Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
secretary
Health and Human Resources
Agency
Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
Board
State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
Mandate 1225

Mandate Information
Mandate Title:
Emergency Authority for Behavioral Health Expansion and ASAM Criteria
Purpose of legislation
The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services shall have the authority to promulgate emergency regulations to: i) ensure that licensing regulations support high quality community-based mental health services and align with the changes being made to the Medicaid behavioral health regulations for the services funded in this Act that support evidence-based, trauma-informed, prevention-focused and cost-effective services for members across the lifespan; and ii) amend the licensing regulations to align with the American Society of Addiction Medicine Levels of Care Criteria or an equivalent set of criteria into substance use licensing regulations to ensure the provision of outcome-oriented and strengths-based care in the treatment of addiction. The department shall seek input from the Department of Medical Assistance Services and other stakeholders to align with the implementation plan for changes being made to the Medicaid behavioral health regulations. To implement these changes, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services shall promulgate emergency regulations to become effective within 280 days or less from the enactment of this Act.
Legislation mandating a change
Budget item mandating a change Item 318 (2020)
VAC chapters to be amended
12 vac 35 - 46 : Regulations for Children's Residential Facilities
12 vac 35 - 105 : Rules and Regulations For Licensing Providers by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
Associated Regulatory Actions
Action 5563: Amendments to align with ASAM criteria
Latest Stage: Final
Action 5564: Amendments to align with ASAM criteria in children's residential facilities
Latest Stage: Final
Action 5565: Amendments to align with enhanced behavioral health services
Latest Stage: Final
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