Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Medical Assistance Services
 
Board
Board of Medical Assistance Services
 
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11/5/21  5:10 pm
Commenter: Ellie Sturgis, Director Cook Counseling Center

RN requirement for crisis services
 

While I understand the intent of the law is to make sure clients receive the highest standards of care, this proposal comes at the wrong time and will end up hurting the very people it is trying to protect. The crisis stabilization and drop in clinics provide invaluable services and have functioned effectively with the current staffing model. There is a severe nursing shortage of nurses at present and it is very difficult to hire nurses. If the crisis units and stabilization units close, clients with mental illnesses and suicidal ideation will have even more difficulty accessing assistance. There is a significant shortage of inpatient beds in the state. Our students are often waiting over 24 hours for beds to be located as it is. Having fewer beds will further complicate the picture. Please delay implementation of this plan until the job market improves. 

CommentID: 116694