Recovery residences; regulations. Establishes certain requirements for recovery residences and directs the State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to establish minimum certification standards for recovery residences. The bill directs the Department to (i) adopt regulations prohibiting recovery residences, their operators, employees, and agents from requiring a resident to participate in medical or psychological services as a condition of entering or continuing residence at a recovery residence and (ii) monitor credentialing agencies for compliance with Department regulations. Under the bill, referrals to recovery residences made by the Department or any agency of the Commonwealth shall only be made to such recovery residences that are certified and have received accreditation by or membership in a credentialing agency. The bill specifies that no such credentialing agency shall provide credentials to a recovery residence that is owned or operated by an individual who is employed by or in a position of authority at such credentialing agency, or an immediate family member of any such individual. The bill also directs the Board to establish minimum certification standards for recovery residences, including (a) Department protocols for recovery residences; (b) requirements for renewal of certification; (c) a process for submission and investigation of complaints; and (d) protocols for prohibiting the consumption or possession of any marijuana or marijuana products by residents of recovery residences. Under the bill, the Department and the Virginia Housing Commission are directed to study and make recommendations for establishing regulations for licensed providers of clinical substance use treatment services that offer housing as a benefit for individuals participating in treatment services but are not licensed or certified as a recovery residence. The bill directs the Board to promulgate regulations to authorize the Department to expand data reporting requirements for certified and conditionally certified recovery residences and directs the Department to promulgate regulations regarding sharing of data related to recovery residences with the public. Finally, the bill continues the work group established in 2025 by the Secretary of Health and Human Resources to make recommendations regarding oversight and transparency for recovery residences.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 37.2-431.1