The Department and the Commissioner

This is the 2026 edition of the code. This is the current edition. It was last updated Aug 02, 2026. Browse all editions.

This is Article 1 of the Code of Virginia, titled “The Department and the Commissioner.” It is part of Chapter 3 “Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services”, which is part of Subtitle I “General Provisions”, which is part of Title 37.2 “Behavioral Health and Developmental Services”. It contains 29 laws.

It’s comprised of the following 29 sections.

§ 37.2-300 Creation and supervision of Department
§ 37.2-301 Appointment of Commissioner
§ 37.2-302 Term of office and vacancy therein
§ 37.2-303 Qualifications of Commissioner
§ 37.2-304 Duties of Commissioner
§ 37.2-305 Receiving gifts and endowments
§ 37.2-306 Research into causes of mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, and related subjects
§ 37.2-307 Employment of special counsel to defend Board member, officer, or employee of Department in criminal cases
§ 37.2-308 Data reporting on children and adolescents
§ 37.2-308.01 Commitment hearings for involuntary admissions; data sharing
§ 37.2-308.1 Acute psychiatric bed registry
§ 37.2-309 Department responsible for substance abuse services; office established; qualifications of staff
§ 37.2-310 Powers and duties of Department related to substance abuse
§ 37.2-311 Review of applications for state or federal funds or services used in substance abuse programs
§ 37.2-311.1 Comprehensive crisis system; Marcus alert system; powers and duties of the Department related to comprehensive mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disability crisis services
§ 37.2-311.2 Powers and duties of crisis call center
§ 37.2-311.3 Standards for community care teams and mobile crisis teams
§ 37.2-311.4 Crisis Call Center Fund
§ 37.2-311.5 Collection of 988 charges
§ 37.2-311.6 Liability for emergency calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
§ 37.2-312 Department responsible for education and training programs
§ 37.2-312.1 Department to be lead agency for suicide prevention across the lifespan
§ 37.2-312.2 Commonwealth Mental Health First Aid Program
§ 37.2-313 Employment of unlicensed physician by Department
§ 37.2-313.1 Licensed physician required at certain training centers
§ 37.2-314 Background check required
§ 37.2-314.1 Developmental Disabilities Mortality Review Committee; duties; membership; confidentiality; report; penalty
§ 37.2-314.2 Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund
§ 37.2-314.3 Powers and duties of the Department related to supported decision-making agreements; report