Notice of action: The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), in accordance with Part VI, Variances (12VAC35-115-220), of 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), hereafter referred to as the “Human Rights Regulations,” is announcing a decision on an application for proposed variances to the Human Rights Regulations submitted to the State Human Rights Committee (SHRC). The purpose of the regulations is to ensure and protect the legal and human rights of individuals receiving services in facilities or programs operated, licensed, or funded by DBHDS.

Each variance application references the specific part of these regulations to which a variance is needed, the proposed wording of the substitute rule or procedure, and the justification for a variance. Such application also describes time limits and other conditions for duration and the circumstances that will end the applicability of the variance.

Purpose of notice: After considering all available information, at its meeting on January 18, 2024, the SHRC voted to approve the application for variances to the Human Rights Regulations for DBHDS’ Western State Hospital for a three-year period, with quarterly updates to the Local Human Rights Committee and annual updates to the State Human Rights Committee.

Variance to Procedures for Behavior Treatment Plans and Use of Seclusion, Restraint, and Time Out:

I. 12VAC35-115-105-H: Providers shall not use seclusion in a behavioral treatment plan.

II. 12VAC35-115-110-C-3: Only residential facilities for children that are licensed under the Regulations for Children’s Residential Facilities (12VAC35-46) and inpatient hospitals may use seclusion and only in an emergency.

Explanation: The variances will allow WSH to place an individual in an environment of seclusion, at his request, and not as related to an emergency, in order to prevent self-injurious harm to the individual and to the staff members responsible for his care.

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.