{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/53.1-68.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/53.1-68.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/53.1-68.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/53.1-68.html"}],"law_id":75446,"edition_id":1,"section_id":75446,"structure_id":15179,"section_number":"53.1-68","catch_line":"Minimum standards for local correctional facilities and lock-ups; health inspections, behavioral health services inspections, and personnel","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 53-133; 1982, c. 636; 1991, c. 383; 1992, c. 179; 1994, c. 861; 1995, c. 797; 1997, c. 644; 2000, c. 256; 2019, c. 827; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 179.","full_text":"A\n\nThe Board shall establish minimum standards for the construction, equipment, administration, and operation of local correctional facilities, whether heretofore or hereafter established. However, no minimum standard shall be established that includes square footage requirements in excess of accepted national standards. The Board or its agents shall conduct at least one unannounced inspection of each local facility annually. However, in those years in which a certification audit of a facility is performed and the facility is in compliance with all the standards, the Board may elect to suspend the unannounced inspection based upon that certification audit and the history of compliance of the facility with the standards promulgated in accordance with this section, except in any year in which there is a change in the administration of a local or regional jail. The Board shall also establish minimum standards for the construction, equipment, and operation of lock-ups, whether heretofore or hereafter established. However, no minimum standard shall be established that includes square footage requirements in excess of accepted national standards.B\n\nStandards concerning sanitation in local correctional facilities and procedures for enforcing these standards shall be promulgated by the Board with the advice and guidance of the State Health Commissioner. The Board, in conjunction with the Board of Health, shall establish a procedure for the conduct of at least one unannounced annual health inspection by the State Health Commissioner or his agents of each local correctional facility. The Board and the State Health Commissioner may authorize such other announced or unannounced inspections as they consider appropriate.C\n\nThe Board shall establish minimum standards for behavioral health services in local correctional facilities and procedures for enforcing such minimum standards, with the advice of and guidance from the Commissioner of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and the State Inspector General.\n\t\t\tSuch standards shall include:1\n\nRequirements for behavioral health services provided in jails, including requirements for (i) behavioral health screening of individuals committed to local correctional facilities; (ii) referral of individuals committed to local correctional facilities for whom a behavioral health screening indicates reason to believe the person may have mental illness to a behavioral health service provider for a behavioral health assessment; and (iii) the provision of behavioral health services in local correctional facilities, as well as regulations directing the sharing of medical and mental health information and records in accordance with § 53.1-133.03. Requirements related to behavioral health screenings and assessments shall include a requirement that in cases in which there is reason to believe an individual is experiencing acute mental health distress or is at risk for suicide, (a) staff of the local correctional facility shall consult with the behavioral health service provider to implement immediate interventions and shall provide ongoing monitoring to ensure the safety of the individual and (b) the behavioral health assessment shall be completed within 72 hours of completion of the behavioral health screening, except that if the 72-hour period ends on a day that is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the assessment shall be completed by the close of business on the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday;2\n\nRequirements for discharge planning for individuals with serious mental illness assessed as requiring behavioral health services upon release from the local correctional facility, which shall include (i) creation of a discharge plan, as soon as practicable after completion of the assessment required pursuant to subdivision 1, and (ii) coordination of services and care with community providers, community supervision agencies, and, as appropriate, the individual’s family in accordance with the discharge plan until such time as the individual has begun to receive services in accordance with the discharge plan or for a period of 30 days following release from the local correctional facility, whichever occurs sooner. Discharge plans shall ensure access to the full continuum of care for the individual upon release from the local correctional facility and shall include provisions for (a) linking the individual for whom the discharge plan has been prepared to the community services board in the jurisdiction in which he will reside following release and to other supports and services necessary to meet his service needs and (b) communication of information regarding the individual’s treatment needs and exchange of treatment records among service providers;3\n\nA requirement for at least one unannounced annual inspection of each local correctional facility by the Board or its agents to determine compliance with the standards for behavioral health services established pursuant to this subsection and such other announced or unannounced inspections as the Board may deem necessary to ensure compliance with the standards for behavioral health services established pursuant to this subsection; and4\n\nProvisions for the billing of the sheriff in charge of a local correctional facility or superintendent of a regional correctional facility by and payment by such sheriff or superintendent to a community services board that provides behavioral health services in the local correctional facility, in accordance with § 53.1-126.D\n\nThe Department of Criminal Justice Services, in accordance with § 9.1-102, shall establish minimum training standards for persons designated to provide courthouse and courtroom security pursuant to the provisions of § 53.1-120 and for persons employed as jail officers or custodial officers under the provisions of this title. The sheriff shall establish minimum performance standards and management practices to govern the employees for whom the sheriff is responsible.E\n\nThe superintendent of a regional jail or jail farm shall establish minimum performance standards and management practices to govern the employees for whom the superintendent is responsible.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":270795,"text":"The Board shall establish minimum standards for the construction, equipment, administration, and operation of local correctional facilities, whether heretofore or hereafter established. However, no minimum standard shall be established that includes square footage requirements in excess of accepted national standards. The Board or its agents shall conduct at least one unannounced inspection of each local facility annually. However, in those years in which a certification audit of a facility is performed and the facility is in compliance with all the standards, the Board may elect to suspend the unannounced inspection based upon that certification audit and the history of compliance of the facility with the standards promulgated in accordance with this section, except in any year in which there is a change in the administration of a local or regional jail. The Board shall also establish minimum standards for the construction, equipment, and operation of lock-ups, whether heretofore or hereafter established. However, no minimum standard shall be established that includes square footage requirements in excess of accepted national standards.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":270796,"text":"Standards concerning sanitation in local correctional facilities and procedures for enforcing these standards shall be promulgated by the Board with the advice and guidance of the State Health Commissioner. The Board, in conjunction with the Board of Health, shall establish a procedure for the conduct of at least one unannounced annual health inspection by the State Health Commissioner or his agents of each local correctional facility. The Board and the State Health Commissioner may authorize such other announced or unannounced inspections as they consider appropriate.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":270797,"text":"The Board shall establish minimum standards for behavioral health services in local correctional facilities and procedures for enforcing such minimum standards, with the advice of and guidance from the Commissioner of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and the State Inspector General.\n\t\t\tSuch standards shall include:","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"C1"},"3":{"id":270798,"text":"Requirements for behavioral health services provided in jails, including requirements for (i) behavioral health screening of individuals committed to local correctional facilities; (ii) referral of individuals committed to local correctional facilities for whom a behavioral health screening indicates reason to believe the person may have mental illness to a behavioral health service provider for a behavioral health assessment; and (iii) the provision of behavioral health services in local correctional facilities, as well as regulations directing the sharing of medical and mental health information and records in accordance with § 53.1-133.03. Requirements related to behavioral health screenings and assessments shall include a requirement that in cases in which there is reason to believe an individual is experiencing acute mental health distress or is at risk for suicide, (a) staff of the local correctional facility shall consult with the behavioral health service provider to implement immediate interventions and shall provide ongoing monitoring to ensure the safety of the individual and (b) the behavioral health assessment shall be completed within 72 hours of completion of the behavioral health screening, except that if the 72-hour period ends on a day that is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the assessment shall be completed by the close of business on the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"C1","prefix_anchor":"C1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"C2"},"4":{"id":270799,"text":"Requirements for discharge planning for individuals with serious mental illness assessed as requiring behavioral health services upon release from the local correctional facility, which shall include (i) creation of a discharge plan, as soon as practicable after completion of the assessment required pursuant to subdivision 1, and (ii) coordination of services and care with community providers, community supervision agencies, and, as appropriate, the individual’s family in accordance with the discharge plan until such time as the individual has begun to receive services in accordance with the discharge plan or for a period of 30 days following release from the local correctional facility, whichever occurs sooner. Discharge plans shall ensure access to the full continuum of care for the individual upon release from the local correctional facility and shall include provisions for (a) linking the individual for whom the discharge plan has been prepared to the community services board in the jurisdiction in which he will reside following release and to other supports and services necessary to meet his service needs and (b) communication of information regarding the individual’s treatment needs and exchange of treatment records among service providers;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"C2","prefix_anchor":"C2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C1","next_prefix":"C3"},"5":{"id":270800,"text":"A requirement for at least one unannounced annual inspection of each local correctional facility by the Board or its agents to determine compliance with the standards for behavioral health services established pursuant to this subsection and such other announced or unannounced inspections as the Board may deem necessary to ensure compliance with the standards for behavioral health services established pursuant to this subsection; and","type":"section","prefixes":["C","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"C3","prefix_anchor":"C3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C2","next_prefix":"C4"},"6":{"id":270801,"text":"Provisions for the billing of the sheriff in charge of a local correctional facility or superintendent of a regional correctional facility by and payment by such sheriff or superintendent to a community services board that provides behavioral health services in the local correctional facility, in accordance with § 53.1-126.","type":"section","prefixes":["C","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"C4","prefix_anchor":"C4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C3","next_prefix":"D"},"7":{"id":270802,"text":"The Department of Criminal Justice Services, in accordance with § 9.1-102, shall establish minimum training standards for persons designated to provide courthouse and courtroom security pursuant to the provisions of § 53.1-120 and for persons employed as jail officers or custodial officers under the provisions of this title. The sheriff shall establish minimum performance standards and management practices to govern the employees for whom the sheriff is responsible.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C4","next_prefix":"E"},"8":{"id":270803,"text":"The superintendent of a regional jail or jail farm shall establish minimum performance standards and management practices to govern the employees for whom the superintendent is responsible.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D"}},"ancestry":[{"id":15179,"edition_id":1,"name":"Establishment and Regulation of Facilities","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12847,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:52:44","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:52:44","permalink":{"id":238283,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":15179,"identifier":"1","token":"53.1\/3\/1","url":"\/53.1\/3\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12847,"edition_id":1,"name":"Local Correctional Facilities","identifier":"3","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12717,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:56","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:56","permalink":{"id":238281,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12847,"identifier":"3","token":"53.1\/3","url":"\/53.1\/3\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12717,"edition_id":1,"name":"Prisons and Other Methods of Correction","identifier":"53.1","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":237591,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12717,"identifier":"53.1","token":"53.1","url":"\/53.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":75446,"structure_id":15179,"section_number":"53.1-68","catch_line":"Minimum standards for local correctional facilities and lock-ups; health inspections, behavioral health services inspections, and personnel","url":"\/53.1-68\/","token":"53.1\/3\/1\/53.1-68","metadata":false},{"id":69048,"structure_id":15179,"section_number":"53.1-69","catch_line":"Board may prohibit confinement and require transfer of prisoners in substandard facilities","url":"\/53.1-69\/","token":"53.1\/3\/1\/53.1-69","metadata":false},{"id":86587,"structure_id":15179,"section_number":"53.1-69.1","catch_line":"Review of death of inmates in local, regional, or community correctional facilities","url":"\/53.1-69.1\/","token":"53.1\/3\/1\/53.1-69.1","metadata":false},{"id":67617,"structure_id":15179,"section_number":"53.1-69.2","catch_line":"Administrative appeal of Board determinations","url":"\/53.1-69.2\/","token":"53.1\/3\/1\/53.1-69.2","metadata":false},{"id":83885,"structure_id":15179,"section_number":"53.1-70","catch_line":"Jurisdiction of court to enforce orders of Board; proceedings","url":"\/53.1-70\/","token":"53.1\/3\/1\/53.1-70","metadata":false},{"id":80986,"structure_id":15179,"section_number":"53.1-70.1","catch_line":"Transport of prisoners; authority","url":"\/53.1-70.1\/","token":"53.1\/3\/1\/53.1-70.1","metadata":false},{"id":57803,"structure_id":15179,"section_number":"53.1-71","catch_line":"Courts to order jails erected and repaired","url":"\/53.1-71\/","token":"53.1\/3\/1\/53.1-71","metadata":false}],"next_section":{"id":69048,"structure_id":15179,"section_number":"53.1-69","catch_line":"Board may prohibit confinement and require transfer of prisoners in substandard facilities","url":"\/53.1-69\/","token":"53.1\/3\/1\/53.1-69","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/53.1-68\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 8 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 1982, chapter 636; in 1991, chapter 383; in 1992, chapter 179; in 1994, chapter 861<\/a>; in 1995, chapter 797<\/a>; in 1997, chapter 644<\/a>; in 2000, chapter 256<\/a>; in 2019, chapter 827<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":57459,"section_number":"15.2-1615","catch_line":"Sheriff to deposit funds, keep account of receipts and disbursements, keep books open for inspection","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-1615\/"},{"id":58294,"section_number":"15.2-2820","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2820\/"},{"id":85635,"section_number":"53.1-1","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/53.1-1\/"},{"id":85147,"section_number":"53.1-127","catch_line":"Who may enter interior of local correctional facilities; searches of those entering","order_by":null,"url":"\/53.1-127\/"},{"id":78609,"section_number":"53.1-5","catch_line":"Powers and duties of Board","order_by":null,"url":"\/53.1-5\/"},{"id":68225,"section_number":"53.1-6.1","catch_line":"Executive director; staff; compensation","order_by":null,"url":"\/53.1-6.1\/"},{"id":72359,"section_number":"53.1-95.2","catch_line":"Jail authority","order_by":null,"url":"\/53.1-95.2\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":81239,"section_number":"53.1-120","catch_line":"Sheriff to provide for courthouse and courtroom security; designation of deputies for such purpose; assessment","order_by":null,"url":"\/53.1-120\/"},{"id":64708,"section_number":"53.1-133.03","catch_line":"Exchange of medical and mental health information and records","order_by":null,"url":"\/53.1-133.03\/"},{"id":54198,"section_number":"9.1-102","catch_line":"Powers and duties of the Board and the Department","order_by":null,"url":"\/9.1-102\/"}],"permalink":{"id":238285,"object_type":"law","relational_id":75446,"identifier":"53.1-68","token":"53.1\/3\/1\/53.1-68","url":"\/53.1-68\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/53.1-68\/","token":"53.1\/3\/1\/53.1-68","dublin_core":{"Title":"Minimum standards for local correctional facilities and lock-ups; health inspections, behavioral health services inspections, and personnel","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 53.1-68","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The Board<\/span> shall establish minimum standards for the construction, equipment, administration, and operation of local correctional facilities, whether heretofore or hereafter established. However, no minimum standard shall be established that includes square footage requirements in excess of accepted national standards. The Board<\/span> or its agents shall conduct at least one unannounced inspection of each local facility annually. However, in those years in which a certification audit of a facility is performed and the facility is in compliance with all the standards, the Board<\/span> may elect to suspend the unannounced inspection based upon that certification audit and the history of compliance of the facility with the standards promulgated in accordance with this section, except in any year in which there is a change in the administration of a local or regional jail. The Board<\/span> shall also establish minimum standards for the construction, equipment, and operation of lock-ups<\/span>, whether heretofore or hereafter established. However, no minimum standard shall be established that includes square footage requirements in excess of accepted national standards. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Standards concerning sanitation in local correctional facilities and procedures for enforcing these standards shall be promulgated by the Board<\/span> with the advice and guidance of the State Health Commissioner. The Board<\/span>, in conjunction with the Board<\/span> of Health, shall establish a procedure for the conduct of at least one unannounced annual health inspection by the State Health Commissioner or his agents of each local correctional facility<\/span>. The Board<\/span> and the State Health Commissioner may authorize such other announced or unannounced inspections as they consider appropriate. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The Board<\/span> shall establish minimum standards for behavioral health services in local correctional facilities and procedures for enforcing such minimum standards, with the advice of and guidance from the Commissioner of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and the State Inspector General.\n\t\t\tSuch standards shall include: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Requirements for behavioral health services provided in jails, including requirements for (i) behavioral health screening of individuals committed to local correctional facilities; (ii) referral of individuals committed to local correctional facilities for whom a behavioral health screening indicates reason to believe the person may have mental illness to a behavioral health service provider for a behavioral health assessment; and (iii) the provision of behavioral health services in local correctional facilities, as well as regulations directing the sharing of medical and mental health information and records in accordance with § 53.1-133.03<\/a>. Requirements related to behavioral health screenings and assessments shall include a requirement that in cases in which there is reason to believe an individual is experiencing acute mental health distress or is at risk for suicide, (a) staff of the local correctional facility<\/span> shall consult with the behavioral health service provider to implement immediate interventions and shall provide ongoing monitoring to ensure the safety of the individual and (b) the behavioral health assessment shall be completed within 72 hours of completion of the behavioral health screening, except that if the 72-hour period ends on a day that is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the assessment shall be completed by the close of business on the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Requirements for discharge planning for individuals with serious mental illness assessed as requiring behavioral health services upon release from the local correctional facility<\/span>, which shall include (i) creation of a discharge plan, as soon as practicable after completion of the assessment required pursuant to subdivision 1, and (ii) coordination of services and care with community providers, community supervision<\/span> agencies, and, as appropriate, the individual’s family in accordance with the discharge plan until such time as the individual has begun to receive services in accordance with the discharge plan or for a period of 30 days following release from the local correctional facility<\/span>, whichever occurs sooner. Discharge plans shall ensure access to the full continuum of care for the individual upon release from the local correctional facility<\/span> and shall include provisions for (a) linking the individual for whom the discharge plan has been prepared to the community services<\/span> board<\/span> in the jurisdiction<\/span> in which he will reside following release and to other supports and services necessary to meet his service needs and (b) communication of information regarding the individual’s treatment needs and exchange of treatment records among service providers; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> A requirement for at least one unannounced annual inspection of each local correctional facility<\/span> by the Board<\/span> or its agents to determine compliance with the standards for behavioral health services established pursuant to this subsection and such other announced or unannounced inspections as the Board<\/span> may deem necessary to ensure compliance with the standards for behavioral health services established pursuant to this subsection; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Provisions for the billing of the sheriff in charge of a local correctional facility<\/span> or superintendent of a regional correctional facility by and payment by such sheriff or superintendent to a community services<\/span> board<\/span> that provides behavioral health services in the local correctional facility<\/span>, in accordance with § 53.1-126<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The Department<\/span> of Criminal Justice Services, in accordance with § 9.1-102<\/a>, shall establish minimum training standards for persons designated to provide courthouse and courtroom security pursuant to the provisions of § 53.1-120<\/a> and for persons employed as jail officers<\/span> or custodial officers under the provisions of this title. The sheriff shall establish minimum performance standards and management practices to govern the employees for whom the sheriff is responsible. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> The superintendent of a regional jail or jail farm shall establish minimum performance standards and management practices to govern the employees for whom the superintendent is responsible. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nMINIMUM STANDARDS FOR LOCAL CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES AND LOCK-UPS; HEALTH\nINSPECTIONS, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES INSPECTIONS, AND PERSONNEL (\u00a7 53.1-68)\n\nA. The Board shall establish minimum standards for the construction, equipment,\nadministration, and operation of local correctional facilities, whether\nheretofore or hereafter established. However, no minimum standard shall be\nestablished that includes square footage requirements in excess of accepted\nnational standards. The Board or its agents shall conduct at least one\nunannounced inspection of each local facility annually. However, in those years\nin which a certification audit of a facility is performed and the facility is in\ncompliance with all the standards, the Board may elect to suspend the\nunannounced inspection based upon that certification audit and the history of\ncompliance of the facility with the standards promulgated in accordance with\nthis section, except in any year in which there is a change in the\nadministration of a local or regional jail. The Board shall also establish\nminimum standards for the construction, equipment, and operation of lock-ups,\nwhether heretofore or hereafter established. However, no minimum standard shall\nbe established that includes square footage requirements in excess of accepted\nnational standards.\n\nB. Standards concerning sanitation in local correctional facilities and\nprocedures for enforcing these standards shall be promulgated by the Board with\nthe advice and guidance of the State Health Commissioner. The Board, in\nconjunction with the Board of Health, shall establish a procedure for the\nconduct of at least one unannounced annual health inspection by the State Health\nCommissioner or his agents of each local correctional facility. The Board and\nthe State Health Commissioner may authorize such other announced or unannounced\ninspections as they consider appropriate.\n\nC. The Board shall establish minimum standards for behavioral health services in\nlocal correctional facilities and procedures for enforcing such minimum\nstandards, with the advice of and guidance from the Commissioner of Behavioral\nHealth and Developmental Services and the State Inspector General.\n\t\t\tSuch standards shall include:\n\n 1. Requirements for behavioral health services provided in jails, including\n requirements for (i) behavioral health screening of individuals committed to\n local correctional facilities; (ii) referral of individuals committed to local\n correctional facilities for whom a behavioral health screening indicates\n reason to believe the person may have mental illness to a behavioral health\n service provider for a behavioral health assessment; and (iii) the provision\n of behavioral health services in local correctional facilities, as well as\n regulations directing the sharing of medical and mental health information and\n records in accordance with § 53.1-133.03. Requirements related to\n behavioral health screenings and assessments shall include a requirement that\n in cases in which there is reason to believe an individual is experiencing\n acute mental health distress or is at risk for suicide, (a) staff of the local\n correctional facility shall consult with the behavioral health service\n provider to implement immediate interventions and shall provide ongoing\n monitoring to ensure the safety of the individual and (b) the behavioral\n health assessment shall be completed within 72 hours of completion of the\n behavioral health screening, except that if the 72-hour period ends on a day\n that is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the assessment shall be\n completed by the close of business on the next day that is not a Saturday,\n Sunday, or legal holiday;\n\n 2. Requirements for discharge planning for individuals with serious mental\n illness assessed as requiring behavioral health services upon release from the\n local correctional facility, which shall include (i) creation of a discharge\n plan, as soon as practicable after completion of the assessment required\n pursuant to subdivision 1, and (ii) coordination of services and care with\n community providers, community supervision agencies, and, as appropriate, the\n individual’s family in accordance with the discharge plan until such\n time as the individual has begun to receive services in accordance with the\n discharge plan or for a period of 30 days following release from the local\n correctional facility, whichever occurs sooner. Discharge plans shall ensure\n access to the full continuum of care for the individual upon release from the\n local correctional facility and shall include provisions for (a) linking the\n individual for whom the discharge plan has been prepared to the community\n services board in the jurisdiction in which he will reside following release\n and to other supports and services necessary to meet his service needs and (b)\n communication of information regarding the individual’s treatment needs\n and exchange of treatment records among service providers;\n\n 3. A requirement for at least one unannounced annual inspection of each local\n correctional facility by the Board or its agents to determine compliance with\n the standards for behavioral health services established pursuant to this\n subsection and such other announced or unannounced inspections as the Board\n may deem necessary to ensure compliance with the standards for behavioral\n health services established pursuant to this subsection; and\n\n 4. Provisions for the billing of the sheriff in charge of a local correctional\n facility or superintendent of a regional correctional facility by and payment\n by such sheriff or superintendent to a community services board that provides\n behavioral health services in the local correctional facility, in accordance\n with § 53.1-126.\n\nD. The Department of Criminal Justice Services, in accordance with §\n9.1-102, shall establish minimum training standards for persons designated to\nprovide courthouse and courtroom security pursuant to the provisions of §\n53.1-120 and for persons employed as jail officers or custodial officers under\nthe provisions of this title. The sheriff shall establish minimum performance\nstandards and management practices to govern the employees for whom the sheriff\nis responsible.\n\nE. The superintendent of a regional jail or jail farm shall establish minimum\nperformance standards and management practices to govern the employees for whom\nthe superintendent is responsible.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 53-133; 1982, c. 636; 1991, c. 383; 1992, c. 179; 1994,\nc. 861; 1995, c. 797; 1997, c. 644; 2000, c. 256; 2019, c. 827; 2021, Sp. Sess.\nI, c. 179.","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}}