Virginia Law
Mirrors Federal law minimum requirements
State obligated to provide substance abuse treatment programs within state prisons
For juveniles, mental health screening required within 24 hours of professional determination of need.
Notes:
- Virginia law substantially mirrors federal law
- Va. Law provides for medial services to be available to state prison inmates.
- State is obligated to provide “medically necessary” treatment, including psychiatric treatment.
- Such treatment must be “medical necessity” rather than medically desirable and must conform to the 14th Amend. Due process requirements.
- In addition, Virginia law requires that substance abuse treatment programs be offered within state prisons
- Juveniles are entitled to a mental health screening within 24 hours of a professional determination of need.