§ 2.2-2693. Powers and duties of the Council
The Council shall have the following powers and duties:
1. Identify and discuss issues related to emergency custody, temporary detention, admission, and involuntary inpatient and outpatient treatment in order to improve services, foster increased coordination among all involved state and local public and private agencies and organizations in the implementation of relevant Virginia laws, and promote a more effective and cost-efficient approach to meeting the needs of individuals requiring these mental health services.
2. Address issues, including transportation; medical screening, evaluation, and treatment; and detention in ways that (i) recognize the varying conditions and needs of individuals who are subject to emergency and temporary detention orders and involuntary inpatient and outpatient treatment; (ii) protect the safety of patients in and staff and employees of facilities providing emergency medical evaluation or treatment, detention, or involuntary inpatient and outpatient treatment services; and (iii) are consistent with the requirements of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, 42 USC 1395dd and implementing regulations.
3. Develop and revise recommendations, including statutory, regulatory, and policy changes and administrative actions, to address and resolve those issues and communicate those recommendations to and advise all state and local public and private agencies and organizations that are involved in the emergency custody, temporary detention, admission, and involuntary inpatient and outpatient treatment of persons with mental illness on their implementation when uniform procedures or actions are feasible and desirable.
4. Describe a process through which community services boards may convene all public and private agencies and organizations involved in these mental health services at local or regional levels, to (i) review recommendations issued by the Council, (ii) meet regularly as appropriate to discuss issues and the implementation of Council recommendations, and (iii) develop and implement additional state, local, or regional policies and procedures, as needed, including a process for resolving problems that arise in implementation of this article.
5. Consult as needed with individuals, agencies, and organizations other than those serving on the Council in order to access relevant expertise.
6. Report whenever appropriate, as determined by the Council, any recommendations or guidance to the Governor and the General Assembly committees with jurisdiction over mental health issues.
(2005, c. 81.)
Sections: Previous 2.2-2686 2.2-2687 2.2-2688 2.2-2689 2.2-2690 2.2-2691 2.2-2692 2.2-2693 2.2-2694 2.2-2695 2.2-2696 2.2-2697 2.2-2698 2.2-2699 2.2-2699.1 NextLast modified: April 2, 2009