(Feb. 14, 2016) Families of Virginia, we need your help!
Delegate Farrell's HB 1420 exempts psychiatric hospitals and intermediate care facilities from the need for a Certificate of Public Need (COPN) as a way of making it easier for Virginia to add hospital beds to treat and rehabilitate individuals with severe mental illness and substance abuse issues.
Since 2011, the COPN process has prevented the addition of over 150 psychiatric beds. In 2014, permission to build a 75-bed facility in Prince William County was denied despite overwhelming community support. Those opposed to the bill have argued that Virginia has enough beds - but that is not what we hear from families calling us every day in frustration over inadequate care for their loved ones.
Research shows that the minimum number of beds a state needs is 50 beds per 100,000 population. Yet Virginia has only 18.2 beds per 100,000, and there are geographical areas in need of beds so those with severe mental illness don't need to travel several hours for evaluation and care.
HB 1420 is supported by the Treatment Advocacy Center, NAMI Virginia, and the Psychiatric Society of Virginia. The Senate Health and Education Committee will discuss the bill on Friday, February 17th. Please contact your senator today and urge him or her to support HB 1420.
ACT NOW and contact you representative today!
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