Report on Critical Incidents in Virginia’s State Operated Mental Health Facilities

The Code of Virginia requires that all facilities operated by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) must report to the disAbility Law Center of Virginia within 48 hours of a “critical incident.” DBHDS is then required to provide all other known information within 15 days. A
“critical incident” is any event resulting in death or loss of consciousness or an event requiring medical attention. During Federal Fiscal Year 2022, dLCV received a total of 410 Critical Incident Reports from facilities operated by the Department. General trends from the data find that there was a slight, yet noticeable, increase in the reports of incidents involving Self-Injurious Behavior (SIB); and a significant rise in reports in the categories of Alleged Peer Assault and Alleged Peer Sexual Assault. Additionally, the total number of deaths significantly decreased, which we believe can largely be attributed to fewer Geriatric deaths and the lessened impact of COVID-19.