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<law><site_title>Virginia Decoded</site_title><site_url>https://vacode.org</site_url><law_id>65222</law_id><section_number>37.2-504</section_number><catch_line>Community services boards; local government departments; powers and duties</catch_line><edition url="https://vacode.org/2025/" slug="2025" current="TRUE" last_updated="">2025</edition><referred_to_by><reference>37.2-100</reference><reference>37.2-501</reference><reference>37.2-512</reference></referred_to_by><structure><unit label="title" level="1" order_by="1" identifier="37.2">Behavioral Health and Developmental Services</unit><unit label="subtitle" level="2" order_by="1" identifier="II">Behavioral Health and Developmental Services</unit><unit label="chapter" level="3" order_by="1" identifier="5">Community Services Boards</unit></structure><text>
						<section id="A"><p><span class="prefix-number">A.</span> Every operating and <span class="dictionary">administrative policy <span class="dictionary">community services board</span></span> and local government <span class="dictionary">department</span> with a <span class="dictionary">policy-advisory board</span> shall have the following powers and duties: <a id="paragraph-237219" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-504/#A"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A1" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">1.</span> Review and evaluate public and private community mental health, developmental, and <span class="dictionary">substance abuse</span> services and facilities that receive funds from it and advise the governing body of each city or county that established it as to its <span class="dictionary">findings</span>. <a id="paragraph-237220" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-504/#A1"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A2" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">2.</span> Pursuant to &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Performance contract for mental health, developmental, and substance abuse services" href="/37.2-508/">37.2-508</a>, submit to the governing body of each city or county that established it a <span class="dictionary">performance contract</span> for community mental health, developmental, and <span class="dictionary">substance abuse</span> services for its approval prior to submission of the contract to the <span class="dictionary">Department</span>. <a id="paragraph-237221" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-504/#A2"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A3" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">3.</span> Within amounts appropriated for this purpose, provide services authorized under the <span class="dictionary">performance contract</span>. <a id="paragraph-237222" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-504/#A3"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A4" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">4.</span> In accordance with its approved <span class="dictionary">performance contract</span>, enter into <span class="dictionary">contracts</span> with other providers for the delivery of services or operation of facilities. <a id="paragraph-237223" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-504/#A4"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A5" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">5.</span> In the case of operating and <span class="dictionary">administrative policy boards</span>, make policies or regulations concerning the delivery of services and operation of facilities under its direction or supervision, subject to applicable policies and regulations adopted by the Board. <a id="paragraph-237224" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-504/#A5"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A6" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">6.</span> In the case of an <span class="dictionary">operating board</span>, appoint an executive director of community mental health, developmental, and <span class="dictionary">substance abuse</span> services, who meets the minimum qualifications established by the <span class="dictionary">Department</span>, and prescribe his duties. The compensation of the executive director shall be fixed by the <span class="dictionary">operating board</span> within the amounts made available by appropriation for this purpose. The executive director shall serve at the pleasure of the <span class="dictionary">operating board</span> and be employed under an annually renewable contract that contains performance objectives and evaluation criteria. For an <span class="dictionary">operating board</span>, the <span class="dictionary">Department</span> shall approve the selection of the executive director for adherence to minimum qualifications established by the <span class="dictionary">Department</span> and the salary range of the executive director. In the case of an <span class="dictionary">administrative policy board</span>, the board shall participate with local government in the appointment and annual performance evaluation of an executive director of community mental health, developmental, and <span class="dictionary">substance abuse</span> services, who meets the minimum qualifications established by the <span class="dictionary">Department</span>, and prescribe his duties. The compensation of the executive director shall be fixed by local government in consultation with the <span class="dictionary">administrative policy board</span> within the amounts made available by appropriation for this purpose. In the case of a local government <span class="dictionary">department</span> with a <span class="dictionary">policy-advisory board</span>, the director of the local government <span class="dictionary">department</span> shall serve as the executive director. The <span class="dictionary">policy-advisory board</span> shall participate in the selection and the annual performance evaluation of the executive director, who meets the minimum qualifications established by the <span class="dictionary">Department</span>. The compensation of the executive director shall be fixed by local government in consultation with the <span class="dictionary">policy-advisory board</span> within the amounts made available by appropriation for this purpose. <a id="paragraph-237225" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-504/#A6"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A7" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">7.</span> Prescribe a reasonable schedule of fees for services provided by personnel or facilities under the <span class="dictionary">jurisdiction</span> or supervision of the board and establish procedures for the collection of those fees. All fees collected shall be included in the <span class="dictionary">performance contract</span> submitted to the local governing body or bodies pursuant to subdivision 2 and &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Performance contract for mental health, developmental, and substance abuse services" href="/37.2-508/">37.2-508</a> and shall be used only for community mental health, developmental, and <span class="dictionary">substance abuse</span> services purposes. Every board shall institute a reimbursement system to maximize the collection of fees from <span class="dictionary">individuals</span> receiving services under its <span class="dictionary">jurisdiction</span> or supervision, consistent with the provisions of &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Liability for expenses of services" href="/37.2-511/">37.2-511</a>, and from responsible third <span class="dictionary">party</span> payors. Boards shall not attempt to bill or collect fees for time spent participating in commitment <span class="dictionary">hearings</span> for involuntary admissions pursuant to Article 5 (&#xA7; <a class="law" title="(Effective July 1, 2026) Commitment hearing for involuntary admission; written explanation; right to counsel; rights of petitioner" href="/37.2-814/">37.2-814</a> et seq.) of Chapter 8. <a id="paragraph-237226" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-504/#A7"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A8" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">8.</span> Accept or refuse gifts, donations, bequests, or grants of money or property from any source and utilize them as authorized by the governing body of each city or county that established it. <a id="paragraph-237227" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-504/#A8"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A9" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">9.</span> Seek and accept funds through federal grants. In accepting federal grants, the board shall not bind the governing body of any city or county that established it to any expenditures or conditions of acceptance without the prior approval of the governing body. <a id="paragraph-237228" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-504/#A9"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A10" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">10.</span> Notwithstanding any provision of <span class="dictionary">law</span> to the contrary, disburse funds appropriated to it in accordance with such regulations as may be established by the governing body of each city or county that established it. <a id="paragraph-237229" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-504/#A10"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A11" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">11.</span> Apply for and accept loans as authorized by the governing body of each city or county that established it. <a id="paragraph-237230" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-504/#A11"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A12" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">12.</span> Develop joint written agreements, consistent with policies adopted by the Board, with local school divisions; health <span class="dictionary">departments</span>; boards of social services; housing agencies, where they exist; <span class="dictionary">courts</span>; sheriffs; area agencies on aging; and regional offices of the <span class="dictionary">Department</span> for Aging and Rehabilitative Services. The agreements shall specify the services to be provided to <span class="dictionary">individuals</span>. All participating agencies shall develop and implement the agreements and shall review the agreements annually. <a id="paragraph-237231" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-504/#A12"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A13" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">13.</span> Take all necessary and appropriate actions to maximize the involvement and participation of <span class="dictionary">individuals</span> receiving services and <span class="dictionary">family members</span> of <span class="dictionary">individuals</span> receiving services in policy formulation and services planning, delivery, and evaluation. <a id="paragraph-237232" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-504/#A13"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A14" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">14.</span> Institute, singly or in combination with other <span class="dictionary">community services boards</span> or behavioral health authorities, a dispute resolution mechanism that is approved by the <span class="dictionary">Department</span> and enables <span class="dictionary">individuals</span> receiving services and <span class="dictionary">family members</span> of <span class="dictionary">individuals</span> receiving services to resolve concerns, <span class="dictionary">issues</span>, or disagreements about services without adversely affecting their access to or receipt of appropriate types and amounts of current or future services from the <span class="dictionary">community services board</span>. <a id="paragraph-237233" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-504/#A14"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A15" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">15.</span> Notwithstanding the provisions of &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Rights of individuals receiving services" href="/37.2-400/">37.2-400</a> or any regulations adopted thereunder, release data and information about each <span class="dictionary">individual receiving services</span> to the <span class="dictionary">Department</span> so long as the <span class="dictionary">Department</span> implements procedures to protect the confidentiality of that data and information. <a id="paragraph-237234" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-504/#A15"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A16" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">16.</span> In the case of <span class="dictionary">administrative policy boards</span> and local government <span class="dictionary">departments</span> with <span class="dictionary">policy-advisory boards</span>, carry out other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the governing body of each city or county that established it. <a id="paragraph-237235" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-504/#A16"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="A17" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">17.</span> In the case of an <span class="dictionary">operating board</span>, have <span class="dictionary">authority</span>, notwithstanding any provision of <span class="dictionary">law</span> to the contrary, to receive <span class="dictionary">state</span> and federal funds directly from the <span class="dictionary">Department</span> and act as its own fiscal agent, when authorized to do so by the governing body of each city or county that established it.
				By local agreement between the <span class="dictionary">administrative policy board</span> and the governing body of the city or county that established it, additional responsibilities may be carried out by the local government, including personnel or financial management. In the case of an <span class="dictionary">administrative policy board</span> established by more than one city or county, the cities and counties shall designate which local government shall assume these responsibilities. <a id="paragraph-237236" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-504/#A17"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="B"><p><span class="prefix-number">B.</span> Every <span class="dictionary">policy-advisory <span class="dictionary">community services board</span></span>, with staff support provided by the director of the local government <span class="dictionary">department</span>, shall have the following powers and duties: <a id="paragraph-237237" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-504/#B"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="B1" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">1.</span> Advise the local government regarding policies or regulations for the delivery of services and operation of facilities by the local government <span class="dictionary">department</span>, subject to applicable policies and regulations adopted by the Board. <a id="paragraph-237238" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-504/#B1"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="B2" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">2.</span> Review and evaluate the operations of the local government <span class="dictionary">department</span> and advise the local governing body of each city or county that established it as to its <span class="dictionary">findings</span>. <a id="paragraph-237239" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-504/#B2"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="B3" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">3.</span> Review the community mental health, developmental, and <span class="dictionary">substance abuse</span> services provided by the local government <span class="dictionary">department</span> and advise the local governing body of each city or county that established it as to its <span class="dictionary">findings</span>. <a id="paragraph-237240" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-504/#B3"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="B4" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">4.</span> Review and comment on the <span class="dictionary">performance contract</span>, and performance reports developed by the local government <span class="dictionary">department</span>. The board&#x2019;s comments shall be attached to the <span class="dictionary">performance contract</span>  and performance reports prior to their submission to the local governing body of each city or county that established it and to the <span class="dictionary">Department</span>. <a id="paragraph-237241" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-504/#B4"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="B5" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">5.</span> Advise the local government as to the necessary and appropriate actions to maximize the involvement and participation of <span class="dictionary">individuals</span> receiving services and <span class="dictionary">family members</span> of <span class="dictionary">individuals</span> receiving services in policy formulation and services planning, delivery, and evaluation. <a id="paragraph-237242" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-504/#B5"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="B6" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">6.</span> Participate in the selection and the annual performance evaluation of the local government <span class="dictionary">department</span> director employed by the city or county. <a id="paragraph-237243" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-504/#B6"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="B7" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">7.</span> Carry out other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the governing body of each city or county that established it. <a id="paragraph-237244" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-504/#B7"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section></text><history>1968, c. 477, &#xA7; 37.1-197; 1970, c. 346; 1972, c. 498; 1976, c. 671; 1977, c. 191; 1980, c. 582; 1982, c. 50; 1984, cc. 496, 505; 1986, c. 92; 1987, c. 79; 1995, c. 844; 1998, c. 680; 2005, cc. 75, 716; 2012, cc. 476, 507, 803, 805, 835, 836; 2022, c. 264.</history><metadata></metadata></law>
