Emily K. Bowles
As the former Associate Director for Licensing, Regulatory Compliance, Quality and Data at the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), Emily Bowles has considerable insights into behavioral health, substance use disorder, and developmental services, as well as licensure, compliance, and medical records issues.
At DBHDS, Emily oversaw the legal and regulatory functions of the Office of Licensing. In this capacity, she:
- Advised the agency on regulatory interpretation
- Guided the licensure process for a range of behavioral health providers
- Oversaw licensure issues related to various transactions
- Advised on the change of ownership application process
- Drafted legislative proposals
Emily also served as the DBHDS lead for the following regulatory actions implementing major statewide initiatives, including:
- Compliance with Virginia's Settlement Agreement with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ)
- Amendments to Align the Licensing Regulations with Enhanced Behavioral Health Services
- Amendments to Align the Licensing Regulations with the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria
- Amendments to Align the Children's Residential Regulations with the ASAM Criteria
- Amendments to Align the Children's Residential Regulations with the Family First Prevention Service Act (FFPSA)
Emily has experience with the Virginia Administrative Process Act (APA), the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the Virginia Health Records Privacy Act, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Emily received her Juris Doctor degree from University of Richmond School of Law, where she served as symposium editor for the Richmond Public Interest Law Review. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Virginia.
- University of Richmond School of Law (J.D.)
- University of Virginia (B.A.)
Bar Admissions
- Virginia State Bar
Experience
- Advised multiple providers regarding Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) licensure.
- Provided support to a COPN application for the transfer of nursing home beds. Work included drafting exhibits for an informal fact-finding conference as well as post-conference exhibits, proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law, and the closing argument.
- Drafted an administrative services agreement between a health care provider and an organization to provide essential administrative services.
- Provided guidance to a client regarding licensure and reimbursement requirements for background checks for employees transferred between entities within the same corporate family.
- Reviewed clinical documentation to determine compliance with DMAS billing requirements, analyzed risks for a Medicaid audit, and advised a behavioral health provider on next steps related to audit.
