37.106.1946    MENTAL HEALTH CENTER: INPATIENT CRISIS STABILIZATION PROGRAM

(1) In addition to the requirements established in this subchapter, each mental health center providing an inpatient crisis stabilization program shall comply with the requirements established in this rule.

(2) The facility must be annually inspected for compliance with fire codes by the state fire marshal or the marshal's designee. The facility shall maintain a record of such inspection for at least one year following the date of the inspection.

(3) The inpatient crisis stabilization program shall:

(a) employ or contract with a program supervisor knowledgeable about the service and support needs of individuals with mental illness experiencing a crisis. The program supervisor or a licensed mental health professional must be site based;

(b) require staff working in the crisis stabilization program:

(i) be 18 years of age;

(ii) possess a high school diploma or GED; and

(iii) be capable of implementing each resident's treatment plan;

(c) ensure that the program supervisor and all staff each have a minimum of six contact hours of annual training relating to the service and support needs of individuals with mental illness experiencing a crisis;

(d) orient staff prior to assuming the duties of the position on:

(i) the types of mental illness and treatment approaches;

(ii) suicide risk assessment and prevention procedures; and

(iii) program policies and procedures, including emergency procedures;

(e) orient staff within eight weeks from assuming the duties of the position on:

(i) therapeutic communications;

(ii) the legal responsibilities of mental health service providers;

(iii) mental health laws of Montana regarding the rights of consumers;

(iv) other services provided by the mental health center; and

(v) infection control and prevention of transmission of blood borne pathogens;

(f) maintain written program policies and procedures at the facility;

(g) train staff in the abdominal thrust maneuver and ensure staff maintain current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR);

(h) maintain 24 hour awake staff;

(i) maintain a staff-to-patient ratio dictated by resident need. A procedure must be established to increase or decrease staff coverage as indicated by resident need;

(j) establish admission criteria which assess the individual's needs and the appropriateness of the services to meet those needs. At a minimum, admission criteria must require that the person:

(i) be at least 18 years of age;

(ii) be medically stable (with the exception of the person's mental illness);

(iii) be willing to enter the program, follow program rules, and accept recommended treatment;

(iv) be willing to sign a no-harm contract, if clinically indicated;

(v) not require physical or mechanical restraint;

(vi) be in need of frequent observation on a 24-hour basis;

(k) establish written policies and procedures:

(i) for completing a medical screening and establishing medical stabilization, prior to admission;

(ii) to be followed should residents, considered to be at risk for harming themselves or others, attempt to leave the facility without discharge authorization from the licensed mental health professional responsible for their treatment; and

(iii) for the secure storage of toxic household chemicals and sharp household items such as utensils and tools;

(l) when clinically appropriate, provide each resident upon admission, or as soon as possible thereafter:

(i) a written statement of resident rights which, at a minimum, include the applicable patient rights in 53-21-142, MCA;

(ii) a copy of the mental health center grievance procedure; and

(iii) the written rules of conduct including the consequences for violating the rules;

(m) ensure hospital care is available through a transfer agreement for residents in need of hospitalization;

(n) maintain progress notes for each resident. The progress notes must be entered at least daily into the resident's clinical record. The progress notes must describe the resident's physical condition, mental status, and involvement in treatment services; and

(o) make referrals for services that would help prevent or diminish future crises at the time of the resident's discharge. Referrals may be made for the resident to receive additional treatment or training or assistance such as securing housing.

(4) The program supervisor and program staff must be trained in the therapeutic de-escalation of crisis situations to ensure the protection and safety of the residents and staff. The training must include the use of physical and nonphysical methods of managing residents and must be updated, at least annually, to ensure that necessary skills are maintained.

History: 50-5-103, MCA; IMP, 50-5-103, 50-5-204, MCA; NEW, 1998 MAR p. 539, Eff. 2/27/98; TRANS & AMD, 2002 MAR p. 916, Eff. 3/29/02; AMD, 2006 MAR p. 1285, Eff. 5/19/06; AMD, 2008 MAR p. 1993, Eff. 9/12/08.