Chap. 160.—An ACT to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a new section,
designated Section 1006-b, conferring and imposing certain additional powers
and duties upon the State Hospital Board. [S B 141]

Approved March 9, 1942

I. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia, That the
Code of Virginia be amended by adding thereto a new section, designated
section one thousand and six-b, as follows:

Section 1006-b. In addition to the other powers, functions, and
duties heretofore conferred and imposed upon the State Hospital Board,
the said Board is hereby authorized to:

(1) Establish and maintain, in connection with the hospitals and
colonies under its control, out-patient mental hygiene clinics, to be con-
ducted at the institutions and elsewhere within their respective hospital
districts, for the purpose of advising, counseling, directing, and otherwise
treating patients on furlough or parole from the hospitals and colonies;

(2) Extend its clinic services to such former patients as may make
application therefor and to such other persons in need of psychiatric
advice, counsel, and guidance as may be referred to it by a physician or
by any public health or welfare agency ;

(3) Seek and encourage the cooperation and active participation
of communities, organizations, agencies, and individuals in the effort to
establish and maintain mental health programs and services ;

(4) Initiate and direct the development of long range programs
and plans with respect to mental hygiene and hospital services provided
by the State, to the end that these services may grow and improve in a
steady, coordinated manner ;

(5) Develop programs of public information and education for
the purpose of promoting an understanding and appreciation of State
mental hygiene and hospital services among the citizens of the State; and

(6) Submit to the Governor and have published, not later than
November thirtieth following the close of each fiscal year, an annual
report showing the activities and operations of the Department of Mental
Hygiene and Hospitals during such year, and such other information
as the Board shall deem desirable.