AMENDMENT(S) PROPOSED BY THE SENATE

EDUCATION AND HEALTH

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prior to the individual's discharge

EDUCATION AND HEALTH

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initiation

EDUCATION AND HEALTH

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2. That the Commissioner of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services shall establish a work group with representatives of the Virginia Association of Community Services Boards to (i) review the current process for discharging patients from state mental health hospitals, including the current assigned responsibilities of state hospital staff and community services board staff, as well as the barriers to timely discharge for patients clinically ready to discharge, and (ii) develop potential options to expedite the discharge process for individuals who can be safely discharged back into the community. The work group shall develop a plan that includes recommendations for expediting the discharge process and shall identify the necessary funding to ensure that individuals receive essential services upon discharge and that discharges are timely. The work group shall report its findings and conclusions and its plan to the Chairmen of the House Committee on Health, Welfare and Institutions and the Senate Committee on Education and Health by September 1, 2021.