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<law><site_title>Virginia Decoded</site_title><site_url>https://vacode.org</site_url><law_id>71942</law_id><section_number>37.2-817.1</section_number><catch_line>Monitoring and court review of mandatory outpatient treatment</catch_line><edition url="https://vacode.org/2025/" slug="2025" current="TRUE" last_updated="">2025</edition><referred_to_by><reference>37.2-817.4</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="III">Admissions and Dispositions</unit><unit label="chapter" level="3" order_by="1" identifier="8">Emergency Custody and Voluntary and Involuntary Civil Admissions</unit><unit label="article" level="4" order_by="1" identifier="5">Involuntary Admissions</unit></structure><text>
						<section id="A"><p><span class="prefix-number">A.</span> As used in this section, &#x201C;<span class="dictionary">material nonadherence</span>&#x201D; means deviation from a comprehensive mandatory outpatient treatment plan by a person who is subject to an <span class="dictionary">order</span> for mandatory outpatient treatment following a period of involuntary inpatient treatment pursuant to subsection C or D of &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Mandatory outpatient treatment" href="/37.2-817.01/">37.2-817.01</a> or an <span class="dictionary">order</span> for mandatory outpatient treatment pursuant to subsection B of &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Mandatory outpatient treatment" href="/37.2-817.01/">37.2-817.01</a> that it is likely to lead to the person&#x2019;s relapse or deterioration and for which the person cannot provide a reasonable explanation. <a id="paragraph-259227" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-817.1/#A"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="B"><p><span class="prefix-number">B.</span> The <span class="dictionary">community services board</span> where the person resides shall monitor the person&#x2019;s progress and adherence to the comprehensive mandatory outpatient treatment plan prepared in accordance with &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Mandatory outpatient treatment" href="/37.2-817.01/">37.2-817.01</a>. Such monitoring shall include (i) contacting or making documented efforts to contact the person regarding the comprehensive mandatory outpatient treatment plan and any support necessary for the person to adhere to the comprehensive mandatory outpatient treatment plan, (ii) contacting the service providers to determine if the person is adhering to the comprehensive mandatory outpatient treatment plan and, in the event of <span class="dictionary">material nonadherence</span>, if the person fails or refuses to cooperate with efforts of the <span class="dictionary">community services board</span> or providers of services identified in the comprehensive mandatory outpatient treatment plan to address the factors leading to the person&#x2019;s <span class="dictionary">material nonadherence</span>, petitioning for a review <span class="dictionary">hearing</span> pursuant to this section. Service providers identified in the comprehensive mandatory outpatient treatment plan shall report any <span class="dictionary">material nonadherence</span> and any material changes in the person&#x2019;s condition to the <span class="dictionary">community services board</span>. Any <span class="dictionary">finding</span> of <span class="dictionary">material nonadherence</span> shall be based upon a totality of the circumstances. <a id="paragraph-259228" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-817.1/#B"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="C"><p><span class="prefix-number">C.</span> The <span class="dictionary">community services board</span> responsible for monitoring the person&#x2019;s progress and adherence to the comprehensive mandatory outpatient treatment plan shall report monthly, in writing, to the <span class="dictionary">court</span> regarding the person&#x2019;s and the <span class="dictionary">community services board</span>&#x2019;s compliance with the provisions of the comprehensive mandatory outpatient treatment plan. If the <span class="dictionary">community services board</span> determines that the deterioration of the condition or behavior of a person who is subject to an <span class="dictionary">order</span> for mandatory outpatient treatment following a period of involuntary inpatient treatment pursuant to subsection C or D of &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Mandatory outpatient treatment" href="/37.2-817.01/">37.2-817.01</a> or a mandatory outpatient treatment <span class="dictionary">order</span> pursuant to subsection B of &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Mandatory outpatient treatment" href="/37.2-817.01/">37.2-817.01</a> is such that there is a substantial likelihood that, as a result of the person&#x2019;s <span class="dictionary">mental illness</span>, the person will, in the near future, (i) cause serious physical harm to himself or others as evidenced by recent behavior causing, attempting, or threatening harm and other relevant information, if any, or (ii) suffer serious harm due to his lack of capacity to protect himself from harm or to provide for his basic human needs, it shall immediately request that the <span class="dictionary">magistrate</span> <span class="dictionary">issue</span> an emergency <span class="dictionary">custody</span> <span class="dictionary">order</span> pursuant to &#xA7; <a class="law" title="(Effective July 1, 2026) Emergency custody; issuance and execution of order" href="/37.2-808/">37.2-808</a> or a temporary detention <span class="dictionary">order</span> pursuant to &#xA7; <a class="law" title="(Effective July 1, 2026) Involuntary temporary detention; issuance and execution of order" href="/37.2-809/">37.2-809</a>. Entry of an emergency <span class="dictionary">custody</span> <span class="dictionary">order</span>, temporary detention <span class="dictionary">order</span>, or involuntary inpatient treatment <span class="dictionary">order</span> shall suspend but not rescind an existing <span class="dictionary">order</span> for mandatory outpatient treatment following a period of involuntary inpatient treatment pursuant to subsection C or D of &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Mandatory outpatient treatment" href="/37.2-817.01/">37.2-817.01</a> or a mandatory outpatient treatment <span class="dictionary">order</span> pursuant to subsection B of &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Mandatory outpatient treatment" href="/37.2-817.01/">37.2-817.01</a>. <a id="paragraph-259229" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-817.1/#C"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="D"><p><span class="prefix-number">D.</span> The district <span class="dictionary">court</span> <span class="dictionary">judge</span> or <span class="dictionary">special justice</span> shall hold a <span class="dictionary">hearing</span> within five days after receiving the <span class="dictionary">petition</span> for review of the comprehensive mandatory outpatient treatment plan; however, if the fifth day is a Saturday, Sunday, legal holiday, or day on which the <span class="dictionary">court</span> is lawfully closed, the <span class="dictionary">hearing</span> shall be held by the close of business on the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, legal holiday, or day on which the <span class="dictionary">court</span> is lawfully closed. The clerk shall provide notice of the <span class="dictionary">hearing</span> to the person, the <span class="dictionary">community services board</span>, all treatment providers listed in the comprehensive mandatory outpatient treatment <span class="dictionary">order</span> or discharge plan, and the original petitioner for the person&#x2019;s involuntary treatment. If the person is not represented by <span class="dictionary">counsel</span>, the <span class="dictionary">court</span> shall appoint an attorney to represent the person in this <span class="dictionary">hearing</span> and any subsequent <span class="dictionary">hearing</span> under this section or &#xA7;&#xA0;<a class="law" title="Continuation of mandatory outpatient treatment order" href="/37.2-817.4/">37.2-817.4</a>, giving consideration to appointing the attorney who represented the person at the proceeding that resulted in the issuance of the mandatory outpatient treatment <span class="dictionary">order</span> or <span class="dictionary">order</span> for mandatory outpatient treatment following a period of involuntary inpatient treatment. The same <span class="dictionary">judge</span> or <span class="dictionary">special justice</span> that presided over the <span class="dictionary">hearing</span> resulting in the mandatory outpatient treatment <span class="dictionary">order</span> or <span class="dictionary">order</span> for mandatory outpatient treatment following a period of involuntary inpatient treatment need not preside at the nonadherence <span class="dictionary">hearing</span> or any subsequent <span class="dictionary">hearings</span>. The <span class="dictionary">community services board</span> shall offer to arrange the person&#x2019;s transportation to the <span class="dictionary">hearing</span> if the person is not detained and has no other source of transportation.
			Any of the following may <span class="dictionary">petition</span> the <span class="dictionary">court</span> for a <span class="dictionary">hearing</span> pursuant to this subsection: (i) the person who is subject to the mandatory outpatient treatment <span class="dictionary">order</span> or <span class="dictionary">order</span> for mandatory outpatient treatment following a period of involuntary inpatient treatment; (ii) the <span class="dictionary">community services board</span> responsible for monitoring the person&#x2019;s progress and adherence to the mandatory outpatient treatment <span class="dictionary">order</span> or <span class="dictionary">order</span> for mandatory outpatient treatment following a period of involuntary inpatient treatment; (iii) a treatment provider designated in the comprehensive mandatory outpatient treatment plan; (iv) the person who originally filed the <span class="dictionary">petition</span> that resulted in the entry of the mandatory outpatient treatment <span class="dictionary">order</span> or <span class="dictionary">order</span> for mandatory outpatient treatment following a period of involuntary inpatient treatment; (v) any health care agent designated in the advance directive of the person who is the subject of the mandatory outpatient treatment <span class="dictionary">order</span> or <span class="dictionary">order</span> for mandatory outpatient treatment following a period of involuntary inpatient treatment; or (vi) if the person who is the subject of the mandatory outpatient treatment <span class="dictionary">order</span> or <span class="dictionary">order</span> for mandatory outpatient treatment following a period of involuntary inpatient treatment has been determined to be incapable of making an informed decision, the person&#x2019;s guardian or other person authorized to make health care decisions for the person pursuant to &#xA7;&#xA0;<a class="law" title="Procedure in absence of an advance directive; procedure for advance directive without agent; no presumption; persons who may authorize health care for patients incapable of informed decisions" href="/54.1-2986/">54.1-2986</a>.
			A <span class="dictionary">petition</span> filed pursuant to this subsection may request that the <span class="dictionary">court</span> do any of the following: <a id="paragraph-259230" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-817.1/#D"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="D1" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">1.</span> Enforce a mandatory outpatient treatment <span class="dictionary">order</span> or <span class="dictionary">order</span> for mandatory outpatient treatment following a period of involuntary inpatient treatment and require the person who is the subject of the <span class="dictionary">order</span> to adhere to the comprehensive mandatory outpatient treatment plan, in the case of <span class="dictionary">material nonadherence</span>; <a id="paragraph-259231" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-817.1/#D1"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="D2" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">2.</span> Modify a mandatory outpatient treatment <span class="dictionary">order</span> or <span class="dictionary">order</span> for mandatory outpatient treatment following a period of involuntary inpatient treatment or a comprehensive mandatory outpatient treatment plan due to a change in circumstances, including changes in the condition, behavior, living arrangement, or access to services of the person who is the subject to the <span class="dictionary">order</span>; or <a id="paragraph-259232" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-817.1/#D2"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="D3" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">3.</span> Rescind a mandatory outpatient treatment <span class="dictionary">order</span> or <span class="dictionary">order</span> for mandatory outpatient treatment following a period of involuntary inpatient treatment.
				At any time after 30 days from entry of the mandatory outpatient treatment <span class="dictionary">order</span> pursuant to subsection B of &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Mandatory outpatient treatment" href="/37.2-817.01/">37.2-817.01</a> or from the discharge of the person from involuntary inpatient treatment pursuant to an <span class="dictionary">order</span> under subsection C or D of &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Mandatory outpatient treatment" href="/37.2-817.01/">37.2-817.01</a>, the person may <span class="dictionary">petition</span> the <span class="dictionary">court</span> to rescind the <span class="dictionary">order</span>. The person shall not file a <span class="dictionary">petition</span> to rescind the <span class="dictionary">order</span> more than once during a 90-day period. <a id="paragraph-259233" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-817.1/#D3"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="E"><p><span class="prefix-number">E.</span> If requested in a <span class="dictionary">petition</span> filed pursuant to subsection D or on the <span class="dictionary">court</span>&#x2019;s own <span class="dictionary">motion</span>, the <span class="dictionary">court</span> may appoint an examiner in accordance with &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Commitment hearing for involuntary admission; examination required" href="/37.2-815/">37.2-815</a> who shall personally examine the person on or before the date of the review, as directed by the <span class="dictionary">court</span>, and certify to the <span class="dictionary">court</span> whether or not he has <span class="dictionary">probable cause</span> to believe that the person meets the criteria for mandatory outpatient treatment as specified in subsection B, C, or D of &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Mandatory outpatient treatment" href="/37.2-817.01/">37.2-817.01</a>, as may be applicable. The examination shall include all applicable requirements of &#xA7; <a class="law" title="Commitment hearing for involuntary admission; examination required" href="/37.2-815/">37.2-815</a>. The certification of the examiner may be admitted into <span class="dictionary">evidence</span> without the <span class="dictionary">appearance</span> of the examiner at the <span class="dictionary">hearing</span> if not objected to by the person or his attorney. If the person is not incarcerated or receiving treatment in an inpatient <span class="dictionary">facility</span>, the <span class="dictionary">community services board</span> shall arrange for the person to be examined at a convenient location and time. The <span class="dictionary">community services board</span> shall offer to arrange for the person&#x2019;s transportation to the examination if the person has no other source of transportation and resides within the <span class="dictionary">service area</span> or an adjacent <span class="dictionary">service area</span> of the <span class="dictionary">community services board</span>. If the person refuses or fails to appear, the <span class="dictionary">community services board</span> shall notify the <span class="dictionary">court</span>, or a <span class="dictionary">magistrate</span> if the <span class="dictionary">court</span> is not available, and the <span class="dictionary">court</span> or <span class="dictionary">magistrate</span> shall <span class="dictionary">issue</span> a mandatory examination <span class="dictionary">order</span> and <span class="dictionary">capias</span> directing the primary <span class="dictionary">law</span>-enforcement agency in the <span class="dictionary">jurisdiction</span> where the person resides to transport the person to the examination. The person shall remain in <span class="dictionary">custody</span> until a temporary detention <span class="dictionary">order</span> is issued or until the person is released, but in no event shall the period exceed eight hours. <a id="paragraph-259234" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-817.1/#E"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="F"><p><span class="prefix-number">F.</span> If the person fails to appear for the <span class="dictionary">hearing</span>, the <span class="dictionary">court</span> may, after consideration of any <span class="dictionary">evidence</span> regarding why the person failed to appear at the <span class="dictionary">hearing</span>, (i) dismiss the <span class="dictionary">petition</span>, (ii) <span class="dictionary">issue</span> an emergency <span class="dictionary">custody</span> <span class="dictionary">order</span> pursuant to &#xA7; <a class="law" title="(Effective July 1, 2026) Emergency custody; issuance and execution of order" href="/37.2-808/">37.2-808</a>, or (iii) reschedule the <span class="dictionary">hearing</span> pursuant to subsection D and <span class="dictionary">issue</span> a <span class="dictionary">subpoena</span> for the person&#x2019;s <span class="dictionary">appearance</span> at the <span class="dictionary">hearing</span> and enter an <span class="dictionary">order</span> for mandatory examination, to be conducted prior to the <span class="dictionary">hearing</span> and in accordance with subsection E. <a id="paragraph-259235" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-817.1/#F"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="G"><p><span class="prefix-number">G.</span> After observing the person and considering (i) the recommendations of any treating or examining physician or psychologist licensed to practice in the Commonwealth, if available, (ii) the person&#x2019;s adherence to the comprehensive mandatory outpatient treatment plan, (iii) any past <span class="dictionary">mental health treatment</span> of the person, (iv) any examiner&#x2019;s certification, (v) any health records available, (vi) any report from the <span class="dictionary">community services board</span>, and (vii) any other relevant <span class="dictionary">evidence</span> that may have been admitted at the <span class="dictionary">hearing</span>, the <span class="dictionary">judge</span> or <span class="dictionary">special justice</span> shall make one of the following <span class="dictionary">dispositions</span>: <a id="paragraph-259236" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-817.1/#G"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="G1" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">1.</span> In a <span class="dictionary">hearing</span> on any <span class="dictionary">petition</span> seeking enforcement of a mandatory outpatient treatment <span class="dictionary">order</span>, upon <span class="dictionary">finding</span> that continuing mandatory outpatient treatment is warranted, the <span class="dictionary">court</span> shall direct the person to fully comply with the mandatory outpatient treatment <span class="dictionary">order</span> or <span class="dictionary">order</span> for mandatory outpatient treatment following a period of involuntary inpatient treatment and may make any modifications to such <span class="dictionary">order</span> or the comprehensive mandatory outpatient treatment plan that are acceptable to the <span class="dictionary">community services board</span> or treatment provider responsible for the person&#x2019;s treatment. In determining the appropriateness of the outpatient treatment specified in such <span class="dictionary">order</span> and the comprehensive mandatory outpatient treatment plan, the <span class="dictionary">court</span> may consider the person&#x2019;s <span class="dictionary">material nonadherence</span> to the existing mandatory treatment <span class="dictionary">order</span>. <a id="paragraph-259237" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-817.1/#G1"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="G2" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">2.</span> In a <span class="dictionary">hearing</span> on any <span class="dictionary">petition</span> seeking modification of a mandatory outpatient treatment <span class="dictionary">order</span> or <span class="dictionary">order</span> for mandatory outpatient treatment following a period of involuntary inpatient treatment, upon a <span class="dictionary">finding</span> that (i) one or more modifications of the <span class="dictionary">order</span> would benefit the person and help prevent relapse or deterioration of the person&#x2019;s condition, (ii) the <span class="dictionary">community services board</span> and the treatment provider responsible for the person&#x2019;s treatment are able to provide services consistent with such modification, and (iii) the person is able to adhere to the modified comprehensive mandatory outpatient treatment plan, the <span class="dictionary">court</span> may <span class="dictionary">order</span> such modification of the mandatory outpatient treatment <span class="dictionary">order</span> or <span class="dictionary">order</span> for mandatory outpatient treatment following a period of involuntary inpatient treatment or the comprehensive mandatory outpatient treatment plan as the <span class="dictionary">court</span> finds appropriate. <a id="paragraph-259238" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-817.1/#G2"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="G3" class="indent-1"><p><span class="prefix-number">3.</span> In a <span class="dictionary">hearing</span> on any <span class="dictionary">petition</span> filed to enforce, modify, or rescind a mandatory outpatient treatment <span class="dictionary">order</span>, upon <span class="dictionary">finding</span> that mandatory outpatient treatment is no longer appropriate, the <span class="dictionary">court</span> may rescind the <span class="dictionary">order</span>. <a id="paragraph-259239" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-817.1/#G3"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section>
						<section id="H"><p><span class="prefix-number">H.</span> The <span class="dictionary">judge</span> or <span class="dictionary">special justice</span> may schedule periodic status <span class="dictionary">hearings</span> for the purpose of obtaining information regarding the person&#x2019;s progress while the mandatory outpatient treatment <span class="dictionary">order</span> or <span class="dictionary">order</span> for mandatory outpatient treatment following a period of involuntary inpatient treatment remains in effect. The clerk shall provide notice of the <span class="dictionary">hearing</span> to the person who is the subject of the <span class="dictionary">order</span> and the <span class="dictionary">community services board</span> responsible for monitoring the person&#x2019;s condition and adherence to the plan. The person shall have the right to be represented by <span class="dictionary">counsel</span> at the <span class="dictionary">hearing</span>, and if the person does not have <span class="dictionary">counsel</span> the <span class="dictionary">court</span> shall appoint an attorney to represent the person. However, status <span class="dictionary">hearings</span> may be held without <span class="dictionary">counsel</span> present by mutual consent of the parties. The <span class="dictionary">community services board</span> shall offer to arrange the person&#x2019;s transportation to the <span class="dictionary">hearing</span> if the person is not detained and has no other source of transportation. During a status <span class="dictionary">hearing</span>, the treatment plan may be amended upon mutual agreement of the parties. Contested matters shall not be decided during a status <span class="dictionary">hearing</span>, nor shall any decision regarding enforcement, rescission, or renewal of the <span class="dictionary">order</span> be entered. <a id="paragraph-259240" class="section-permalink" href="https://vacode.org/37.2-817.1/#H"><i class="fa fa-link"/></a></p></section></text><history>2008, cc. 850, 870; 2010, cc. 330, 461; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 221; 2022, c. 763.</history><metadata></metadata></law>
