the ISP at least annually and any time assessments identify risks, injuries, needs, or a change in status of the individual.

D. The provider shall review complete quarterly reviews of the ISP at least every three months from the date of the implementation of the comprehensive ISP or whenever there is a revised assessment based upon the individual's changing needs or goals.

1. These reviews shall evaluate the individual's progress toward meeting the ISP's goals and objectives and the continued relevance of the ISP's objectives and strategies. The provider shall update the goals, objectives, and strategies contained in the ISP, if indicated, and implement any updates made.

2. These reviews shall document evidence of progression toward or achievement of a specific targeted outcome for each goal and objective.

3. For goals and objectives that were not accomplished by the identified target date, the provider and any appropriate treatment team members shall meet to review the reasons for lack of progress and provide the individual an opportunity to make an informed choice of how to proceed. Documentation of the quarterly review shall be added to the individual's record no later than 15 calendar days from the date the review was due to be completed, with the exception of case management services. Case management quarterly reviews shall be added to the individual's record no later than 30 calendar days from the date the review was due.

VA.R. Doc. No. R19-5541; Filed January 08, 2021
TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING
BOARD OF ACCOUNTANCY
Final

Title of Regulation: 18VAC5-22. Board of Accountancy Regulations (amending 18VAC5-22-20, 18VAC5-22-40, 18VAC5-22-50, 18VAC5-22-70, 18VAC5-22-90, 18VAC5-22-120, 18VAC5-22-170, 18VAC5-22-180; adding 18VAC5-22-91).

Statutory Authority: §§ 54.1-4402 and 54.1-4403 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: March 3, 2021.

Agency Contact: Nancy Glynn, Executive Director, Board of Accountancy, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 402, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-8540, FAX (804) 527-4409, TDD (804) 367-9753, or email nancy.glynn@boa.virginia.gov.

Summary:

As the result of a periodic review, the amendments require that certified public accountant (CPA) licensees notify the board within 30 days of (i) any administrative disciplinary action that the licensee is the subject of or party to before any court, agency of the state or federal government, branch of the United States armed forces, or before the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants, or their successors; (ii) any conviction concerning a felony or misdemeanor, regardless of whether sentence is imposed, suspended, or executed; (iii) any guilty plea or plea of nolo contendere; (iv) any final judgment rendered against the holder in a civil court of law; or (v) any receipt of a peer review report or a Public Company Accounting Oversight Board firm inspection report containing criticisms of or identifying potential defects in the firm's quality control systems.

Summary of Public Comments and Agency's Response: A summary of comments made by the public and the agency's response may be obtained from the promulgating agency or viewed at the office of the Registrar of Regulations.

18VAC5-22-20. Fees.

A. The board shall charge the following fees for services it provides:

Processing an initial application to take one or more sections of the CPA examination

$120

Processing additional applications to take one or more sections of the CPA examination

$20

Processing an application for issuance of a Virginia license to a person

$75

Processing an application for issuance of a Virginia license to a firm

$100

Processing an application for the timely renewal of a person's Virginia license except as provided in subsection B of 18VAC5-22-180

$60

Processing an application for the timely renewal of a firm's Virginia license except as provided in subsection B of 18VAC5-22-180

$75

Additional fee for processing an application for the renewal of a person's Virginia license that is not timely

$100

Additional fee for processing an application for the renewal of a firm's Virginia license that is not timely

$100

Processing an application for reinstatement of a person's Virginia license

$350

Processing an application for reinstatement of a firm's Virginia license

$500

Processing an application for lifting the suspension of the privilege of using the CPA title in Virginia

$350

Processing an application for lifting the suspension of the privilege of providing attest services, compilation services, or financial statement preparation services for persons or entities located in Virginia

$500

Providing or obtaining information about a person's grades on sections of the CPA examination

$25

Processing requests for verification that a person or firm holds a Virginia license:

1. Online request

$25

2. Manual request

$50

Providing an additional CPA wall certificate

$25

Additional fee for not responding within 30 calendar days to any request for information by the board under subsection A of 18VAC5-22-170

$100

Additional fee for not using the online payment option for any service provided by the board

$25

B. All fees for services the board provides are due when the service is requested and are nonrefundable.

C. Any original application for a CPA license in Virginia will expire six years from the original application date, and a new application with the corresponding fees and requirements will need to be submitted.

18VAC5-22-40. Determining whether a person who holds a Virginia license is providing services to the public using the CPA title or to or on behalf of an employer using the CPA title.

For the purpose of determining whether a person who holds a Virginia license is providing services to the public or to or on behalf of an employer, those terms are to be defined in accordance with § 54.1-4400 of the Code of Virginia.

18VAC5-22-50. Determining whether the principal place of business of a person or of a firm is in Virginia.

Complying with subdivision A 1 of § 54.1-4409.1, subsection B of § 54.1-4411, or subsection B of § 54.1-4412.1 of the Code of Virginia requires the person or firm to use reasonable judgment in determining whether Virginia is the principal place of business in which:

1. The person provides services to the public; or

2. The firm provides attest services or, compilation services, or financial statement preparation services.

The determination shall be reasonable considering the facts and circumstances and can be based on quantitative or qualitative assessments. The determination shall be reconsidered for changes in facts and circumstances that are not temporary.

18VAC5-22-70. Education.

A. In order for a person to take the CPA examination through Virginia, he must have obtained from one or more accredited institutions at least 120 semester hours of education, a baccalaureate or higher degree, and an accounting concentration or equivalent prior to taking any part of the CPA examination.

B. For the purpose of complying with subsection A of this section and with subdivision A 1 a of § 54.1-4409.2 of the Code of Virginia, obtaining an accounting concentration or equivalent requires obtaining at a minimum:

1. 24 semester hours of accounting courses, including that must include courses in auditing, financial accounting, management accounting, and taxation; and

2. 24 semester hours of business courses, no more than six semester hours of which could be considered accounting courses.

Principles or introductory accounting courses cannot be considered in determining whether a person has obtained the 48 minimum number of semester hours required for an accounting concentration or equivalent.

18VAC5-22-90. Continuing professional education.

A. If during the current calendar year a person holds a Virginia license and has not been granted an exemption from meeting continuing professional education requirements by the board pursuant to subsection C of this section, he shall have obtained at least 120 hours of continuing professional education during the three-calendar-year period ending with the current calendar year. For each of the calendar years in that period, he shall have obtained at least 20 hours of continuing professional education, including an ethics course of at least two hours., which conforms to the requirements prescribed by the board. If a person holds an active license in another state and his principal place of business is not located in Virginia and:

1. If the person also holds the license of another state and Virginia is not his principal place of business, the ethics course taken to comply with this subsection either shall conform with the requirements prescribed by the board or shall be an ethics course acceptable to the board of accountancy of another state in which the person holds a license. The other state has a continuing professional education requirement for ethics, he is eligible for an exemption from meeting the continuing professional education requirements of Virginia if he meets the continuing professional education requirements in the other state in which he holds an active license, or

2. Otherwise, the ethics course shall conform to the requirements The other state does not have a continuing professional education requirement for ethics, he is eligible for an exemption from meeting the continuing professional education requirements of Virginia if he meets the continuing professional education requirements in the other state in which he holds an active license and in addition he meets the continuing professional education requirement for ethics in Virginia as prescribed by the board.

B. If during the current calendar year a person who holds a Virginia license provided services to the public or to or on behalf of an employer, has not been granted an exemption by the board pursuant to subsection C of this section, and did not hold a Virginia license or the license of another state during one or both of the two preceding calendar years, he shall determine whether he has complied with the requirements of subsection A of this section as follows:

1. If the person became licensed during the current calendar year, he shall be considered to have met the requirements of subsection A of this section for the three-calendar-year period ending with the current calendar year.

2. If the person became licensed during the preceding calendar year, he shall be considered to have met the requirements of the subsection for the three-calendar-year period ending with the current calendar year if during the current calendar year he obtained at least the minimum number of hours of continuing professional education required by subsection A of this section for the current calendar year, including an ethics course of at least two hours.

3. If the person became licensed during the calendar year prior to the preceding calendar year, he shall be considered to have met the requirements of the subsection for the three-calendar-year period ending with the current calendar year if during the current calendar year and the preceding calendar year he obtained at least the minimum number of hours of continuing professional education required by subsection A of this section for each of the years, including for each year an ethics course of at least two hours.

C. If during the current calendar year a person who holds a Virginia license did not provide services to the public or to or on behalf of an employer, including on a volunteer basis, and has demonstrated to the board that he does not provide those services been granted an exemption from continuing professional education requirements in writing by the board, he is not required to have obtained meet the continuing professional education requirements during the three-calendar-year period ending with the current calendar year for which the exemption was granted. Any person who holds a Virginia license to whom an exemption has been granted shall annually affirm and certify to the board his continued eligibility for the exemption in that he does not provide services to the public or to or on behalf of an employer. However, in order to begin providing those services to the public or to or on behalf of an employer, including on a volunteer basis:

1. He is required to have obtained at least 120 hours of continuing professional education prior to providing the services, including an ethics course of at least two hours.

2. The ethics course shall conform to the requirements prescribed by the board for the calendar year in which the person begins providing the services.

Continuing professional education obtained during the three calendar years prior to the current calendar year and from the start of the current calendar year to when he begins providing the services shall be considered in determining whether the person has complied with the requirements of this subsection.

D. If a person who has not held the license of any state applies for a Virginia license within the same calendar year in which he passes the CPA examination, he does not need to obtain continuing professional education for that calendar year. If a person who has not held the license of any state applies for a Virginia license after the end of the calendar year in which he passes the CPA examination, he shall obtain continuing professional education prior to applying for the license, including an ethics course of at least two hours.

1. The required minimum number of hours of continuing professional education shall be 40, 80, or 120 depending on whether he applies for the Virginia license by the end of the first calendar year after the calendar year in which he passes the CPA examination, by the end of the second calendar year, or later.

2. The ethics course shall conform to the requirements prescribed by the board for the calendar year in which the person applies for the license.

Continuing professional education obtained subsequent to passing the CPA examination but during the three calendar years prior to the calendar year in which the person applies for the license and from the start of that calendar year to when he applies for the license shall be considered in determining whether he has complied with this requirement.

E. Continuing professional education acceptable to the board may be obtained through a variety of forums, provided there is a means of demonstrating that the education was obtained. The acceptable forums are:

1. Attending seminars and educational conferences, provided that the instructors have appropriate knowledge of the subject matter and use appropriate teaching materials and that attendance is monitored in a manner that can be verified by the board;

2. Taking courses at an accredited institution for credit;

3. Completing self-study courses, provided there is a method for determining that the person met the learning objectives;

4. Making a presentation at a professional seminar, educational conference, or in a classroom setting, provided the person has appropriate knowledge of the subject matter and uses appropriate teaching materials;

5. Writing material that is relevant to providing services to or on behalf of an employer or to the public that is formally reviewed by an independent party and that is published in a book, magazine, or similar publication; and

6. Passing examinations and obtaining certifications that have been approved by the board.

Whether other forums are acceptable shall be determined by the board on a case-by-case basis.

F. In determining whether a person has obtained the required number of hours of continuing professional education:

1. Repeat presentations shall not be considered.

2. No more than 30 hours from preparing for and making presentations shall be considered during each three-calendar-year period.

3. One semester-hour of credit for courses at an accredited institution constitutes 15 hours of continuing professional education, and one quarter-hour of credit constitutes 10 hours of continuing professional education.

4. Credit for examination and certification shall be awarded for the calendar year in which the examination was passed and certification was received. If passage of the examination and certification occur in different calendar years, credit shall be awarded for the calendar year in which the examination was passed. The board shall determine how many hours are credited per certification.

5. No more than 60 hours from examination and certification shall be considered during each three-calendar-year period.

G. Depending on the facts and circumstances, the board may waive all or part of the continuing professional education requirement for one or more calendar years or grant additional time for complying with the continuing professional education requirement, provided that the waiver or deferral is in the public interest.

18VAC5-22-91. Documentation of continuing professional education.

A. Continuing professional education acceptable to the board may be obtained through a variety of forums, provided there is a means of demonstrating that the education was obtained. The acceptable forums are:

1. Attending seminars and educational conferences, provided that the instructors have appropriate knowledge of the subject matter and use appropriate teaching materials and that attendance is monitored in a manner that can be verified by the board;

2. Completing courses at an accredited institution for credit;

3. Completing self-study courses, provided there is a method for determining that the person met the learning objectives;

4. Making a presentation at a professional seminar, educational conference, or in a classroom setting, provided the person has appropriate knowledge of the subject matter and uses appropriate teaching materials;

5. Writing material that is relevant to providing services to the public or to or on behalf of an employer that is formally reviewed by an independent party and that is published in a book, magazine, or similar publication; and

6. Passing examinations and obtaining certifications that have been approved by the board.

Whether other forums are acceptable shall be determined by the board on a case-by-case basis.

B. In determining whether a person has obtained the required number of hours of continuing professional education:

1. Repeat presentations, examinations, and courses shall not be considered.

2. No more than 30 hours from preparing for and making presentations shall be considered during each three-calendar-year period.

3. One semester-hour of credit for courses at an accredited institution constitutes 15 hours of continuing professional education, and one quarter-hour of credit constitutes 10 hours of continuing professional education.

4. Credit for examination and certification shall be awarded for the calendar year in which the examination was passed and certification was received. If passage of the examination and certification occur in different calendar years, credit shall be awarded for the calendar year in which the examination was passed. The board shall determine how many hours are credited per certification.

5. No more than 60 hours from examination and certification shall be considered during each three-calendar-year period.

C. Depending on the facts and circumstances, the board may waive all or part of the continuing professional education requirement for one or more calendar years or grant additional time for complying with the continuing professional education requirement, provided that the waiver or deferral is in the public interest.

D. Evidence of satisfactory completion of the continuing professional education requirements shall include:

1. Certificates of completion or some other form of documentation from the continuing professional education sponsor, including the sponsor's name, participant's name, course or content name, date taken, and hours of continuing professional education earned;

2. Official transcripts of the college or university for earning course credit at an accredited college or university;

3. A syllabus or agenda and a signed statement from the sponsoring individual or sponsoring organization indicating the length of the presentation for making a presentation;

4. A copy of the published article, book, written material, or other proof of publication for producing written material relevant to CPAs who provide services to the public or to or on behalf of an employer; or

5. In the case of exams and certifications that have been approved by the board, a letter from the administering organization that identifies the passage of the exam or the certification, the participant's name, and the date of passage or certification;

The board shall not accept receipts, registration confirmations, canceled checks, outlines, presentation slides, or sign-in sheets as valid evidence of satisfactory completion of the continuing professional education requirements. Whether other documentation is acceptable shall be determined by the board on a case-by-case basis.

E. A person who holds a Virginia license shall retain evidence of his satisfactory completion of the continuing professional education requirements for a period of four years preceding the current calendar year.

F. One continuing professional education hour is satisfied by 50 minutes of participation in a program of continuing professional education.

18VAC5-22-120. Supervision of firm personnel.

To comply with subdivision C 2 of § 54.1-4412.1 of the Code of Virginia, a person's work must be planned, supervised, and reviewed by a person who either (i) holds a an active Virginia license or (ii) holds the active license of another state and complies with the substantial equivalency provisions of § 54.1-4411 of the Code of Virginia.

18VAC5-22-170. Communication with the board.

A. Pursuant to § 54.1-4425 of the Code of Virginia, each licensee or applicant shall respond within 30 calendar days to any board request for information regarding compliance with any statutes or regulations pertaining to the board or any of the programs that may be in another title of the Code of Virginia for which the board has regulatory responsibility. When the requested response is not produced by the licensee or applicant within 30 calendar days, this nonproduction shall be deemed a violation of this rule, unless otherwise determined by the board.

B. Each holder of a Virginia license shall notify the board in writing within 30 calendar days of any:

1. Any change in the holder's legal name or in the postal and electronic addresses where the person or firm may be reached;

2. Any administrative disciplinary action that the holder is the subject of or party to before any court, agency of the state or federal government, branch of the armed forces of the United States of America, or before the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants, or their successors;

3. Any conviction concerning a felony or misdemeanor, regardless of whether sentence is imposed, suspended, or executed;

4. Any guilty plea or plea of nolo contendere;

5. Any final judgment rendered against the holder in a civil court of law; or

6. Any receipt of a peer review report or a PCAOB firm inspection report containing criticisms of or identifying potential defects in the firm's quality control systems.

C. The board shall transmit license renewal notices electronically unless a person or firm is unable to communicate electronically. The responsibility for renewing a Virginia license is on its holder, and that responsibility is not affected by whether the holder receives a license renewal notice Upon the renewal, reinstatement of, or the application for a Virginia license each person or entity shall notify the board in writing if any of the sanctions in subsection B of this section have occurred.

18VAC5-22-180. Issuance, renewal, and reinstatement of licenses.

A. Any Virginia license issued, renewed, or reinstated on or after February 26, 2018, and on or before June 30, 2018, shall expire on June 30, 2019, and its holder shall pay the fee prescribed in 18VAC5-22-20 upon submission of a completed license application.

B. Any Virginia license expiring between July 31, 2018, and on or before March 31, 2019, that is renewed pursuant to this subsection shall expire on June 30, 2019. Any Virginia license expiring between April 30, 2019, and on or before May 31, 2019, that is renewed pursuant to this subsection shall expire on June 30, 2020.

1. A person who holds a Virginia license that expires between July 31, 2018, and May 31, 2019, shall pay a prorated renewal fee as prescribed in this subdivision upon submission of a completed license renewal application.

Current Expiration Date

Renewal Fee

Expiration Date Following Renewal

July 31, 2018

$55

June 30, 2019

August 31, 2018

$50

June 30, 2019

September 30, 2018

$45

June 30, 2019

October 31, 2018

$40

June 30, 2019

November 30, 2018

$35

June 30, 2019

December 31, 2018

$30

June 30, 2019

January 31, 2019

$25

June 30, 2019

February 28, 2019

$20

June 30, 2019

March 31, 2019

$15

June 30, 2019

April 30, 2019

$60

June 30, 2020

May 31, 2019

$60

June 30, 2020

2. A firm that holds a Virginia license that expires between July 31, 2018, and May 31, 2019, shall pay a prorated renewal fee as prescribed in this subdivision upon submission of a completed license renewal application.

Current Expiration Date

Renewal Fee

Expiration Date Following Renewal

July 31, 2018

$68

June 30, 2019

August 31, 2018

$62

June 30, 2019

September 30, 2018

$56

June 30, 2019

October 31, 2018

$50

June 30, 2019

November 30, 2018

$43

June 30, 2019

December 31, 2018

$37

June 30, 2019

January 31, 2019

$31

June 30, 2019

February 28, 2019

$25

June 30, 2019

March 31, 2019

$18

June 30, 2019

April 30, 2019

$75

June 30, 2020

May 31, 2019

$75

June 30, 2020

C. Any Virginia license issued or reinstated from July 1, 2018, to on or before March 31, 2019, shall expire on June 30, 2019, and its holder shall pay the fee prescribed in 18VAC5-22-20 upon submission of a completed license application. Beginning April 1, 2019, any Virginia license issued or reinstated during the months of April, May, or June shall expire on June 30 of the succeeding calendar year, and its holder shall pay the fee prescribed in 18VAC5-22-20 upon submission of a completed license application.

D. A. For Virginia licenses expiring on June 30, 2019, or later, the holder of a Virginia license shall annually renew his license on or before June 30 of each calendar year by submitting a completed license renewal application and paying to the board a renewal fee as prescribed in 18VAC5-22-20.

B. If a person or entity applies for an initial license or reinstatement on or after March 1 of a calendar year, the license will not expire until June 30 of the following calendar year.

C. The board shall transmit license renewal notices electronically unless a person or firm is unable to communicate electronically. The responsibility for renewing a Virginia license is on its holder, and that responsibility is not affected by whether the holder receives a license renewal notice.

VA.R. Doc. No. R19-5755; Filed January 11, 2021
TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING
BOARD OF AUDIOLOGY AND SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY
Forms

REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: Forms used in administering the regulation have been filed by the agency. The forms are not being published; however, online users of this issue of the Virginia Register of Regulations may click on the name of a form with a hyperlink to access it. The forms are also available from the agency contact or may be viewed at the Office of the Registrar of Regulations, 900 East Main Street, 11th Floor, Richmond, Virginia 23219.

Title of Regulation: 18VAC30-21. Regulations Governing Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.

Agency Contact: Elaine Yeatts, Agency Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Health Professions, 9960 Mayland Drive, Henrico, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-4688, FAX (804) 527-4434, or email elaine.yeatts@dhp.virginia.gov.

FORMS (18VAC30-21)

Instructions/Checklist and Application for Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology Licensure in Virginia (rev. 3/2019)

Instructions/Checklist and Application for a Provisional License (rev. 3/2019)

Instructions/Checklist and Application for a School Speech-Language Pathologist without Virginia Board of Education Endorsement (rev. 3/2019)

Instructions/Checklist and Application for a School Speech-Language Pathologist with Virginia Board of Education Endorsement (rev. 3/2019)

Instructions/Checklist and Application for Reinstatement of an Expired Virginia License (rev. 3/2019)

Instructions/Checklist and Application for Reactivation of an Inactive Current License (rev. 3/2019)

Licensure Verification Form (rev. 3/2019)

Employment Verification Form (rev. 3/2019)

Continuing Education Reporting Form (rev. 3/2017)

Continuing Education (CE) Credit Form for Volunteer Practice (rev. 3/2019)

Request for Verification of a Virginia License Form (rev. 3/2019)

Name/Address Change Form (rev. 3/2019)

Sponsor Certification for Volunteer Registration Form (rev. 3/2019)

Application for Registration for Volunteer Practice (rev. 3/2019)

Instructions/Checklist for Completing an Application to Practice as an Audiologist in Virginia (Includes Provisional for Re-entry Into Practice) (rev. 6/2020)

Instructions/Checklist for Application for Provisional License to Practice as an Audiologist in Virginia (New Graduates Only) (rev. 6/2020)

Instructions/Checklist for Application for Provisional License to Practice as a Speech-Language Pathologist in Virginia (New Graduates Only) (rev. 6/2020)

Instructions/Checklist for Completing an Application to Practice as a School Speech-Language Pathologist in Virginia (rev. 6/2020)

Instructions/Checklist for Reinstatement of an Expired License (rev. 6/2020)

Instructions/Checklist for Reactivating a Current Inactive License (rev. 6/2020)

Request for Verification of Out-of-State License (rev. 6/2020)

Employment Verification (rev. 6/2020)

Continuing Education Reporting Form (rev. 6/2020)

Continuing Education (CE) Credit Form for Volunteer Practice (rev. 6/2020)

Request for Verification of a Virginia License (rev. 6/2020)

Name/Address Change Form (rev. 6/2020)

Sponsor Certification for Volunteer Registration (rev. 6/2020)

Application for Registration to Volunteer Practice (rev. 6/2020)

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-6617; Filed January 05, 2021
TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING
BOARD OF DENTISTRY
Forms

REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: Forms used in administering the regulation have been filed by the agency. The forms are not being published; however, online users of this issue of the Virginia Register of Regulations may click on the name of a form with a hyperlink to access it. The forms are also available from the agency contact or may be viewed at the Office of the Registrar of Regulations, 900 East Main Street, 11th Floor, Richmond, Virginia 23219.

Title of Regulation: 18VAC60-21. Regulations Governing the Practice of Dentistry.

Agency Contact: Elaine Yeatts, Agency Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Health Professions, 9960 Mayland Drive, Henrico, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-4688, FAX (804) 527-4434, or email elaine.yeatts@dhp.virginia.gov.

FORMS (18VAC60-21)

Instructions and Application for a Faculty License to Teach Dentistry (rev. 5/2019)

Instructions and Application for Registration for Volunteer Dental Practice (rev. 5/2019)

Instructions and Application for a Temporary Resident's License (rev. 5/2019)

Instructions and Application for a Temporary Dental Permit (rev. 5/2019)

Instructions and Application for a Permit to Administer Moderate Sedation (rev. 5/2019)

Instructions and Application for a Permit to Administer Deep Sedation/General Anesthesia (rev. 5/2019)

Instructions and Application for Reinstatement of a Permit to Administer Moderate Sedation or Deep Sedation/General Anesthesia (rev. 5/2019)

Instructions and Application for Certification to Perform Cosmetic Procedures (rev. 5/2019)

Instructions and Application for Reinstatement of Certification to Perform Cosmetic Procedures (rev. 5/2019)

Instructions and Application for Restricted Volunteer Dental License (rev. 5/2019)

Instructions and Application for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Registration of Practice (rev. 5/2019)

Instructions and Application for Reinstatement of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Registration of Practice (rev. 5/2019)

Instructions and Application for Registration of a Mobile Dental Facility or Portable Dental Operation (rev. 5/2019)

Instructions and Application for Reactivation of Dental License (rev. 5/2019)

Instructions and Application for Reinstatement of Dental License (rev. 5/2019)

Instructions for Filing Online Application for Licensure by Examination or Credentials for Dentists (rev. 4/2019)

Instructions for a Faculty License to Teach Dentistry (rev. 8/2020)

Instructions for Registration for Volunteer Dental Practice (rev. 8/2020)

Instructions for a Temporary Resident's License (rev. 8/2020)

Instructions for a Temporary Dental Permit (rev. 8/2020)

Application for a Permit to Administer Moderate Sedation (rev. 8/2020)

Instructions for a Permit to Administer Deep Sedation/General Anesthesia (rev. 8/2020)

Instructions for Reinstatement of a Permit to Administer Moderate Sedation or Deep Sedation/General Anesthesia (rev. 8/2020)

Instructions for Certification to Perform Cosmetic Procedures (rev. 8/2020)

Instructions for Reinstatement of Certification to Perform Cosmetic Procedures (rev. 8/2020)

Instructions for Restricted Volunteer Dental License (rev. 8/2020)

Instructions for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Registration of Practice (rev. 8/2020)

Instructions for Reinstatement of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Registration of Practice (rev. 8/2020)

Instructions for Registration of a Mobile Dental Facility or Portable Dental Operation (rev. 8/2020)

Instructions for Reactivation of Dental License (rev. 8/2020)

Instructions for Reinstatement of Dental License (rev. 8/2020)

Application Instructions for a Dental License (rev. 11/2020)

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-6595; Filed January 05, 2021
TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING
BOARD OF DENTISTRY
Forms

REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: Forms used in administering the regulation have been filed by the agency. The forms are not being published; however, online users of this issue of the Virginia Register of Regulations may click on the name of a form with a hyperlink to access it. The forms are also available from the agency contact or may be viewed at the Office of the Registrar of Regulations, 900 East Main Street, 11th Floor, Richmond, Virginia 23219.

Title of Regulation: 18VAC60-25. Regulations Governing the Practice of Dental Hygiene.

Agency Contact: Elaine Yeatts, Agency Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Health Professions, 9960 Mayland Drive, Henrico, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-4688, FAX (804) 527-4434, or email elaine.yeatts@dhp.virginia.gov.

FORMS (18VAC60-25)

Instructions for Filing Online Application for Licensure by Examination or Credentials for Dental Hygienists (rev. 5/2019)

Instructions and Application for Registration for Dental Hygiene Volunteer Practice (rev. 5/2019)

Instructions and Application for Reactivation of Dental Hygienist (rev. 5/2019)

Instructions and Application for Reinstatement of Dental Hygienist License (rev. 5/2019)

Instructions and Application for Restricted Volunteer Dental Hygiene License (rev. 5/2019)

Instructions and Application for a Faculty License to Teach Dental Hygiene (rev. 5/2019)

Instructions and Application for a Temporary Dental Hygiene Permit (rev. 5/2019)

Continuing Education (CE) Credit Form for Volunteer Practice (rev. 5/2019)

Application Instructions for Dental Hygienists (rev. 11/2020)

Instructions for Registration for Dental Hygiene Volunteer Practice (rev. 8/2020)

Instructions for Reactivation of Dental Hygienist License (rev. 8/2020)

Instructions for Reinstatement of Dental Hygiene License (rev. 8/2020)

Instructions for Restricted Volunteer Dental Hygiene License (rev. 8/2020)

Instructions for a Faculty License to Teach Dental Hygiene (rev. 8/2020)

Instructions for a Temporary Dental Hygiene Permit (rev. 8/2020)

Continuing Education (CE) Credit Form for Volunteer Practice (rev. 5/2019)

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-6610; Filed January 05, 2021
TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING
BOARD OF DENTISTRY
Forms

REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: Forms used in administering the regulation have been filed by the agency. The forms are not being published; however, online users of this issue of the Virginia Register of Regulations may click on the name of a form with a hyperlink to access it. The forms are also available from the agency contact or may be viewed at the Office of the Registrar of Regulations, 900 East Main Street, 11th Floor, Richmond, Virginia 23219.

Title of Regulation: 18VAC60-30. Regulations Governing the Practice of Dental Assistants.

Agency Contact: Elaine Yeatts, Agency Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Health Professions, 9960 Mayland Drive, Henrico, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-4688, FAX (804) 527-4434, or email elaine.yeatts@dhp.virginia.gov.

FORMS (18VAC60-30)

Instructions and Application for Registration as a Dental Assistant II (rev.5/2019)

Instructions and Application Reactivation of Dental Assistant II Registration (rev.5/2019)

Instructions and Application for Reinstatement of Dental Assistant II Registration (rev.5/2019)

Instructions for Registration of Dental Assistant II (rev. 8/2020)

Instructions for Reactivation of Dental Assistant II Registration (rev. 8/2020)

Instructions for Reinstatement of Dental Assistant II Registration (rev. 8/2020)

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-6609; Filed January 05, 2021
TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING
BOARD OF FUNERAL DIRECTORS AND EMBALMERS
Forms

REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: Forms used in administering the regulation have been filed by the agency. The forms are not being published; however, online users of this issue of the Virginia Register of Regulations may click on the name of a form with a hyperlink to access it. The forms are also available from the agency contact or may be viewed at the Office of the Registrar of Regulations, 900 East Main Street, 11th Floor, Richmond, Virginia 23219.

Title of Regulation: 18VAC65-20. Regulations of the Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers).

Agency Contact: Elaine Yeatts, Agency Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Health Professions, 9960 Mayland Drive, Henrico, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-4688, FAX (804) 527-4434, or email elaine.yeatts@dhp.virginia.gov.

FORMS (18VAC65-20)

Funeral Service Licensee Application (rev. 3/2018)

Application for Reinstatement as a Funeral Service License (rev. 3/2018)

Verification of State Licensure Form (rev. 3/2018)

Courtesy Card Application (rev. 3/2018)

Surface Transportation and Removal Services Application (rev. 3/2018)

Crematory Registration Application (rev. 9/2018)

Continuing Education Provider Application (rev. 3/2018)

Continuing Education Summary Form (rev. 8/2016)

Continuing Education Provider Application for Approval of Additional Courses (rev. 3/2018)

Continuing Education Provider Renewal Form (rev. 3/2018)

Continuing Education Credit for Volunteer Practice (rev. 2/2018)

Funeral Service Establishment Application (rev. 9/2018)

Branch Establishment Application (rev. 9/2018)

Application for Notification of Establishment Changes (rev. 9/2018)

Application for Change of Manager - Funeral Establishment (rev. 3/2018)

Request for Reinspection - Structural Change of Establishment (rev. 3/2018)

Waiver of Full-Time Manager Application (rev. 7/2019)

Application for Reinstatement Funeral Service Establishment (rev. 3/2018)

Application for Reinstatement of Courtesy Card (rev. 3/2018)

Checklist and Instructions for Funeral Service Licensee (rev. 7/2020)

Funeral Service License Reinstatement Application (rev. 7/2020)

Request for Verification of a Virginia Funeral License (rev. 11/2019)

Checklist and Instructions for Courtesy Card Application (rev. 8/2020)

Checklist and Instructions for Surface Transportation and Removal Service Registration Application (rev. 7/2020)

Checklist and Instructions for Crematory Registration Application (rev. 7/2020)

Checklist and Instructions for Continuing Education Providers (rev. 7/2020)

Instructions for Completing the Continuing Education Summary Form for The Virginia Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers (rev. 8/2016)

Instructions for Continuing Education Providers Adding Additional Courses (rev. 3/2018)

Continuing Education (CE) Credit Form for Volunteer Practice (rev. 7/2020)

Continued Competency Activity and Assessment Form (rev. 7/2012)

Funeral Service New Establishment Application (rev. 7/2020)

Funeral Service Establishment/Branch Application (rev. 7/2020)

Funeral Service Establishment/Branch Change Application (rev. 7/2020)

Funeral Establishment or Branch Change of Manager Application (rev. 3/2018)

Request for Reinspection due to Structural Change to Preparation Room (rev. 7/2020)

Waiver of Full-Time Manager (rev. 7/2020)

Funeral Service Establishment Reinstatement Application (rev. 7/2020)

Courtesy Card Reinstatement Application (rev. 7/2020)

Appendix I. General Price List (rev. 10/2019)

Appendix II. Casket Price List, Outer Burial Container Price List (rev. 10/2019)

Appendix III. Itemized Statement of Funeral Goods and Services Selected (rev. 10/2019)

VA.R. Doc. No. R21-6630; Filed January 05, 2021
TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING
BOARD OF FUNERAL DIRECTORS AND EMBALMERS
Final

Title of Regulation: 18VAC65-20. Regulations of the Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers (amending 18VAC65-20-10, 18VAC65-20-50, 18VAC65-20-60, 18VAC65-20-70, 18VAC65-20-130, 18VAC65-20-151, 18VAC65-20-152, 18VAC65-20-153, 18VAC65-20-154, 18VAC65-20-170, 18VAC65-20-171, 18VAC65-20-240, 18VAC65-20-400, 18VAC65-20-435, 18VAC65-20-436, 18VAC65-20-440, 18VAC65-20-500, 18VAC65-20-510, 18VAC65-20-580, 18VAC65-20-700).

Statutory Authority: §§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-2803 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: March 3, 2021.

Agency Contact: Corie Tillman Wolf, Executive Director, Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-4479, FAX (804) 527-4471, or email fanbd@dhp.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The amendments clarify and update provisions and include (i) a new definition for "affiliation" of a branch to the main establishment, (ii) an allowance for newly licensed persons to be exempt from continuing education for the first renewal, (iii) an allowance for a funeral establishment experiencing an emergency to utilize the building in another establishment until restoration, (iv) a requirement for a registered surface transportation and removal service to hold liability insurance, (v) an allowance for a crematory to test operation of a retort before it is registered, and (vi) establishment of grounds for disciplinary action in the case of an inappropriate sexual relationship between a supervisor and funeral intern.

Summary of Public Comments and Agency's Response: No public comments were received by the promulgating agency.

Chapter 20

Regulations Governing the Practice of the Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers Services

18VAC65-20-10. Definitions.

Words and terms used in this chapter shall have the definitions ascribed in § 54.1-2800 of the Code of Virginia or in 16 CFR Part 453, Funeral Industry Practices, of the Federal Trade Commission, which is incorporated by reference in this chapter. In addition, the following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Affiliation" or "affiliated" means a relationship involving a degree of common or subsidiary ownership between two establishments or entities.

"Branch" or "chapel" means a funeral service establishment that is affiliated with a licensed main establishment and that conforms with the requirements of § 54.1-2811 of the Code of Virginia.

"Courtesy card" means the card issued by the board which that grants limited and restricted funeral service privileges in the Commonwealth to out-of-state funeral service licensees, funeral directors, and embalmers.

"Cremation container" means a container in which human remains are transported to the crematory and placed in the retort for cremation.

"Cremation urn" means a wood, metal, stone, plastic, or composition container or a container of other material, which is designed for encasing cremated ashes.

"Cremation vault" or "cremation outer burial container" means any container that is designed for encasement of an inner container or urn containing cremated ashes. Also known as a cremation box.

"FTC" means the Federal Trade Commission.

"Manager of record" means a funeral service licensee or licensed funeral director who is responsible for the direct supervision and management of a funeral service establishment or branch facility.

18VAC65-20-50. Posting of license.

A. Each licensee shall post an original or photocopy of his license in a place conspicuous to consumers of funeral services in each establishment or branch where he is employed practices.

B. The establishment license shall be posted in a place conspicuous to consumers of funeral services.

18VAC65-20-60. Accuracy of information.

A. All changes in the address of record or the public address, if different from the address of record, or in the name of a licensee or registrant shall be furnished to the board within 30 days after the change occurs.

B. Any change in ownership or manager of record for an establishment or crematory shall be reported to the board within 14 days of the change.

C. A surface transportation and removal service shall notify the board within 30 14 days of any change in the name of the manager on of record with the board.

D. All notices required by law and by this chapter to be mailed provided by the board to any registrant or licensee shall be validly given when mailed to the latest address of record on file with the board and shall not relieve the licensee, funeral service intern, establishment, crematory, or firm of obligation to comply. Renewal notices may be mailed or sent electronically by the board.

18VAC65-20-70. Required fees.

A. The following fees shall apply for initial licensure or registration:

1. License to practice funeral service or as a funeral director or an embalmer

$325

2. Funeral service establishment license

$600

3. Surface transportation and removal service registration

$325

4. Courtesy card

$325

5. Crematory

$250

6. Waiver of full-time manager requirement

$150

B. The following fees shall apply for renewal of licensure or registration:

1. License to practice funeral service or as a funeral director or an embalmer

$225

2. Funeral service establishment license

$400

3. Surface transportation and removal service registration

$300

4. Courtesy card

$300

5. Crematory

$200

6. Waiver of full-time manager requirement

$100

7. Inactive funeral service, funeral director, or embalmer license

$115

C. The following fees shall apply for late renewal of licensure or registration up to one year following expiration:

1. License to practice funeral service or as a funeral director or an embalmer

$75

2. Funeral service establishment license

$135

3. Surface transportation and removal service registration

$100

4. Courtesy card

$100

5. Crematory

$75

6. Waiver of full-time manager requirement

$35

7. Inactive funeral service, funeral director, or embalmer license

$40

D. The following fees shall apply for reinstatement of licensure or registration:

1. License to practice funeral service or as a funeral director or an embalmer

$400

2. Establishment license

$635

3. Surface transportation and removal service registration

$425

4. Courtesy card

$425

5. Crematory

$275

6. Reinstatement following suspension

$1,000

7. Reinstatement following revocation

$2,000

E. Other fees.

1. Change of manager or establishment name

$100

2. Verification of license or registration to another state

$50

3. Duplicate license, registration, or courtesy card

$25

4. Duplicate wall certificates

$60

5. Change of ownership

$100

6. Nonroutine reinspection (i.e., structural change to preparation room, change of location or ownership)

$400

F. Fees for approval of continuing education providers.

1. Application or renewal for continuing education provider

$400

2. Late renewal of continuing education provider approval

$100

3. Review of additional courses not included on initial or renewal application (per application for review of additional courses not per individual course)

$300

G. For each renewal in the two years after January 14, 2015, the following shortfall reduction fee shall be assessed:

1. License to practice funeral service or as a funeral director or an embalmer

$40

2. Funeral service establishment license

$75

3. Surface transportation and removal service registration

$60

4. Courtesy card

$60

5. Crematory

6. Continuing education provider

$40

$75

18VAC65-20-130. Renewal of license; registration.

A. A person, establishment, crematory, courtesy card holder, or surface transportation and removal service that desires to renew its license or registration for the next year shall, not later than the expiration date as provided in 18VAC65-20-120, submit the renewal form and applicable fee.

1. In order to renew an active funeral service, funeral director, or embalmer license, a licensee shall be required to comply with continuing competency requirements set forth in 18VAC65-20-151.

2. The board shall not renew a license for any licensee who fails to attest to compliance with continuing competency requirements on the renewal form.

3. In order to renew a courtesy card, the courtesy card holder shall provide documentation of current, unrestricted licensure for funeral service, funeral directing, or embalming from the licensing authority in the states in which the courtesy card holder is licensed to practice.

B. A person who or entity that desires to renew an expired license for up to one year following expiration shall comply with requirements of subsection A of this section and also submit the applicable fee for late renewal.

C. A person who or entity which that fails to renew a license, registration, or courtesy card by the expiration dates prescribed in 18VAC65-20-120 shall be deemed to have an invalid license, registration, or courtesy card and continued practice may subject the licensee to disciplinary action by the board.

18VAC65-20-151. Continued competency requirements for renewal of an active license.

A. Funeral service licensees, funeral directors, or funeral embalmers shall be required to have completed a minimum of five hours per year of continuing education offered by a board-approved sponsor for licensure renewal in courses that emphasize the ethics, standards of practice, preneed contracts, and funding, or federal or state laws and regulations governing the profession of funeral service.

1. One hour per year shall cover compliance with laws and regulations governing the profession, and at least one hour per year shall cover preneed funeral arrangements. The one-hour requirement on compliance with laws and regulations may be met once every two years by attendance at a meeting of the board or at a committee of the board or an informal conference or formal hearing.

2. One hour of the five hours required for annual renewal may be satisfied through delivery of professional services, without compensation, to low-income individuals receiving health services through a local health department or a free clinic organized in whole or primarily for the delivery of those services. One hour of continuing education may be credited for one hour of providing such volunteer services, as documented by the health department or free clinic. For the purposes of continuing education credit for volunteer service, an approved sponsor shall be a local health department or free clinic.

B. Courses must be directly related to the scope of practice of funeral service. Courses for which the principal purpose is to promote, sell, or offer goods, products, or services to funeral homes are not acceptable for the purpose of credit toward renewal.

C. The board may grant an extension for good cause of up to one year for the completion of continuing education requirements upon written request from the licensee prior to the renewal date. Such extension shall not relieve the licensee of the continuing education requirement.

D. The board may grant an exemption for all or part of the continuing education requirements for one renewal cycle due to circumstances determined by the board to be beyond the control of the licensee.

E. A licensee shall be exempt from the continuing education requirements for the first renewal following the date of initial licensure by examination in Virginia.

18VAC65-20-152. Continuing education providers.

A. Unless disqualified by action of the board, courses offered by the following providers are approved for continuing education credit:

1. Local, state, or federal government agencies;

2. Regionally accredited colleges and universities; or

3. Board-recognized national, regional, state, and local associations or organizations as follows:

a. National Funeral Directors Association and state chapters;

b. National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association and state chapters;

c. Association of Independent Funeral Homes of Virginia;

d. Cremation Association of North America;

e. American Board of Funeral Service Education;

f. International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards;

g. Virginia Morticians Association; and

h. Other similar associations or organizations as approved by action of the board.

B. Course providers not listed in subsection A of this section may apply for approval by the board as continuing education providers.

1. To be considered for board approval, a continuing education provider shall submit 60 days prior to offering a continuing education course:

a. Documentation of an instructional plan and course objectives for the continuing education courses course that meet meets the criteria set forth in 18VAC65-20-151 B;

b. A syllabus of the course or courses to be offered with the credentials of the course instructors, a description of each session, including number of continuing education hours; and

c. The continuing education provider fee set forth under 18VAC65-20-70.

2. Board approval of continuing education providers under this subsection shall expire on July 1 of each year and may be renewed upon resubmission of documentation on courses and instructors and the provider fee as required by the board.

3. Continued Renewed approval of a continuing education provider may be granted without submission of the provider an additional course review fee if the provider submits a statement that courses and instructors offered for the coming year will not change from the previous year. If there will be additions or alterations to the continuing education offerings of a provider, resubmission of course documentation and a provider an additional course review fee is required.

4. If additional courses are submitted for board approval beyond those courses submitted with an initial or renewal application, the continuing education provider shall remit the fee for review under 18VAC65-20-70.

C. Continuing education providers approved under subsection A or B of this section shall:

1. Maintain and provide to the board upon request documentation of the course titles and objectives and of licensee attendance and completion of courses for a period of two years;

2. Monitor attendance at classroom or similar educational experiences for compliance with law and regulations; and

3. Provide a certificate of completion for licensees who successfully complete a course.

18VAC65-20-153. Documenting compliance with continuing education requirements.

A. All licensees with active status are required to maintain original documentation of continuing education for a period of two years after the corresponding annual renewal period.

B. After the end of each renewal period, the board may conduct a random audit of licensees to verify compliance with the requirement for that renewal period.

C. Upon request, a licensee shall provide documentation within 14 days as follows:

1. Official transcripts showing credit hours earned from an accredited institution; or

2. Certificates of completion from approved providers.

D. Compliance with continuing education requirements, including the subject and purpose of the courses as prescribed in 18VAC65-20-151 B, the maintenance of records and the relevance of the courses to the category of licensure is the responsibility of the licensee. The board may request additional information if such compliance is not clear from the transcripts or certificates.

E. Continuing education hours required by disciplinary order shall not be used to satisfy renewal requirements.

18VAC65-20-154. Inactive license.

A. A funeral service licensee, a funeral director, or an embalmer who holds a current, unrestricted license in Virginia shall, upon a request for inactive status on the renewal application and submission of the required renewal fee of $115, be issued an inactive license. The fee for late renewal up to one year following expiration of an inactive license shall be $40.

1. An inactive licensee shall not be entitled to perform any act requiring a license to practice funeral service in Virginia.

2. The holder of an inactive license shall not be required to meet continuing education requirements, except as may be required for reactivation in subsection B of this section.

B. A funeral service licensee, a funeral director, or an embalmer who holds an inactive license may reactivate his license by:

1. Paying the difference between the renewal fee for an inactive license and that of an active license for the year in which the license is being reactivated; and

2. Providing proof of completion of the number of continuing competency hours required for the period in which the license has been inactive, not to exceed three years.

18VAC65-20-170. Requirements for an establishment license.

A. No person shall maintain, manage, or operate a funeral service establishment in the Commonwealth, unless such establishment holds a license issued by the board. The name of the funeral service licensee or licensed funeral director designated by the ownership to be manager of record for the establishment shall be included on the license.

B. Except as provided in § 54.1-2810 of the Code of Virginia, every funeral service establishment and every branch or chapel of such establishment, regardless of how owned, shall have a separate manager of record who has responsibility for the establishment as prescribed in 18VAC65-20-171. The owner of the establishment shall not abridge the authority of the manager of record relating to compliance with the laws governing the practice of funeral services and regulations of the board.

C. At least 30 days prior to opening an establishment, an owner or licensed manager seeking an establishment license shall submit simultaneously a completed application, any additional documentation as may be required by the board to determine eligibility, and the applicable fee. An incomplete package will be returned to the licensee. A license shall not be issued until an inspection of the establishment has been completed and approved.

D. Within 30 days following a change of ownership, the owner or licensed manager shall request a reinspection of the establishment, submit an application for a new establishment license with documentation that identifies the new owner, and pay the licensure and reinspection fees as required by 18VAC65-20-70. Reinspection of the establishment may occur on a schedule determined by the board, but shall occur no later than one year from the date of the change.

E. The application for licensure of a branch or chapel shall specify the name of the main establishment and contain an attestation of the affiliation of the branch or chapel and the main establishment.

F. In the event of an emergency requiring the evacuation or discontinued use of a funeral establishment, the impacted establishment may be approved by the board to continue operations out of another licensed funeral establishment for a period of no more than 60 days. The impacted establishment may request an extension of emergency operations for an additional 30 days upon good cause shown. In requesting approval for conducting emergency operations under this section, the impacted funeral establishment shall submit documentation that identifies the manager of record for both the impacted establishment and establishment for emergency operations and any agreement for emergency usage.

18VAC65-20-171. Responsibilities of the manager of record.

A. Every funeral establishment shall have a manager of record who is employed full time by and in charge of the establishment.

B. The manager shall be fully accountable for the operation of the establishment as it pertains to the laws and regulations governing the practice of funeral services, to include but not be limited to:

1. Maintenance of the facility within standards established in this chapter;

2. Retention of reports and documents as prescribed by the board in 18VAC65-20-700 during the period in which he serves as manager of record; and

3. Reporting to the board of any changes in information as required by 18VAC65-20-60; and

4. Correcting or seeking corrections of any deficiencies identified during the course of an inspection of the establishment.

18VAC65-20-240. Requirements for funeral service licensure by examination.

A. Application requirements. 1. Applicants shall submit official mortuary school transcripts and national examination board scores as part of an application package, including the required fee and any additional documentation as may be required to determine eligibility.

2. An individual applying for the state examination shall submit the application package not less than 30 days prior to an examination date. The board may, for good cause shown by the applicant, waive the time for the filing of any application.

B. National examination requirements. Prior to applying for licensure by examination, every applicant shall pass the National Board Examination of the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards.

C. State examination requirements. All applicants shall pass the Virginia State Board Examination.

18VAC65-20-400. Registration of surface transportation and removal services.

All persons applying to own or operate a surface transportation and removal service, according to requirements of § 54.1-2819 of the Code of Virginia, shall submit an application package for registration which shall include:

1. A completed and signed application;

2. The fee prescribed in 18VAC65-20-70 A 3;

3. Additional documentation as may be required by the board to determine eligibility of the applicant, including, but not limited to, evidence of training of the service manager and staff in compliance with standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for universal precautions and blood-borne bloodborne pathogens, and proof of bonding or liability insurance coverage related to the operation of the service; and

4. The name of the manager for the service.

18VAC65-20-435. Registration of crematories.

A. At least 30 days prior to opening a crematory, any person intending to own or operate a crematory shall apply for registration with the board by submitting a completed application and fee as prescribed in 18VAC65-20-70. The name of the individual designated by the ownership to be the crematory manager shall be included on the application. The owner of the crematory shall not abridge the authority of the crematory manager relating to compliance with the laws governing the practice of funeral services and regulations of the board. The designated crematory manager may be the manager of record of a funeral establishment colocated on the same premises.

B. Every crematory, regardless of how owned, shall have a manager who has (i) achieved certification by the Cremation Association of North America (CANA); the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA); or other certification recognized by the board and (ii) received training in compliance with standards of the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) for universal precautions and blood-borne bloodborne pathogens.

C. The manager shall be fully accountable for the operation of the crematory as it pertains to the laws and regulations governing the practice of funeral services, to include but not be limited to:

1. Maintenance of the facility within standards established in this chapter;

2. Retention of reports and documents as prescribed by the board in 18VAC65-20-436 during the period in which he serves as crematory manager; and

3. Reporting to the board of any changes in information as required by 18VAC65-20-60.

D. All persons who operate the retort in a crematory shall have certification by the Cremation Association of North America (CANA); the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA); or other certification recognized by the board. Persons receiving training toward certification to operate a retort shall be allowed to work under the supervision of an operator who holds certification for a period not to exceed six months.

E. A crematory providing cremation services directly to the public shall also be licensed as a funeral service establishment or shall be a branch of a licensed establishment.

F. When a crematory application is pending and the conduct of a cremation is necessary to ensure the proper function of retort equipment, the board may authorize the crematory to conduct a test cremation prior to registration. Once the crematory equipment is deemed functional and an initial crematory inspection is completed, the board may issue the crematory a registration to operate.

G. The board may take disciplinary action against a crematory registration for a violation of § 54.1-2818.1 of the Code of Virginia or for the inappropriate handling of dead human bodies or remains.

18VAC65-20-436. Standards for registered crematories or funeral establishments relating to cremation.

A. Authorization to cremate.

1. A crematory shall require a cremation authorization form executed in person or electronically in a manner that provides a copy of an original signature in accordance with § 54.1-2818.1 of the Code of Virginia.

2. The cremation authorization form shall include an attestation of visual identification of the deceased from a viewing of the remains or a photograph of the remains signed by the person making the identification. Visual identification may be made by viewing unique identifiers or markings on the remains. The identification attestation shall either be given on the cremation authorization form or on an identification form attached to the cremation authorization form.

3. In the event visual identification is not feasible, a crematory may use other positive identification of the deceased in consultation with law enforcement, a medical examiner, or medical personnel as a prerequisite for cremation pursuant to § 54.1-2818.1 of the Code of Virginia.

B. Standards for cremation. The following standards shall be required for every crematory:

1. Every crematory shall provide evidence at the time of an inspection of a permit to operate issued by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

2. A crematory shall not knowingly cremate a body with a pacemaker, defibrillator, or other potentially hazardous implant in place.

3. A crematory shall not cremate the human remains of more than one person simultaneously in the same chamber of the retort or cremation unit, unless the crematory has received specific written authorization to do so from the person signing the cremation authorization form.

4. A crematory shall not cremate nonhuman remains in a retort permitted by DEQ for cremation of human remains.

5. Whenever a crematory is unable to cremate the remains within 24 hours upon taking custody thereof, the crematory shall maintain the remains in refrigeration at approximately 40° Fahrenheit or less, unless the remains have been embalmed.

C. Handling of human remains.

1. Human remains shall be transported to a crematory in a cremation container and shall not be removed from the container unless the crematory has been provided with written instructions to the contrary by the person who signed the authorization form. A cremation container shall substantially meet all the following standards:

a. Be composed of readily combustible materials suitable for cremation;

b. Be able to be closed in order to provide complete covering for the human remains;

c. Be resistant to leakage or spillage; and

d. Be rigid enough for handling with ease.

2. No crematory shall require that human remains be placed in a casket before cremation nor shall it require that the cremains be placed in a cremation urn, cremation vault, or receptacle designed to permanently encase the cremains after cremation. Cremated remains shall be placed in a plastic bag inside a rigid container provided by the crematory or by the next-of-kin next of kin for return to the funeral establishment or to the next-of-kin next of kin. If cremated remains are placed in a biodegradable container, a biodegradable bag shall be used. If placed in a container designed for scattering, the cremated remains may be placed directly into the container if the next-of-kin next of kin so authorized in writing.

3. The identification of the decedent shall be physically attached to the remains, and appropriate identification placed on the exterior of the cremation container. The crematory operator shall verify the identification on the remains with the identification attached to the cremation container and with the identification attached to the cremation authorization. The crematory operator shall also verify the identification of the cremains and place evidence of such verification in the cremation record.

D. Recordkeeping. A crematory shall maintain the records of cremation for a period of three years from the date of the cremation that indicate the name of the decedent, the date and time of the receipt of the body, and the date and time of the cremation and shall include:

1. The cremation authorization form signed by the person authorized by law to dispose of the remains and the form on which the next-of-kin next of kin or the person authorized by § 54.1-2818.1 of the Code of Virginia to make the identification has made a visual identification of the deceased or evidence of positive identification if visual identification is not feasible;

2. The permission form from the medical examiner;

3. The DEQ permit number of the retort used for the cremation and the name of the retort operator; and

4. The form verifying the release of the cremains, including date and time of release, the name of the person and the entity to whom the cremains were released, and the name of the decedent.

18VAC65-20-440. Courtesy cards.

A. An out-of-state person applying for a courtesy card pursuant to § 54.1-2801 B of the Code of Virginia shall hold a valid license for funeral service, funeral directing, or embalming in another state, territory, or the District of Columbia.

B. An applicant for a courtesy card shall submit:

1. A completed application and prescribed fee; and

2. Verification of a current, unrestricted licensure for funeral service license in good standing from the applicant's licensing authority, funeral directing, or embalming from the licensing authorities in the states in which the courtesy card holder is licensed to practice.

C. The holder of a Virginia courtesy card shall only engage in the practice for which he is currently licensed in another jurisdiction. The privilege to practice shall not include the right to establish or engage generally in the business of funeral directing and embalming in Virginia.

18VAC65-20-500. Disciplinary action.

Part VI
Refusal, Suspension, Revocation, and Disciplinary Action

In accordance with the provisions of § 54.1-2806 of the Code of Virginia, the following practices are considered unprofessional conduct and may subject the licensee to disciplinary action by the board:

1. Breach of confidence. The unnecessary or unwarranted disclosure of confidences by the funeral licensee.

2. Unfair competition.

a. Interference by a funeral service licensee, funeral director, or registered surface transportation and removal service when another has been called to take charge of a dead human body and the caller or agent of the caller has the legal right to the body's disposition.

b. Consent by a funeral service licensee or funeral director to take charge of a body unless authorized by the person or his agent having the legal right to disposition.

3. False advertising.

a. No licensee or registrant shall make, publish, disseminate, circulate, or place before the public, or cause directly or indirectly to be made, an advertisement of any sort regarding services or anything so offered to the public which that contains any promise, assertion, representation, or statement of fact which is untrue, deceptive, or misleading.

b. The following practices, both written and verbal, shall constitute false, deceptive, or misleading advertisement within the meaning of subdivision 4 of § 54.1-2806 of the Code of Virginia:

(1) Advertising containing inaccurate statements; and

(2) Advertisement which gives a false impression as to ability, care, and cost of conducting a funeral, or that creates an impression of things not likely to be true.

c. The following practices are among those which that shall constitute an untrue, deceptive, and misleading representation or statement of fact:

(1) Representing that funeral goods or services will delay the natural decomposition of human remains for a long term or indefinite time; and

(2) Representing that funeral goods have protective features or will protect the body from gravesite substances over or beyond that offered by the written warranty of the manufacturer.

4. Inappropriate handling and storage of dead human bodies, consistent with § 54.1-2811.1 of the Code of Virginia and regulations of the board. Transportation and removal vehicles shall be of such nature as to eliminate exposure of the deceased to the public during transportation. During the transporting of a human body, consideration shall be taken to avoid unnecessary delays or stops during travel.

5. Failure to furnish price information disclosing the cost to the purchaser for each of the specific funeral goods and funeral services used in connection with the disposition of deceased human bodies.

6. Conducting the practice of funeral services in such a manner as to constitute a danger to the health, safety, and well-being of the staff or the public.

7. Inability to practice with skill or safety because of physical, mental, or emotional illness, or substance abuse.

8. Failure to register as a supervisor for a funeral service intern or failure to provide reports to the board as required by the Code of Virginia and 18VAC65-40-320.

9. Failure to comply with applicable federal and state laws and regulations, including requirements for continuing education.

10. Inappropriate sexual contact between a supervisor and a funeral service intern if the sexual contact is a result of the exploitation of trust, knowledge, or influence derived from the professional relationship or if the contact has had or is likely to have an adverse effect on the practice of funeral services or on intern training.

18VAC65-20-510. Embalming.

Part VII
Standards for Embalming and Refrigeration

A. In accordance with the provisions of subdivision 26 of § 54.1-2806 and subsection B of § 54.1-2811.1 of the Code of Virginia, express permission by a next of kin for embalming means written authorization to embalm as a specific and separate statement on a document or contract provided by the funeral establishment. Express permission may include direct, verbal authorization to embalm, provided it is followed as soon as possible by a written document or statement signed by the next of kin confirming the verbal authorization to embalm and including the time, date, and name of the person who gave verbal authorization.

B. Every funeral establishment shall record and maintain a separate, identifiable report for each embalming procedure conducted, which shall at a minimum include the following information:

1. The name of the deceased and the date of death;

2. The date and location of the embalming;

3. The name and signature of the embalmer and the Virginia license number of the embalmer; and

4. If the embalming was performed by a funeral service intern, the name and signature of the supervisor; and

5. The name of each student and the signature of the supervisor of any mortuary science student who assisted in the embalming.

18VAC65-20-580. Preparation room equipment.

The preparation room or rooms shall be equipped with:

1. A ventilation system which operates and is appropriate to the size and function of the room;

2. Running hot and cold water;

3. Flush or slop sink connected with public sewer or with septic tank where no public sewer is available;

4. Metal, fiberglass, or porcelain morgue table;

5. Covered waste container;

6. Instruments and apparatus for the embalming process;

7. A means or method for the sterilization or disinfection of reusable instruments by chemical bath or soak; autoclave (steam); or ultraviolet light;

8. Disinfectants and antiseptic solutions;

9. Clean gowns or aprons, preferably impervious to water;

10. Rubber gloves for each embalmer or, intern, or student using the room;

11. An electric aspirator or hydroaspirator equipped with a vacuum breaker;

12. An eye wash station that is readily accessible; and

13. A standard first aid kit, which that is immediately accessible, either in the preparation room or outside the door to the preparation room.

18VAC65-20-700. Retention of documents.

A. The following retention schedule shall apply:

1. Price lists shall be retained for three years after the date on which they are no longer effective;

2. Itemized statements shall be retained for three years from the date on which the arrangements were made; and

3. Embalming reports shall be retained at the location of the embalming for three years after the date of the embalming.

B. The manager of record shall be responsible for retention and maintenance of all required documents.

C. Documents shall be maintained on the premises of the funeral establishment and made available for inspection.

D. In instances where the funeral establishment is sold, documents shall be transferred to the new owner, unless the existing firm is relocating to a new facility. The new owner shall retain transferred documents in accordance with the provisions of this section. When transferred documents include preneed contracts, the documents shall be retained and maintained in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Virginia and regulations of the board.

VA.R. Doc. No. R19-5988; Filed January 01, 2021
TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING
BOARD OF FUNERAL DIRECTORS AND EMBALMERS
Final

Title of Regulation: 18VAC65-20. Regulations of the Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers (amending 18VAC65-20-10, 18VAC65-20-50, 18VAC65-20-60, 18VAC65-20-70, 18VAC65-20-130, 18VAC65-20-151, 18VAC65-20-152, 18VAC65-20-153, 18VAC65-20-154, 18VAC65-20-170, 18VAC65-20-171, 18VAC65-20-240, 18VAC65-20-400, 18VAC65-20-435, 18VAC65-20-436, 18VAC65-20-440, 18VAC65-20-500, 18VAC65-20-510, 18VAC65-20-580, 18VAC65-20-700).

Statutory Authority: §§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-2803 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: March 3, 2021.

Agency Contact: Corie Tillman Wolf, Executive Director, Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-4479, FAX (804) 527-4471, or email fanbd@dhp.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The amendments clarify and update provisions and include (i) a new definition for "affiliation" of a branch to the main establishment, (ii) an allowance for newly licensed persons to be exempt from continuing education for the first renewal, (iii) an allowance for a funeral establishment experiencing an emergency to utilize the building in another establishment until restoration, (iv) a requirement for a registered surface transportation and removal service to hold liability insurance, (v) an allowance for a crematory to test operation of a retort before it is registered, and (vi) establishment of grounds for disciplinary action in the case of an inappropriate sexual relationship between a supervisor and funeral intern.

Summary of Public Comments and Agency's Response: No public comments were received by the promulgating agency.

Chapter 20

Regulations Governing the Practice of the Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers Services

18VAC65-20-10. Definitions.

Words and terms used in this chapter shall have the definitions ascribed in § 54.1-2800 of the Code of Virginia or in 16 CFR Part 453, Funeral Industry Practices, of the Federal Trade Commission, which is incorporated by reference in this chapter. In addition, the following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Affiliation" or "affiliated" means a relationship involving a degree of common or subsidiary ownership between two establishments or entities.

"Branch" or "chapel" means a funeral service establishment that is affiliated with a licensed main establishment and that conforms with the requirements of § 54.1-2811 of the Code of Virginia.

"Courtesy card" means the card issued by the board which that grants limited and restricted funeral service privileges in the Commonwealth to out-of-state funeral service licensees, funeral directors, and embalmers.

"Cremation container" means a container in which human remains are transported to the crematory and placed in the retort for cremation.

"Cremation urn" means a wood, metal, stone, plastic, or composition container or a container of other material, which is designed for encasing cremated ashes.

"Cremation vault" or "cremation outer burial container" means any container that is designed for encasement of an inner container or urn containing cremated ashes. Also known as a cremation box.

"FTC" means the Federal Trade Commission.

"Manager of record" means a funeral service licensee or licensed funeral director who is responsible for the direct supervision and management of a funeral service establishment or branch facility.

18VAC65-20-50. Posting of license.

A. Each licensee shall post an original or photocopy of his license in a place conspicuous to consumers of funeral services in each establishment or branch where he is employed practices.

B. The establishment license shall be posted in a place conspicuous to consumers of funeral services.

18VAC65-20-60. Accuracy of information.

A. All changes in the address of record or the public address, if different from the address of record, or in the name of a licensee or registrant shall be furnished to the board within 30 days after the change occurs.

B. Any change in ownership or manager of record for an establishment or crematory shall be reported to the board within 14 days of the change.

C. A surface transportation and removal service shall notify the board within 30 14 days of any change in the name of the manager on of record with the board.

D. All notices required by law and by this chapter to be mailed provided by the board to any registrant or licensee shall be validly given when mailed to the latest address of record on file with the board and shall not relieve the licensee, funeral service intern, establishment, crematory, or firm of obligation to comply. Renewal notices may be mailed or sent electronically by the board.

18VAC65-20-70. Required fees.

A. The following fees shall apply for initial licensure or registration:

1. License to practice funeral service or as a funeral director or an embalmer

$325

2. Funeral service establishment license

$600

3. Surface transportation and removal service registration

$325

4. Courtesy card

$325

5. Crematory

$250

6. Waiver of full-time manager requirement

$150

B. The following fees shall apply for renewal of licensure or registration:

1. License to practice funeral service or as a funeral director or an embalmer

$225

2. Funeral service establishment license

$400

3. Surface transportation and removal service registration

$300

4. Courtesy card

$300

5. Crematory

$200

6. Waiver of full-time manager requirement

$100

7. Inactive funeral service, funeral director, or embalmer license

$115

C. The following fees shall apply for late renewal of licensure or registration up to one year following expiration:

1. License to practice funeral service or as a funeral director or an embalmer

$75

2. Funeral service establishment license

$135

3. Surface transportation and removal service registration

$100

4. Courtesy card

$100

5. Crematory

$75

6. Waiver of full-time manager requirement

$35

7. Inactive funeral service, funeral director, or embalmer license

$40

D. The following fees shall apply for reinstatement of licensure or registration:

1. License to practice funeral service or as a funeral director or an embalmer

$400

2. Establishment license

$635

3. Surface transportation and removal service registration

$425

4. Courtesy card

$425

5. Crematory

$275

6. Reinstatement following suspension

$1,000

7. Reinstatement following revocation

$2,000

E. Other fees.

1. Change of manager or establishment name

$100

2. Verification of license or registration to another state

$50

3. Duplicate license, registration, or courtesy card

$25

4. Duplicate wall certificates

$60

5. Change of ownership

$100

6. Nonroutine reinspection (i.e., structural change to preparation room, change of location or ownership)

$400

F. Fees for approval of continuing education providers.

1. Application or renewal for continuing education provider

$400

2. Late renewal of continuing education provider approval

$100

3. Review of additional courses not included on initial or renewal application (per application for review of additional courses not per individual course)

$300

G. For each renewal in the two years after January 14, 2015, the following shortfall reduction fee shall be assessed:

1. License to practice funeral service or as a funeral director or an embalmer

$40

2. Funeral service establishment license

$75

3. Surface transportation and removal service registration

$60

4. Courtesy card

$60

5. Crematory

6. Continuing education provider

$40

$75

18VAC65-20-130. Renewal of license; registration.

A. A person, establishment, crematory, courtesy card holder, or surface transportation and removal service that desires to renew its license or registration for the next year shall, not later than the expiration date as provided in 18VAC65-20-120, submit the renewal form and applicable fee.

1. In order to renew an active funeral service, funeral director, or embalmer license, a licensee shall be required to comply with continuing competency requirements set forth in 18VAC65-20-151.

2. The board shall not renew a license for any licensee who fails to attest to compliance with continuing competency requirements on the renewal form.

3. In order to renew a courtesy card, the courtesy card holder shall provide documentation of current, unrestricted licensure for funeral service, funeral directing, or embalming from the licensing authority in the states in which the courtesy card holder is licensed to practice.

B. A person who or entity that desires to renew an expired license for up to one year following expiration shall comply with requirements of subsection A of this section and also submit the applicable fee for late renewal.

C. A person who or entity which that fails to renew a license, registration, or courtesy card by the expiration dates prescribed in 18VAC65-20-120 shall be deemed to have an invalid license, registration, or courtesy card and continued practice may subject the licensee to disciplinary action by the board.

18VAC65-20-151. Continued competency requirements for renewal of an active license.

A. Funeral service licensees, funeral directors, or funeral embalmers shall be required to have completed a minimum of five hours per year of continuing education offered by a board-approved sponsor for licensure renewal in courses that emphasize the ethics, standards of practice, preneed contracts, and funding, or federal or state laws and regulations governing the profession of funeral service.

1. One hour per year shall cover compliance with laws and regulations governing the profession, and at least one hour per year shall cover preneed funeral arrangements. The one-hour requirement on compliance with laws and regulations may be met once every two years by attendance at a meeting of the board or at a committee of the board or an informal conference or formal hearing.

2. One hour of the five hours required for annual renewal may be satisfied through delivery of professional services, without compensation, to low-income individuals receiving health services through a local health department or a free clinic organized in whole or primarily for the delivery of those services. One hour of continuing education may be credited for one hour of providing such volunteer services, as documented by the health department or free clinic. For the purposes of continuing education credit for volunteer service, an approved sponsor shall be a local health department or free clinic.

B. Courses must be directly related to the scope of practice of funeral service. Courses for which the principal purpose is to promote, sell, or offer goods, products, or services to funeral homes are not acceptable for the purpose of credit toward renewal.

C. The board may grant an extension for good cause of up to one year for the completion of continuing education requirements upon written request from the licensee prior to the renewal date. Such extension shall not relieve the licensee of the continuing education requirement.

D. The board may grant an exemption for all or part of the continuing education requirements for one renewal cycle due to circumstances determined by the board to be beyond the control of the licensee.

E. A licensee shall be exempt from the continuing education requirements for the first renewal following the date of initial licensure by examination in Virginia.

18VAC65-20-152. Continuing education providers.

A. Unless disqualified by action of the board, courses offered by the following providers are approved for continuing education credit:

1. Local, state, or federal government agencies;

2. Regionally accredited colleges and universities; or

3. Board-recognized national, regional, state, and local associations or organizations as follows:

a. National Funeral Directors Association and state chapters;

b. National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association and state chapters;

c. Association of Independent Funeral Homes of Virginia;

d. Cremation Association of North America;

e. American Board of Funeral Service Education;

f. International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards;

g. Virginia Morticians Association; and

h. Other similar associations or organizations as approved by action of the board.

B. Course providers not listed in subsection A of this section may apply for approval by the board as continuing education providers.

1. To be considered for board approval, a continuing education provider shall submit 60 days prior to offering a continuing education course:

a. Documentation of an instructional plan and course objectives for the continuing education courses course that meet meets the criteria set forth in 18VAC65-20-151 B;

b. A syllabus of the course or courses to be offered with the credentials of the course instructors, a description of each session, including number of continuing education hours; and

c. The continuing education provider fee set forth under 18VAC65-20-70.

2. Board approval of continuing education providers under this subsection shall expire on July 1 of each year and may be renewed upon resubmission of documentation on courses and instructors and the provider fee as required by the board.

3. Continued Renewed approval of a continuing education provider may be granted without submission of the provider an additional course review fee if the provider submits a statement that courses and instructors offered for the coming year will not change from the previous year. If there will be additions or alterations to the continuing education offerings of a provider, resubmission of course documentation and a provider an additional course review fee is required.

4. If additional courses are submitted for board approval beyond those courses submitted with an initial or renewal application, the continuing education provider shall remit the fee for review under 18VAC65-20-70.

C. Continuing education providers approved under subsection A or B of this section shall:

1. Maintain and provide to the board upon request documentation of the course titles and objectives and of licensee attendance and completion of courses for a period of two years;

2. Monitor attendance at classroom or similar educational experiences for compliance with law and regulations; and

3. Provide a certificate of completion for licensees who successfully complete a course.

18VAC65-20-153. Documenting compliance with continuing education requirements.

A. All licensees with active status are required to maintain original documentation of continuing education for a period of two years after the corresponding annual renewal period.

B. After the end of each renewal period, the board may conduct a random audit of licensees to verify compliance with the requirement for that renewal period.

C. Upon request, a licensee shall provide documentation within 14 days as follows:

1. Official transcripts showing credit hours earned from an accredited institution; or

2. Certificates of completion from approved providers.

D. Compliance with continuing education requirements, including the subject and purpose of the courses as prescribed in 18VAC65-20-151 B, the maintenance of records and the relevance of the courses to the category of licensure is the responsibility of the licensee. The board may request additional information if such compliance is not clear from the transcripts or certificates.

E. Continuing education hours required by disciplinary order shall not be used to satisfy renewal requirements.

18VAC65-20-154. Inactive license.

A. A funeral service licensee, a funeral director, or an embalmer who holds a current, unrestricted license in Virginia shall, upon a request for inactive status on the renewal application and submission of the required renewal fee of $115, be issued an inactive license. The fee for late renewal up to one year following expiration of an inactive license shall be $40.

1. An inactive licensee shall not be entitled to perform any act requiring a license to practice funeral service in Virginia.

2. The holder of an inactive license shall not be required to meet continuing education requirements, except as may be required for reactivation in subsection B of this section.

B. A funeral service licensee, a funeral director, or an embalmer who holds an inactive license may reactivate his license by:

1. Paying the difference between the renewal fee for an inactive license and that of an active license for the year in which the license is being reactivated; and

2. Providing proof of completion of the number of continuing competency hours required for the period in which the license has been inactive, not to exceed three years.

18VAC65-20-170. Requirements for an establishment license.

A. No person shall maintain, manage, or operate a funeral service establishment in the Commonwealth, unless such establishment holds a license issued by the board. The name of the funeral service licensee or licensed funeral director designated by the ownership to be manager of record for the establishment shall be included on the license.

B. Except as provided in § 54.1-2810 of the Code of Virginia, every funeral service establishment and every branch or chapel of such establishm