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 Virginia Administrative Code (Last Updated: January 10, 2017)
 Title 12. Health
 Agency 35. Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services
 Chapter 105. Rules and Regulations for Licensing Providers Bythe Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services

  Section 950. Service operation schedule  

Latest version.

  • A. The service's days of operation shall meet the needs of the individuals served. If the service dispenses or administers a medication requiring daily dosing, the service shall operate seven days a week, 12 months a year, except for official state holidays. Prior approval from the state methadone authority shall be required for additional closed days.

    B. The service may close on Sundays if the following criteria are met:

    1. The provider develops and implements policies and procedures that address recently inducted individuals receiving services, individuals not currently on a stable dose of medication, patients that present noncompliance treatment behaviors, and individuals who previously picked up take-home medications on Sundays, security of take-home medication doses, and health and safety of individuals receiving services.

    2. The provider receives prior approval from the state methadone authority for Sunday closings.

    3. Once approved, the provider shall notify individuals receiving services in writing at least 30 days in advance of their intent to close on Sundays. The notice shall address the risks to the individuals and the security of take-home medications. All individuals shall receive an orientation addressing take-home policies and procedures, and this orientation shall be documented in the individual's record prior to receiving take-home medications.

    4. The provider shall establish procedures for emergency access to dosing information 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This information may be provided via an answering service, pager, or other electronic measures. Information needed includes the individual's last dosing time and date, and dose.

    C. Medication dispensing hours shall include at least two hours each day of operation outside normal working hours, i.e., before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. The state methadone authority may approve an alternative schedule if that schedule meets the needs of the population served.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 18, Issue 18, eff. September 19, 2002; amended, Virginia Register Volume 28, Issue 05, eff. December 7, 2011.

Statutory Authority

§ 37.2-203 of the Code of Virginia.