For public comment - DMHMRSAS name change proposals

Public comment on DMHMRSAS name change by August 15^th

DMHMRSAS has had its current name for more than 20 years. During that time, many states have updated their agencies’ names to reflect current values and perceptions and to address feelings about certain language and biases. Also, during that time, many, many people, including legislators and advocates, have complained about the Department’s name being unwieldy and far too long. Thus, the time for giving this department a new, more current name has arrived.

The Department’s partners statewide and the general public are invited to review the options below and respond with a preferred choice by the new deadline of August 15, 2008. Additionally, you may submit any comments or suggestions for alternatives that address the goals of the name change below.

Goals:

To shorten the current name and acronym,
To consistently use positive terms related to the impact of the Department’s services, rather than listing disabilities or conditions addressed by those services, and
To use terms that are more reflective of the Department’s values and mission statement and more inclusive of current programs (versus exclusive ‘silo’ terms) and any future additions to the services the Department provides and the populations served.

These choices are listed in no preferential order, only alphabetically:

Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services (DBDS)
Department of Behavioral Health and Supportive Services (DBHSS)
Department of Behavioral and Supportive Services (DBSS)
Department of Supportive and Recovery Services (DSRS)

Again, in addition to sending your choice from these, you may submit any comments or suggestions for alternatives that address the goals of the name change.
Please review the options above and click here to respond with a preferred choice or an alternative by the new deadline of August 15, 2008.

August 15^thmarks the end of the request for public comment; however, the process for changing the name of an agency is legislative, meaning the name must be changed in state law (Code of Virginia). Typically, this comes in a bill from the Governor, which is then voted on by the Virginia General Assembly. It is expected that such a bill will be introduced for consideration by the 2009 General Assembly in January.

Here is a recent example of a bill to change a department name. The 2000 General Assembly renamed the Department of Emergency Management in House Bill 1352.
To view that bill, click here: http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?ses=001&typ=bil&val=Hb1352

For general information about the Virginia General Assembly, click here: http://legis.state.va.us/

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