SB1078: Community Colleges, State Board for; Board shall develop mental health referral policies, etc.


SENATE BILL NO. 1078
Senate Amendments in [ ] -- January 28, 2013
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 23-219.1, relating to the State Board for Community Colleges; mental health policies.
Patron Prior to Engrossment--Senator Barker

Referred to Committee on Education and Health

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 23-219.1 as follows:

§ 23-219.1. Mental health policies.

The Board shall develop a mental health  [ awareness and-  ]  referral policy directing community colleges to  [ (i) undertake educational efforts to raise awareness of mental health needs among students and faculty and (ii)-  ]  designate at least one individual at each college to serve as a point of contact with an emergency services system clinician at a local community services board, or another qualified mental health services provider, for the purposes of facilitating screening and referral of students who may have emergency or  [ emerging  urgent  ]  mental health needs and of assisting the college in carrying out the duties specified by §§ 23-9.2:8 and 23-9.2:10. A community college may establish relationships with community services boards or other mental health providers for referral and treatment of persons with less serious mental health needs.

SENATE BILL NO. 1078

Offered January 9, 2013
Prefiled January 9, 2013
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 23-219.1, relating to the State Board for Community Colleges; mental health policies.
Patron-- Barker

Referred to Committee on Education and Health

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 23-219.1 as follows:

23-219.1. Mental health policies.

The Board shall develop a mental health awareness and referral policy directing community colleges to (i) undertake educational efforts to raise awareness of mental health needs among students and faculty and (ii) designate at least one individual at each college to serve as a point of contact with an emergency services system clinician at a local community services board, or another qualified mental health services provider, for the purposes of facilitating screening and referral of students who may have emergency or emerging mental health needs and of assisting the college in carrying out the duties specified by 23-9.2:8 and 23-9.2:10. A community college may establish relationships with community services boards or other mental health providers for referral and treatment of persons with less serious mental health needs.