{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/16.1-337.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/16.1-337.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/16.1-337.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/16.1-337.html"}],"law_id":81231,"edition_id":1,"section_id":81231,"structure_id":12702,"section_number":"16.1-337","catch_line":"Inpatient treatment of minors; general applicability; disclosure of records","history":"1990, c. 975; 1992, c. 539; 2008, cc. 782, 850, 870; 2009, cc. 455, 555; 2010, cc. 778, 825; 2016, cc. 569, 693; 2018, c. 846.","full_text":"A\n\nA minor may be admitted to a mental health facility for inpatient treatment only pursuant to § 16.1-338, 16.1-339, or 16.1-340.1 or in accordance with an order of involuntary commitment entered pursuant to §§ 16.1-341 through 16.1-345. The provisions of Article 12 (§ 16.1-299 et seq.) of Chapter 11 and § 16.1-337.1 relating to the confidentiality of files, papers, and records shall apply to proceedings under this article.B\n\nAny health care provider, as defined in § 32.1-127.1:03, or other provider rendering services to a minor who is the subject of proceedings under this article, upon request, shall disclose to a magistrate, the juvenile intake officer, the court, the minor’s attorney, the minor’s guardian ad litem, the qualified evaluator performing the evaluation required under §§ 16.1-338, 16.1-339, and 16.1-342, the community services board or its designee performing the evaluation, preadmission screening, or monitoring duties under this article, or a law-enforcement officer any and all information that is necessary and appropriate to enable each of them to perform his duties under this article. These health care providers and other service providers shall disclose to one another health records and information where necessary to provide care and treatment to the person and to monitor that care and treatment. Health records disclosed to a law-enforcement officer shall be limited to information necessary to protect the officer, the minor, or the public from physical injury or to address the health care needs of the minor. Information disclosed to a law-enforcement officer shall not be used for any other purpose, disclosed to others, or retained.\n\t\t\tAny health care provider providing services to a minor who is the subject of proceedings under this article shall make a reasonable attempt to notify the minor’s parent of information that is directly relevant to such individual’s involvement with the minor’s health care, which may include the minor’s location and general condition, in accordance with subdivision D 34 of § 32.1-127.1:03, unless the provider has actual knowledge that the parent is currently prohibited by court order from contacting the minor. No health care provider shall be required to notify a person’s family member or personal representative pursuant to this section if the health care provider has actual knowledge that such notice has been provided.\n\t\t\tAny health care provider disclosing records pursuant to this section shall be immune from civil liability for any harm resulting from the disclosure, including any liability under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (42 U.S.C. § 1320d et seq.), as amended, unless the person or provider disclosing such records intended the harm or acted in bad faith.C\n\nAny order entered where a minor is the subject of proceedings under this article shall provide for the disclosure of health records pursuant to subsection B. This subsection shall not preclude any other disclosures as required or permitted by law.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":291165,"text":"A minor may be admitted to a mental health facility for inpatient treatment only pursuant to § 16.1-338, 16.1-339, or 16.1-340.1 or in accordance with an order of involuntary commitment entered pursuant to §§ 16.1-341 through 16.1-345. The provisions of Article 12 (§ 16.1-299 et seq.) of Chapter 11 and § 16.1-337.1 relating to the confidentiality of files, papers, and records shall apply to proceedings under this article.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":291166,"text":"Any health care provider, as defined in § 32.1-127.1:03, or other provider rendering services to a minor who is the subject of proceedings under this article, upon request, shall disclose to a magistrate, the juvenile intake officer, the court, the minor’s attorney, the minor’s guardian ad litem, the qualified evaluator performing the evaluation required under §§ 16.1-338, 16.1-339, and 16.1-342, the community services board or its designee performing the evaluation, preadmission screening, or monitoring duties under this article, or a law-enforcement officer any and all information that is necessary and appropriate to enable each of them to perform his duties under this article. These health care providers and other service providers shall disclose to one another health records and information where necessary to provide care and treatment to the person and to monitor that care and treatment. Health records disclosed to a law-enforcement officer shall be limited to information necessary to protect the officer, the minor, or the public from physical injury or to address the health care needs of the minor. Information disclosed to a law-enforcement officer shall not be used for any other purpose, disclosed to others, or retained.\n\t\t\tAny health care provider providing services to a minor who is the subject of proceedings under this article shall make a reasonable attempt to notify the minor’s parent of information that is directly relevant to such individual’s involvement with the minor’s health care, which may include the minor’s location and general condition, in accordance with subdivision D 34 of § 32.1-127.1:03, unless the provider has actual knowledge that the parent is currently prohibited by court order from contacting the minor. No health care provider shall be required to notify a person’s family member or personal representative pursuant to this section if the health care provider has actual knowledge that such notice has been provided.\n\t\t\tAny health care provider disclosing records pursuant to this section shall be immune from civil liability for any harm resulting from the disclosure, including any liability under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (42 U.S.C. § 1320d et seq.), as amended, unless the person or provider disclosing such records intended the harm or acted in bad faith.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":291167,"text":"Any order entered where a minor is the subject of proceedings under this article shall provide for the disclosure of health records pursuant to subsection B. This subsection shall not preclude any other disclosures as required or permitted by law.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B"}},"ancestry":[{"id":12702,"edition_id":1,"name":"Psychiatric Treatment of Minors Act","identifier":"16","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12701,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":161253,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12702,"identifier":"16","token":"16.1\/11\/16","url":"\/16.1\/11\/16\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12701,"edition_id":1,"name":"Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts","identifier":"11","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12700,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":160945,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12701,"identifier":"11","token":"16.1\/11","url":"\/16.1\/11\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12700,"edition_id":1,"name":"Courts Not of Record","identifier":"16.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":160919,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12700,"identifier":"16.1","token":"16.1","url":"\/16.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":74549,"structure_id":12702,"section_number":"16.1-335","catch_line":"Short title","url":"\/16.1-335\/","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-335","metadata":false},{"id":80739,"structure_id":12702,"section_number":"16.1-336","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/16.1-336\/","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-336","metadata":false},{"id":64915,"structure_id":12702,"section_number":"16.1-336.1","catch_line":"Admission forms","url":"\/16.1-336.1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-336.1","metadata":false},{"id":81231,"structure_id":12702,"section_number":"16.1-337","catch_line":"Inpatient treatment of minors; general applicability; disclosure of records","url":"\/16.1-337\/","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-337","metadata":false},{"id":85004,"structure_id":12702,"section_number":"16.1-337.1","catch_line":"Order of involuntary commitment or mandatory outpatient treatment forwarded to Central Criminal Records Exchange; certain voluntary admissions forwarded to Central Criminal Records Exchange; firearm background check","url":"\/16.1-337.1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-337.1","metadata":false},{"id":77269,"structure_id":12702,"section_number":"16.1-338","catch_line":"Parental admission of minors younger than 14 and nonobjecting minors 14 years of age or older","url":"\/16.1-338\/","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-338","metadata":false},{"id":53935,"structure_id":12702,"section_number":"16.1-339","catch_line":"Parental admission of an objecting minor 14 years of age or older","url":"\/16.1-339\/","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-339","metadata":false},{"id":61197,"structure_id":12702,"section_number":"16.1-339.1","catch_line":"Minors in detention homes or shelter care facilities","url":"\/16.1-339.1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-339.1","metadata":false},{"id":75459,"structure_id":12702,"section_number":"16.1-340","catch_line":"Emergency custody; issuance and execution of order","url":"\/16.1-340\/","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-340","metadata":false},{"id":68740,"structure_id":12702,"section_number":"16.1-340.1","catch_line":"Involuntary temporary detention; issuance and execution of order","url":"\/16.1-340.1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-340.1","metadata":false},{"id":81671,"structure_id":12702,"section_number":"16.1-340.1:1","catch_line":"Facility of temporary detention","url":"\/16.1-340.1_1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-340.1_1","metadata":false},{"id":85419,"structure_id":12702,"section_number":"16.1-340.2","catch_line":"Transportation of minor in the temporary detention process","url":"\/16.1-340.2\/","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-340.2","metadata":false},{"id":60394,"structure_id":12702,"section_number":"16.1-340.3","catch_line":"Release of minor prior to commitment hearing for involuntary admission","url":"\/16.1-340.3\/","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-340.3","metadata":false},{"id":80218,"structure_id":12702,"section_number":"16.1-340.4","catch_line":"Involuntary commitment; preadmission screening report","url":"\/16.1-340.4\/","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-340.4","metadata":false},{"id":80409,"structure_id":12702,"section_number":"16.1-341","catch_line":"Involuntary commitment; petition; hearing scheduled; notice and appointment of counsel","url":"\/16.1-341\/","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-341","metadata":false},{"id":86415,"structure_id":12702,"section_number":"16.1-342","catch_line":"Involuntary commitment; clinical evaluation","url":"\/16.1-342\/","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-342","metadata":false},{"id":81468,"structure_id":12702,"section_number":"16.1-343","catch_line":"Involuntary commitment; duties of attorney for the minor","url":"\/16.1-343\/","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-343","metadata":false},{"id":56572,"structure_id":12702,"section_number":"16.1-344","catch_line":"Involuntary commitment; hearing","url":"\/16.1-344\/","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-344","metadata":false},{"id":58318,"structure_id":12702,"section_number":"16.1-345","catch_line":"Involuntary commitment; criteria","url":"\/16.1-345\/","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-345","metadata":false},{"id":65738,"structure_id":12702,"section_number":"16.1-345.1","catch_line":"Use of electronic communication","url":"\/16.1-345.1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-345.1","metadata":false},{"id":86950,"structure_id":12702,"section_number":"16.1-345.2","catch_line":"Mandatory outpatient treatment; criteria; orders","url":"\/16.1-345.2\/","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-345.2","metadata":false},{"id":64056,"structure_id":12702,"section_number":"16.1-345.3","catch_line":"Monitoring mandatory outpatient treatment; motion for review","url":"\/16.1-345.3\/","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-345.3","metadata":false},{"id":63926,"structure_id":12702,"section_number":"16.1-345.4","catch_line":"Court review of mandatory outpatient treatment plan","url":"\/16.1-345.4\/","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-345.4","metadata":false},{"id":71978,"structure_id":12702,"section_number":"16.1-345.5","catch_line":"Continuation of mandatory outpatient treatment order","url":"\/16.1-345.5\/","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-345.5","metadata":false},{"id":59197,"structure_id":12702,"section_number":"16.1-345.6","catch_line":"Appeal of final order","url":"\/16.1-345.6\/","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-345.6","metadata":false},{"id":58903,"structure_id":12702,"section_number":"16.1-346","catch_line":"Treatment plans; periodic review of status","url":"\/16.1-346\/","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-346","metadata":false},{"id":63455,"structure_id":12702,"section_number":"16.1-346.1","catch_line":"Discharge plan","url":"\/16.1-346.1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-346.1","metadata":false},{"id":57843,"structure_id":12702,"section_number":"16.1-347","catch_line":"Fees and expenses for qualified evaluators","url":"\/16.1-347\/","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-347","metadata":false},{"id":62629,"structure_id":12702,"section_number":"16.1-348","catch_line":"Availability of judge","url":"\/16.1-348\/","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-348","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":64915,"structure_id":12702,"section_number":"16.1-336.1","catch_line":"Admission forms","url":"\/16.1-336.1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-336.1","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":85004,"structure_id":12702,"section_number":"16.1-337.1","catch_line":"Order of involuntary commitment or mandatory outpatient treatment forwarded to Central Criminal Records Exchange; certain voluntary admissions forwarded to Central Criminal Records Exchange; firearm background check","url":"\/16.1-337.1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-337.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/16.1-337\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1990. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 975 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1990 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 6 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1992, chapter 539; in 2008, chapters 782<\/a>, 850<\/a>, and 870<\/a>; in 2009, chapters 455<\/a> and 555<\/a>; in 2010, chapters 778<\/a> and 825<\/a>; in 2016, chapters 569<\/a> and 693<\/a>; in 2018, chapter 846<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":75459,"section_number":"16.1-340","catch_line":"Emergency custody; issuance and execution of order","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-340\/"},{"id":68740,"section_number":"16.1-340.1","catch_line":"Involuntary temporary detention; issuance and execution of order","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-340.1\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":84235,"section_number":"16.1-299","catch_line":"(Effective until July 1, 2026) Fingerprints and photographs of juveniles","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-299\/"},{"id":85004,"section_number":"16.1-337.1","catch_line":"Order of involuntary commitment or mandatory outpatient treatment forwarded to Central Criminal Records Exchange; certain voluntary admissions forwarded to Central Criminal Records Exchange; firearm background check","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-337.1\/"},{"id":77269,"section_number":"16.1-338","catch_line":"Parental admission of minors younger than 14 and nonobjecting minors 14 years of age or older","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-338\/"},{"id":53935,"section_number":"16.1-339","catch_line":"Parental admission of an objecting minor 14 years of age or older","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-339\/"},{"id":68740,"section_number":"16.1-340.1","catch_line":"Involuntary temporary detention; issuance and execution of order","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-340.1\/"},{"id":80409,"section_number":"16.1-341","catch_line":"Involuntary commitment; petition; hearing scheduled; notice and appointment of counsel","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-341\/"},{"id":86415,"section_number":"16.1-342","catch_line":"Involuntary commitment; clinical evaluation","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-342\/"},{"id":58318,"section_number":"16.1-345","catch_line":"Involuntary commitment; criteria","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-345\/"},{"id":58930,"section_number":"32.1-127.1:03","catch_line":"Health records privacy","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-127.1_03\/"}],"permalink":{"id":161267,"object_type":"law","relational_id":81231,"identifier":"16.1-337","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-337","url":"\/16.1-337\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/16.1-337\/","token":"16.1\/11\/16\/16.1-337","dublin_core":{"Title":"Inpatient treatment of minors; general applicability; disclosure of records","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 16.1-337","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> A minor<\/span> may be admitted to a mental health facility<\/span> for inpatient treatment<\/span> only pursuant to § 16.1-338<\/a>, 16.1-339<\/a>, or 16.1-340.1<\/a> or in accordance with an order<\/span> of involuntary commitment entered pursuant to §§ 16.1-341<\/a> through 16.1-345<\/a>. The provisions of Article 12 (§ 16.1-299<\/a> et seq.) of Chapter 11 and § 16.1-337.1<\/a> relating to the confidentiality of files, papers, and records shall apply to proceedings under this article. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Any health care provider, as defined in § 32.1-127.1:03<\/a>, or other provider rendering services to a minor<\/span> who is the subject of proceedings under this article, upon request, shall disclose to a magistrate<\/span>, the juvenile intake officer<\/span>, the court<\/span>, the minor<\/span>’s attorney, the minor<\/span>’s guardian ad litem<\/span>, the qualified evaluator<\/span> performing the evaluation required under §§ 16.1-338<\/a>, 16.1-339<\/a>, and 16.1-342<\/a>, the community services board<\/span> or its designee performing the evaluation, preadmission screening, or monitoring duties under this article, or a law<\/span>-enforcement officer any and all information that is necessary and appropriate to enable each of them to perform his duties under this article. These health care providers and other service providers shall disclose to one another health records and information where necessary to provide care and treatment to the person and to monitor that care and treatment. Health records disclosed to a law<\/span>-enforcement officer shall be limited to information necessary to protect the officer, the minor<\/span>, or the public from physical injury or to address the health care needs of the minor<\/span>. Information disclosed to a law<\/span>-enforcement officer shall not be used for any other purpose, disclosed to others, or retained.\n\t\t\tAny health care provider providing services to a minor<\/span> who is the subject of proceedings under this article shall make a reasonable attempt to notify the minor<\/span>’s parent<\/span> of information that is directly relevant to such individual’s involvement with the minor<\/span>’s health care, which may include the minor<\/span>’s location and general condition, in accordance with subdivision D 34 of § 32.1-127.1:03<\/a>, unless the provider has actual knowledge that the parent<\/span> is currently prohibited by court order<\/span> from contacting the minor<\/span>. No health care provider shall be required to notify a person’s family member or personal representative pursuant to this section if the health care provider has actual knowledge that such notice has been provided.\n\t\t\tAny health care provider disclosing records pursuant to this section shall be immune from civil liability for any harm resulting from the disclosure, including any liability under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (42 U.S.C. § 1320d et seq.), as amended, unless the person or provider disclosing such records intended the harm or acted in bad faith. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Any order entered where a minor<\/span> is the subject of proceedings under this article shall provide for the disclosure of health records pursuant to subsection B. This subsection shall not preclude any other disclosures as required or permitted by law<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nINPATIENT TREATMENT OF MINORS; GENERAL APPLICABILITY; DISCLOSURE OF RECORDS (\u00a7\n16.1-337)\n\nA. A minor may be admitted to a mental health facility for inpatient treatment\nonly pursuant to § 16.1-338, 16.1-339, or 16.1-340.1 or in accordance with\nan order of involuntary commitment entered pursuant to §§ 16.1-341\nthrough 16.1-345. The provisions of Article 12 (§ 16.1-299 et seq.) of\nChapter 11 and § 16.1-337.1 relating to the confidentiality of files,\npapers, and records shall apply to proceedings under this article.\n\nB. Any health care provider, as defined in § 32.1-127.1:03, or other\nprovider rendering services to a minor who is the subject of proceedings under\nthis article, upon request, shall disclose to a magistrate, the juvenile intake\nofficer, the court, the minor’s attorney, the minor’s guardian ad\nlitem, the qualified evaluator performing the evaluation required under\n§§ 16.1-338, 16.1-339, and 16.1-342, the community services board or\nits designee performing the evaluation, preadmission screening, or monitoring\nduties under this article, or a law-enforcement officer any and all information\nthat is necessary and appropriate to enable each of them to perform his duties\nunder this article. These health care providers and other service providers\nshall disclose to one another health records and information where necessary to\nprovide care and treatment to the person and to monitor that care and treatment.\nHealth records disclosed to a law-enforcement officer shall be limited to\ninformation necessary to protect the officer, the minor, or the public from\nphysical injury or to address the health care needs of the minor. Information\ndisclosed to a law-enforcement officer shall not be used for any other purpose,\ndisclosed to others, or retained.\n\t\t\tAny health care provider providing services to a minor who is the subject of\nproceedings under this article shall make a reasonable attempt to notify the\nminor’s parent of information that is directly relevant to such\nindividual’s involvement with the minor’s health care, which may\ninclude the minor’s location and general condition, in accordance with\nsubdivision D 34 of § 32.1-127.1:03, unless the provider has actual\nknowledge that the parent is currently prohibited by court order from contacting\nthe minor. No health care provider shall be required to notify a person’s\nfamily member or personal representative pursuant to this section if the health\ncare provider has actual knowledge that such notice has been provided.\n\t\t\tAny health care provider disclosing records pursuant to this section shall be\nimmune from civil liability for any harm resulting from the disclosure,\nincluding any liability under the federal Health Insurance Portability and\nAccountability Act (42 U.S.C. § 1320d et seq.), as amended, unless the\nperson or provider disclosing such records intended the harm or acted in bad\nfaith.\n\nC. Any order entered where a minor is the subject of proceedings under this\narticle shall provide for the disclosure of health records pursuant to\nsubsection B. This subsection shall not preclude any other disclosures as\nrequired or permitted by law.\n\nHISTORY: 1990, c. 975; 1992, c. 539; 2008, cc. 782, 850, 870; 2009, cc. 455,\n555; 2010, cc. 778, 825; 2016, cc. 569, 693; 2018, c. 846.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}