§ 40.1-24.5-1. Definitions. Whenever used in this chapter, or in any order, rule, or regulation made or promulgated pursuant to this chapter or in any printed forms prepared by the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals in furtherance of this chapter, unless otherwise expressly stated, or unless the context or subject matter otherwise requires:

(1) "Community residence" means a place, such as a group home, however named, licensed pursuant to chapter 24 of this title for the purpose of providing rehabilitation, psychological support, skills training, social guidance, and living accommodations to individuals who are mentally disabled, as defined by § 40.1-5-2; provided, however, that this definition shall not be deemed to include places, however named, for persons who are mentally retarded, alcoholics, or drug abusers.

(2) "Director" means the head or the chief administrative officer of the community residence, or his or her designee.

(3) "Grievance procedure" means the formalized process mandated by § 40.1-24.5-8 to enable residents to register alleged violations of the resident's rights assured by §§ 40.1-24.5-5 and 40.1-24.5-6.

(4) "Individualized service plan" means the document which sets forth specific services such as vocational, social, medical, psychiatric, and rehabilitative, which are structured to accomplish and express short and long term goals and objectives responsive to the individual needs of the resident.

(5) "Mental health advocate" means and refers to the individual appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate in accordance with § 40.1-5-14 and to his or her duly appointed assistants.

(6) "Person" means any individual, partnership, corporation, company, or association and the legal successors in interest thereof.

(7) "Resident" means an individual of lawful age admitted to a community residence.

History of Section. (P.L. 1982, ch. 363, § 1.)