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Bill

HB 2754

Behavioral health services; correctional facilities, exchange of medical/mental health information.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Debra Gardner and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia law enables correctional facilities and mental health providers to share inmate behavioral health records to improve treatment continuity and reduce recidivism, effective July 1, 2025.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0316)
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Bill Summary · HB 2754

Legislative bill overview

HB 2754 establishes new protocols for sharing behavioral health and medical information between correctional facilities and community mental health providers in Virginia. The bill creates legal frameworks and procedures that allow prisons and jails to exchange confidential health records with mental health agencies to improve continuity of care for incarcerated individuals.

Why is this important

Incarcerated individuals often experience high rates of mental illness and behavioral health challenges. Better information sharing between correctional and community health systems can reduce recidivism, prevent crisis situations upon release, and improve public safety by ensuring seamless mental health treatment transitions from custody to community reentry.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy concerns: Expanding access to sensitive mental health records raises questions about data security, who can access information, and whether adequate safeguards exist to prevent misuse or unauthorized disclosure of confidential health data.
  • Consistency across facilities: Correctional systems vary widely in their capacity and willingness to share information; implementation may be uneven, creating gaps in some jurisdictions while establishing strong protocols in others.
  • Definition of "behavioral health services": The scope of what information qualifies for exchange and which providers can access it may create disputes over appropriate use and potential expansion beyond original intent.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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