Mental Health Treatment Centers (792)

Authority: Title 37.1, Chapters 1 and 2; Title 16.1, Article 16, Code of Virginia.

A.1.  Out of this appropriation, $600,000 the first year and $700,000 the second year from the general fund shall be used to continue operating up to 13 beds at Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute (NVMHI) that have been scheduled for closure in fiscal year 2013.  The Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services shall ensure continued operation of up to 13 beds through fiscal year 2013 at least 123 beds.

2.  The Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services shall convene a workgroup to develop a long-term funding plan for inpatient bed capacity in the catchment area served by NVMHI.  The report shall outline specific strategies and plans to meet the psychiatric inpatient and inpatient diversion needs of individuals with serious and persistent mental illness who are served by the publicly funded mental health system.  The Commissioner shall also assess the cost and feasibility of creating an alternative to re-opening beds at NVMHI.  The Commissioner shall report his findings no later than October 1, 2012 to the Chairmen of the Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committees as well as the Joint Commission on Health Care.