CHAPTER 290
An Act to amend and reenact § 37.2-400 of the Code of Virginia, relating to Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services; individuals receiving services; right to send and receive mail.
[S 580]
Approved April 6, 2026
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That § 37.2-400 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:
§ 37.2-400 . Rights of individuals receiving services.
A. Each individual receiving services in a hospital, training center, other facility, or program operated, funded, or licensed by the Department, excluding those operated by the Department of Corrections, shall be assured his legal rights and care consistent with basic human dignity insofar as it is within the reasonable capabilities and limitations of the Department, funded program, or licensee and is consistent with sound therapeutic treatment. Each individual admitted to a hospital, training center, other facility, or program operated, funded, or licensed by the Department shall:
1. Retain his legal rights as provided by state and federal law;
2. Receive prompt evaluation and treatment or training about which he is informed insofar as he is capable of understanding;
3. Be treated with dignity as a human being and be free from abuse or neglect;