VA HB 888

Title: Civil commitments & temporary detention orders; def. of mental illness neurocognitive disorders.
Author: Vivian E. Watts

Summary
Civil commitments and temporary detention orders; definition of mental illness; neurocognitive disorders and neurodevelopmental disabilities; Secretary of Health and Human Resources to evaluate placements for certain individuals; report. Specifies that for the purpose of civil commitments and temporary detention orders, behaviors and symptoms that manifest from a neurocognitive disorder or neurodevelopmental disability are excluded from the definition of mental illness and are, therefore, not a basis for placing an individual under a temporary detention order or committing an individual involuntarily to an inpatient psychiatric hospital. The bill provides that if a state facility has reason to believe that an individual's behaviors or symptoms are solely a manifestation of a neurocognitive disorder or neurodevelopmental disability, the state facility may require that a licensed psychiatrist or other licensed mental health professional reevaluate the individual's eligibility for a temporary detention order before the individual is admitted and shall promptly authorize the release of an individual held under a temporary detention order if the licensed psychiatrist or other licensed mental health professional determines the individual's behaviors or symptoms are solely a manifestation of a neurocognitive disorder or neurodevelopmental disability. The foregoing provisions of the bill do not become effective unless reenacted by the 2025 Session of the General Assembly. The bill also directs the Secretary of Health and Human Resources to convene a work group to evaluate, identify, and develop placements for individuals with neurocognitive disorders and neurodevelopmental disabilities, as well as any statutory or funding changes needed to prevent inappropriate placements for such individuals, and to report his findings and recommendations by November 1, 2024. As introduced, this bill is a recommendation of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission and the Behavioral Health Commission. This bill is identical to SB 176.

Status
Senate: Signed by President

Bill Documents
VA HB 888 - Committee substitute printed 24106312D-H1
2024-01-09 - VA HB 888 (Committee substitute printed 24106312D-H1)

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VA HB 888 - Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/10/24 24103978D
2024-01-09 - VA HB 888 (Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/10/24 24103978D)

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VA HB 888 - Substitute for Committee: Rules Offered on 1/26/2024
2024-01-09 - VA HB 888 (Substitute for Committee: Rules Offered on 1/26/2024)

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VA HB 888 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB888ER)
2024-01-09 - VA HB 888 (Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB888ER))

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