Proposed Variances to the Regulations to Assure the Rights of Individuals Receiving Services from Providers Licensed, Funded, or Operated by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (12VAC35-115).

조치 통지: 행동 건강 및 발달 서비스국(DBHDS)은 제6부, 변형 규정(12VAC35-115-220)에 따라, 행동 건강 및 발달 서비스부(DBHDS)가 면허를 부여하거나 자금 지원을 제공하거나 운영하는 서비스 제공자로부터 서비스를 받는 개인의 권리를 보장하기 위한 규정(12VAC35-115) 이하 "인권 규정"이라 함)에 따라, 주 인권 위원회(SHRC)에 제출된 인권 규정 변형 신청에 대한 공개 의견 수렴 기회를 공고합니다. 이 규정의 목적은 DBHDS가 운영하거나 허가 또는 자금 지원을 받는 시설 또는 프로그램에서 서비스를 받는 개인의 법적 권리와 인권을 보장하고 보호하는 것입니다.

각 예외 신청서는 예외가 필요한 해당 규정의 특정 부분을 명시하고, 대체 규칙 또는 절차의 제안된 문구, 그리고 예외의 근거를 포함해야 합니다. 해당 신청서에는 변형의 적용 기간에 대한 시간 제한 및 기타 조건, 그리고 변형의 적용이 종료되는 상황도 명시되어 있습니다. 모든 관련 정보(의견 포함)를 검토한 결과, SHRC는 각 예외 신청에 대해 연기, 불승인, 수정, 또는 승인을 결정하는 서면 결정을 제출할 예정입니다. 모든 변동 사항은 특정 기간 동안 승인되어야 합니다. 차이 사항의 결정 및 그 사유는 본 등록부의 후속 호에 게재될 것입니다.

Purpose of notice: The SHRC is seeking comment on the application for a proposed new variance to the Human Rights Regulations for Western State Hospital.

Variance is requested to the following section:

12 VAC 35-115-50: Dignity. Specifically, (C)(6)(a) states, “An individual's access to mail may be limited only if the provider has reasonable cause to believe that the mail contains illegal material or anything dangerous. If so, the director or his designee may open the mail, but not read it, in the presence of the individual.”

Explanation: Contraband is an ongoing issue at Western State Hospital, and patients can be sent anything in the mail. Envelopes could contain unsafe objects, and packages may include items that could be used to harm staff or inflict self-harm. Western State Hospital feels that by opening all patient mail well into the nurses station, and away from the door, while in full view of surveillance cameras, this still allows patients to confirm what is in the mail while preserving staff’s ability to safely and promptly intervene if there is contraband.  Western State Hospital staff would not open the mail, including letters, without patients being present and in full view of the opening.  Western State Hospital will also make sure that when opening letters, no confidential information will be read, but will only establish that there is no contraband contained within the letters.

This request was prompted by a recent incident that highlighted serious potential risks. As such, Western State Hospital obtained approval from the DBHDS Commissioner, State Human Rights Director, and SHRC Chair in accordance with 12 VAC 35-115-220, to implement this request as a temporary variance pending approval pursuant to the full application process. The temporary variance was implemented 12/16/22.

How to comment: The SHRC accepts written comments by email, fax, and postal mail. In order to be considered, comments must include the full name, address, and telephone number of the person commenting and be received by DBHDS, who will provide them to the SHRC, by the last day of the comment period. All information received is part of the public record. 

제안서를 검토하려면: 변동 신청서 및 관련 서류는 아래에 명시된 DBHDS 담당자에게 연락하여 얻을 수 있습니다.

Contact Information: Taneika Goldman, Director, Office of Human Rights, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, 1220 East Bank Street, P.O. Box 1797, Richmond, VA 23218-1797, telephone (804) 786-3988, FAX (833) 734-1241, or email taneika.goldman@dbhds.virginia.gov.