Notice of Rights – Pursuant to the Code of Virginia § 37.2-400, each person who is a consumer in a hospital, training center, other facility, or program operated, funded, or licensed by the Department, excluding those operated by the Department of Corrections, shall be assured his legal rights and care consistent with basic human dignity insofar as it is within the reasonable capabilities and limitations of the Department, funded program, or licensee and is consistent with sound therapeutic treatment. Each person admitted to a hospital, training center, other facility, or program operated, funded, or licensed by the Department shall

  1. Retain his legal rights as provided by state and federal law;
  2. Receive prompt evaluation and treatment or training about which he is informed insofar as he is capable of understanding;
  3. Be treated with dignity as a human being and be free from abuse or neglect;
  4. Not be the subject of experimental or investigational research without his prior written and informed consent or that of his legally authorized representative;
  5. Be afforded an opportunity to have access to consultation with a private physician at his own expense and, in the case of hazardous treatment or irreversible surgical procedures, have, upon request, an impartial review prior to implementation, except in case of emergency procedures required for the preservation of his health;
  6. Be treated under the least restrictive conditions consistent with his condition and not be subjected to unnecessary physical restraint and isolation;
  7. Be allowed to send and receive sealed letter mail;
    a. At VCBR, a resident’s mail may be opened and reviewed and searched in the presence of the resident
  8. Have access to his medical and clinical treatment, training, or habilitation records and be assured of their confidentiality but, notwithstanding other provisions of law, this right shall be limited to access consistent with his condition and sound therapeutic treatment;
  9. Have the right to an impartial review of violations of the rights assured under this section and the right of access to legal counsel;
  10. Be afforded appropriate opportunities, consistent with the person’s capabilities and capacity, to participate in the development and implementation of his individualized services plan; and
  11. Be afforded the opportunity to have an individual of his choice notified of his general condition, location, and transfer to another facility.

Human Rights Advocate

The role of the Advocate is to represent, be available for consultation with, and to investigate complaints by each resident regarding their rights. The Advocate also monitors the provider’s compliance with the human rights regulations.

The Advocate for VCBR can be reached by calling 804-524-4463.