Advanced Search

Section .0100 - Admissions


Published: 2015

Subscribe to a Global-Regulation Premium Membership Today!

Key Benefits:

Subscribe Now for only USD$40 per month.
SUBCHAPTER 28F – ADMISSION and DISCHARGE

 

SECTION .0100 - ADMISSIONS

 

10A NCAC 28F .0101        REGIONS FOR DIVISION INSTITUTIONAL

ADMISSIONS

(a)  Except as otherwise provided in rules codified in this

Chapter and Chapters 26 through 29 of this Title and except for State-wide

programs and cross-regional admissions approved by the Division Director based

upon the clinical need of the individual or for the purpose of accessing

available beds or services, a person seeking admission to a regional

institution of the Division shall be admitted only to the institution which

serves the region of the state which includes the person's "county of

residence" as defined in G.S. 122C-3.

(b)  For state operated facilities, the regions of the state

and the counties which constitute the regions are as follows:

(1)           Western Region:  Broughton Hospital, Julian

F. Keith Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center (ADATC), and J. Iverson Riddle

Developmental Center shall serve Alleghany, Alexander, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe,

Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Davidson,

Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Iredell, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison,

McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Polk, Rowan, Rutherford, Stanly, Surry, Swain,

Transylvania, Union, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, and Yancey County;

(2)           Central Region:  Central Regional Hospital,

Murdoch Developmental Center, R. J. Blackley ADATC, Whitaker School, and Wright

School shall serve Alamance, Anson, Caswell, Chatham, Davie, Durham, Forsyth,

Franklin, Granville, Guilford, Halifax, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore,

Orange, Person, Randolph, Richmond, Rockingham, Stokes, Vance, Wake, and Warren

County; and

(3)           Eastern Region:  Cherry Hospital, Caswell

Developmental Center, and Walter B. Jones ADATC shall serve Beaufort, Bertie,

Bladen, Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Chowan, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland,

Currituck, Dare, Duplin, Edgecombe, Gates, Greene, Hertford, Hyde, Johnston,

Jones, Lenoir, Martin, Nash, New Hanover, Northampton, Onslow, Pamlico,

Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Pitt, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland, Tyrrell,

Washington, Wayne, and Wilson County.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C-3; 143B-147;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Amended Eff. June 1, 2009; April 1, 1990; July 1, 1983.

section .0200 – voluntary admisions,

involuntary commitements and discharges of adults from regional psychiatric

hospitals

 

10A NCAC 28F .0201        SCOPE

The rules in this Section apply to admissions, commitments

and discharges of all clients to and from the regional psychiatric hospitals of

the Division.  The criteria and procedures shall be followed by staff of the

hospitals and by area program staff making referrals to the hospitals and

serving clients following discharge from the hospitals.  Rule .0213 of this

Section contains provisions that relate only to minors from non-single portal

area programs.  Until the effective date of the repeal of Rules .0128 and

.0129, Rules .0211 and .0212 shall supersede.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C‑211; 122C‑212;

143B‑147;

Eff. February 1, 1989;

Amended Eff. July 1, 1996.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0202        EXPLANATION OF TERMS

For the purposes of the rules in this Section the following

terms shall have the meanings indicated:

(1)           "Area program staff" means professionals

who are employees of the area authority or who contract with the area authority

or are employed by an agency which contracts with the area authority and who

are clinically privileged by the area authority.

(2)           "Authorization" means the process whereby

area program staff approve of the hospitalization of a client currently residing

in their catchment area, and agree that the hospitalization shall be included

in their bed day utilization count.

(3)           "Continuity of care" means the seamless

integration of both inpatient and outpatient services into a unified plan of

care for clients served by the area authority.

(4)           "County of residence" has the meaning

specified in G.S. 122C-3.

(5)           "County where currently residing" means

the county where the client was living immediately prior to hospitalization.

(6)           "Division" means the Division of Mental

Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services.

(7)           "Eligible Psychologist" means a licensed

practicing psychologist who has at least two years' clinical experience.

(8)           "Facility" has the meaning specified in

G.S. 122C-3.

(9)           "Hospital" means one of the regional

psychiatric hospitals of the Division.

(10)         "Mental illness" has the meaning specified

in G.S. 122C-3.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C‑3; 143B‑147;

Eff. February 1, 1989;

Amended Eff. July 1, 1996.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0203        AUTHORIZATION OF HOSPITALIZATION BY

AREA PROGRAM

(a)  Designated area program staff shall authorize all

hospitalizations for individuals residing in an area program's catchment area.

(b)  This authorization shall be done when the individual is

evaluated by the area program for referral to the hospital for admission and

shall be reviewed in accordance with area program policy.

(c)  When such authorization is for an individual residing

in a facility within the catchment area but whose county of residence is

outside the catchment area, the authorizing area program shall notify the area

program serving the individual's county of residence within 24 hours.

(d)  Authorization for continuing hospitalization is the

responsibility of the area program serving the individual's county of

residence.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C‑211(e); 122C‑261(f);

122C‑262; 143B‑147;

Eff. February 1, 1989;

Amended Eff. July 1, 1996.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0204         AUTHORIZATION OF HOSPITALIZATION WHEN

INDIVIDUAL ARRIVES DIRECTLY AT HOSPITAL

(a)  When an individual from an area program arrives at the

hospital for admission without area program authorization, the hospital shall

contact designated personnel of the individual's county of residence area

program, before admission is approved.

(b)  If the area program does not respond within one hour,

the hospital is deemed to have been authorized to admit, and shall contact the

area program on the next working day to obtain authorization for continuation

of the hospitalization.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C‑3; 122C‑211;

143B‑147;

Eff. February 1, 1989;

Amended Eff. July 1, 1996.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0205        WRITTEN EVALUATION BY AREA PROGRAM

(a)  Area program staff shall evaluate each individual prior

to authorization and referral to the hospital unless G.S. 122C‑262

applies.

(b)  The evaluation shall be in writing and shall include

the following:

(1)           identifying information, e.g., client's

full name (including maiden name), address, birthdate, race;

(2)           referral source;

(3)           presenting problem;

(4)           if available, medications and pertinent

medical and psychiatric information, including the DSM‑IV diagnoses,

history of treatment, side effects, allergies, last injection date, recent

laboratory work;

(5)           name, address and phone number of legally

responsible person and next of kin, if applicable;

(6)           legal charges pending, if applicable; and

(7)           name and telephone number of the area

program staff members to contact for further information including staff to

call after regular working hours.

(c)  The evaluation shall accompany the individual to the

hospital.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C‑53(a); 122C‑55(a);

143B‑147;

Eff. February 1, 1989;

Amended Eff. July 1, 1996; March 1, 1990.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0206        ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR TREATMENT

The following client information, if available, shall be

sent with the evaluation which accompanies the individual to the hospital.  If

not immediately available, it shall be sent, together with any information

required by Rule .0205 of this Section but not provided in the evaluation, by

the authorizing area program to the appropriate hospital admissions office

within one working day of the client's admission to the hospital.  This

information, which shall be used by hospital staff in developing the client's

treatment plan, shall include but need not be limited to the following:

(1)           name of client's mental health center therapist and

psychiatrist and case manager, if applicable;

(2)           county of residence;

(3)           name, address and telephone number of the

individuals in the client's family and social support network who may provide

information for use in plan development;

(4)           previous admissions to any state facility, i.e.,

psychiatric, substance abuse, developmental disabilities;

(5)           current psychiatric and other medications,

including compliance with medications and aftercare instructions;

(6)           alternatives attempted or considered prior to

referral to the hospital;

(7)           goal of hospitalization specifying the treatment

objectives that the hospital should address;

(8)           specific suggestions for programming and other

treatment planning recommendations; and

(9)           release plans, which include information relevant

to placement and other special considerations of the client upon discharge from

the hospital.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C-261; 122C-262;

122C-263; 122C-264; 122C-265; 122C-266; 122C-267; 122C-268; 122C-268.1;

122C-269; 122C-270; 122C-271; 122C-272; 122C-273; 122C-274; 122C-275; 122C-276;

122C-277; 143B‑147;

Eff. February 1, 1989;

Amended Eff. July 1, 1996; March 1, 1990.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0207        COMMUNICATION TO AREA PROGRAM REGARDING

ADMISSION/DENIAL

(a)  In all instances where area program staff have

evaluated, authorized, and referred the individual to a hospital with a

recommendation for admission, the area program staff shall call the hospital

admission office to inform it of the authorization and referral, and advise it

as to the name and phone number of an area program contact person.

(b)  If the opinion of the examiner at the hospital is that

the individual does not meet inpatient criteria, the examiner shall contact

designated area program staff to discuss the individual's condition prior to

releasing the individual.  Unreasonable delay shall not occur as a result of

the foregoing and in no event shall the individual be detained by the hospital

for more than 24 hours.

(c)  If the opinion of the examiner is that the individual

does meet inpatient criteria, the hospital shall contact designated area

program staff within 24 hours to notify them of the admission.

(d)  When the hospital staff does not accept a client for

admission, the hospital staff, client, area program staff, and if applicable,

family or legally responsible person, shall discuss where in the community the

client shall be returned and shall discuss with the client options for

receiving services.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C‑132; 122C-221;

122C-261; 122C-262; 122C-263; 122C-264; 122C-265;

122C-266; 122C-267; 122C-268; 122C-268.1; 122C-269;

122C-270; 122C-271; 122C-272;

122C-273; 122C-274; 122C-275; 122C-276; 122C-277;

122C-261; 143B‑147;

Eff. February 1, 1989;

Amended Eff. July 1, 1996.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0208        GENERAL CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION

(a)  Admission staff shall evaluate the individual to

determine that:

(1)           there is the presence of mental illness;

(2)           the individual is in need of treatment or

further evaluation at the facility; and

(3)           admitting the individual to the hospital is

an appropriate treatment modality.

(b)  The individual shall currently reside in the region

served by the hospital unless one or more of these exceptions occurs:

(1)           A transient resident of another state who

requires hospitalization shall be admitted to the hospital serving the region

in which the client is found.

(2)           A defendant who is ordered to a state

mental health facility for determination of capacity to proceed to trial (G.S.

15A‑1002) may be admitted to the Forensic Unit at Dorothea Dix Hospital.

(3)           An individual whose treatment needs have

necessitated a cross regional admission from the hospital in his region may be

admitted as arranged by the Division's Chief of Mental Health Services or his

designee.

(4)           In case of emergency, a client may be

admitted to a hospital outside of the region of residence.  Subsequent transfer

may include transfer to the appropriate regional hospital and such transfer

shall be in accordance with G.S. 122C-206.

(5)           A client from any catchment area of the

state may be considered for admission to the Clinical Research Unit of Dorothy

Dix Hospital.  In the case of a client of another regional hospital,

application shall be made in accordance with G.S. 122C-206.

(c)  An individual shall not be admitted to a hospital if

the:

(1)           primary need is custodial care pending rest

home or nursing home placement;

(2)           treatment needs can be met locally;

(3)           admission is sought primarily because of a

lack of living space or financial support; or

(4)           primary medical or surgical problem can be

more appropriately treated in a general hospital.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C‑3; 122C-132;

122C-206; 122C‑221; 122C-261; 122C-262; 122C-263;

122C-264;

Eff. February 1, 1989;

Amended Eff. July 1, 1996.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0209        COORDINATION AND CONTINUITY OF CLIENT

CARE

(a)  Each hospital in conjunction with each area program

shall develop a process to assure ongoing communication between the hospital

and area program regarding clients in treatment at the hospital.  This process

shall include provisions for case collaboration, particularly around treatment

issues and issues related to discharge planning and community care.  For minor

clients and for adult clients adjudicated incompetent, such collaboration shall

include the legally responsible person.  The process shall include but is not

limited to the following:

(1)           specifically designated staff at both the

hospital and area program to facilitate communication;

(2)           routinely scheduled case management contact

at hospital site;

(3)           hospital staff visitation to area programs;

(4)           telephone conferences; and

(5)           a discharge plan developed in collaboration

among hospital and area program staff and client.

(b)  The process for ongoing communication shall be incorporated

into each area program's written agreement with the state hospital.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 90‑21.1; 122C‑3;

122C-132; 122C‑221; 122C‑223; 143B‑147;

Eff. February 1, 1989;

Amended Eff. July 1, 1996; March 1, 1990.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0210        NOTIFICATION OF CLIENT HEARING AND/OR

DISCHARGE

(a)  The hospital shall give the authorizing area program 72

hours notice of planned discharge of all clients except those clients for whom

unplanned discharge precludes 72 hours notice.  In those cases notice shall be

given within 24 hours.  If there is a disagreement between the hospital and

area program regarding the planned discharge of a voluntary client, the

disagreement shall be resolved by the procedures specified in Rule .0212 of this

Section.

(b)  The hospital shall provide 24 hours notice to the

authorizing area program prior to a court hearing, of the recommendations to be

made at the hearing.  At the time of this notification, a collaborative

discharge contingency plan shall be developed in case the judge does not order

commitment.

(c)  The Post-Institutional Plan, together with the items

specified in Rule .0211 of this Section, shall be sent to the authorizing area

program within 24 hours of discharge.

(d)  A discharge summary shall be sent to the authorizing

area program prior to the first scheduled appointment and in any case no later

than 15 days after discharge.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C-112; 143B-147;

Eff. February 1, 1989;

Amended Eff. July 1, 1996.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0211        PLACEMENT OF CLIENTS OUTSIDE THEIR

COUNTY OF RESIDENCE

Note:      Until the effective date of the repeal of

Rule .0128 of this Section, this Rule shall supersede.

(a)  If a discharge plan proposes that a client live in a

facility outside his county of residence, hospital staff shall notify the

authorizing area program so that the area program can begin making such a

living arrangement.  Hospital staff shall provide the authorizing area program

with information which shall include:

(1)           the client's status, diagnosis and needs;

(2)           information regarding the facility being

considered; and

(3)           information regarding the facility's

ability to serve the client being considered to live there.

(b)  The authorizing area program shall contact the area program

in the county of the facility to share client information, and collaboratively

develop a plan for appropriate services provision, authorization, and payment.

(c)  When a client discharged from a hospital moves to a

facility outside his county of residence, the hospital shall send, at the time

of discharge, the following records to the authorizing area program serving the

client's county of residence:

(1)           hospital's psychiatric evaluation;

(2)           social history, such as family

constellation, order of birth, and developmental history; and

(3)           post‑institutional plan.

In addition, the hospital discharge summary shall be sent to the

authorizing area program within 15 days of discharge.  This area program shall

share the information with the area program serving the client in the county of

the facility.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C-3; 122C-112;

122C-117; 143B-147;

Eff. February 1, 1989;

Amended Eff. July 1, 1996.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0212        RESOLUTION OF DIFFERENCES OF OPINION

(a)  Differences of opinion between area authority/county

program staff and hospital staff regarding admission, treatment or discharge

issues shall be resolved through negotiation involving hospital and area

authority/county program staff, clients, legally responsible persons, and with

client consent, family members.

(b)  If resolution of issues regarding authorization,

admission or discharge is not reached by the Directors of the two

organizations, the dispute shall be resolved following the procedures as set

forth in 10A NCAC 26A .0200; 10A NCAC 27G .0810 through .0812 continuing to the

final level of appeal, if necessary, with procedures in G.S. 150B, Article 3

Administrative Hearings.

(c)  During the resolution of differences of opinion between

area authority/county program and hospital staff, the client shall be provided

with the more conservative and secure treatment option.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143B‑147;

Eff. February 1, 1989;

Amended Eff. November 1, 2005; July 1, 1996.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0213        REFERRALS OF MINORS FROM A NON-SINGLE

PORTAL AREA

(a)  In a non-single portal area, in addition to area

program staff, a licensed physician or eligible psychologist may refer a minor

directly to a hospital.  This person shall be known as the "referring

agent."

(b)  As part of the referring process, the referring agent

shall provide the evaluation and other information specified in Rules .0205 and

.0206 of this Section.

(c)  To assure appropriate planning for treatment,

discharge, and aftercare, when a licensed physician or eligible psychologist

makes a referral pursuant to this Rule, he or she shall be asked by the

hospital to agree in writing to:

(1)           continued involvement with the child and

family during hospital treatment;

(2)           participation in identification and

coordination of community services that are essential to discharge planning;

and

(3)           provision of aftercare, as needed.

(d)  If the referring agent does not sign the agreement

described in Paragraph (c) of this Rule, the hospital staff shall consult with

the minor's legally responsible person to determine a practitioner to

participate in discharge and aftercare planning.  The area program staff shall

be considered as an option.  The selected practitioner shall be considered to be

the referring agent.

(e)  For purposes of Rules .0207 through .0212 of this

Section, the referring agent shall perform the consultation, communication and

notice functions described for area program staff.  The area program staff also

shall participate and shall receive the notices prescribed in those Rules.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C-112; 143B-147;

Eff. February 1, 1989;

Amended Eff. July 1, 1996; March 1, 1990.

 

SECTION .0300 ‑ MEDICAL STAFF BYLAWS OF NORTH CAROLINA

REGIONAL MENTAL HOSPITALS

 

10A NCAC 28F .0301        ORGANIZATION OF STAFFS

The medical and dental staffs of the four psychiatric

hospitals shall organize themselves in conformity with the model bylaws and rules

set forth in Rule .0308 of this Section.  Rule .0308 of this Section shall be

the model bylaws and rules used by each such association in drafting of bylaws

and rules for itself and each such association shall have bylaws and rules in

substantial conformity to those in Rule .0308 of this Section.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143B‑147;

Eff. February 1, 1976.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0302        APPLICANTS FOR MEMBERSHIP

Applicants for membership on the medical staffs shall be

duly licensed or authorized to practice medicine or dentistry in the State of

North Carolina according to those standards set forth by the North Carolina

State Board of Medical Examiners or the North Carolina State Board of Dental

Examiners.  No applicant shall be denied staff membership on the basis of sex,

race, creed, color, or national origin.  Staff members shall indicate their

acceptance of membership on the medical staff by signed agreement that they

will abide by the medical staff bylaws, rules, and regulations and by the

bylaws of the governing body.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143B‑147;

Eff. February 1, 1976.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0303        MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF HOSPITAL

The medical director of a hospital shall be a member of the

hospital medical staff and shall be a medical doctor duly licensed to practice

medicine in the State of North Carolina with approved training and experience

in the practice of psychiatry.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143B‑147;

Eff. February 1, 1976.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0304        APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants for the medical staff may be appointed or

reappointed by the Director of the hospital with concurrence of the Director of

Clinical Services and after consultation with the credentials committee.  Appointment

to the medical staff shall confer upon the appointee only such privileges as

may hereinafter be provided.  Determination of privileges will be made by the

Director and Director of Clinical Services after recommendation of the

executive committee of the medical staff.  Such determination is based on

applicant's training, experience, demonstrated competence, and conducted

satisfactory performance of duties.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143B‑147;

Eff. February 1, 1976.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0305        RESTRICTION OR TERMINATION OF STAFF

PRIVILEGES

Should the superior of any physician or dentist recommend

restriction or termination of the employment of any physician or dentist of the

medical staffs for personal conduct or performance of duties issues as

specified in the State Personnel Manual, such recommendation will be forwarded

in writing to the Director and Director of Clinical Services who in turn may,

within a period of five days, refer said recommendation to the executive committee

of the medical staff for review.  The result of this review will be forwarded

to the Director within five days.  If the Director and Director of Clinical

Services accept the recommendation of the executive committee of the medical

staff, said recommendation will be made known to the physician or dentist in

question.  Further appeal may be made in accordance with the standard grievance

procedure established by the State Personnel Act.  Any physician or dentist may

be suspended by the Director and Director of Clinical Services for flagrant

misconduct pending the appeal mechanism as state above.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143B‑147;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Amended Eff. March 1, 1990.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0306        EMERGENCY AND TEMPORARY PRIVILEGES

The Director and Director of Clinical Services shall have

the authority to grant emergency and temporary privileges to a qualified

physician who is not a member of the medical staff for a period of time not to

exceed 30 days.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143B‑147;

Eff. February 1, 1976.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0307        DIVISIONS OF STAFF

The medical staff shall be divided into honorary, visiting,

active, and resident staffs.  Officers, standing and special committees shall

be elected and appointed with duties assigned, including meeting schedules and attendance

requirements, in accordance with the model bylaws.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143B‑147;

Eff. February 1, 1976.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0308        MEDICAL STAFF BYLAWS FORM

(a)  Preamble

(1)           Recognizing that the medical and dental

staff is responsible for the quality of medical care in the hospital and must

take steps to assume this responsibility, and that the best interests of the

patient are protected by concerned effort, subject to the authority of the

Division of Mental Health Services, the physicians and dentists practicing in

(fill in name) hospital hereby organize themselves in conformity with the

bylaws, rules, and regulations hereinafter stated.

(2)           For the purpose of these bylaws the words

"medical staff" shall be interpreted to include all physicians and

dentists who are privileged to attend to patients in (fill in name) hospital.

(3)           The term "governing body" means

the Director of the Division of Mental Health Services.

(4)           Whenever the term "director"

appears, it shall be interpreted to refer to the Director of (fill in name)

hospital as duly appointed by the Director of the Division of Mental Health

Services, North Carolina Department of Human Resources.

(5)           Whenever the term "Director of

Clinical Services" appears, it shall be interpreted to mean that person

responsible for all medical and clinical services where the Director is a non‑medical

administrator.

(6)           Whenever the term "paramedical

staff" appears, it shall be interpreted to include the professional

members of the Department of vocational rehabilitation, rehabilitation

services, departments of physical therapy, psychology, nursing, social

services, pharmacy, medical records, physicians' assistants, and nurse

practitioners.

(7)           These bylaws, rules, and regulations of the

medical staff shall state the policies under which the medical staff regulates

itself, creating and defining an atmosphere and framework within which members

of the medical staff act with a reasonable degree of freedom and confidence. 

These medical staff bylaws, rules, and regulations shall provide for an

effective formal means by which the medical staff may participate in the

development of facility policy relative both to facility management and patient

care not inconsistent with the North Carolina statutes and policies of the

Division of Mental Health Services.

(b)  Name of Organization.  The name of this organization

shall be "The Medical Staff of (fill in name) Hospital."

(c)  Purpose.  The purpose of this organization shall be as

follows:

(1)           to insure that the best possible care is

rendered to all patients admitted to this hospital or treated by physicians and

paramedical staff in the employ of this hospital;

(2)           to provide a means whereby problems of

medico‑administrative nature may be discussed by the medical staff with

the administration of the hospital and the Division of Mental Health Services;

(3)           to initiate and maintain rules and regulations

for self‑governance of the medical staff;

(4)           to provide an active education and training

program and to maintain educational and training standards;

(5)           to carry out through the hospital all

appropriate duties of the Division of Mental Health Services;

(6)           to carry out research in the fields of

mental health;

(7)           to attain and maintain the standards of the

accreditation council of psychiatric facilities (Joint Commission on

Accreditation of Hospitals);

(8)           to insure a high level of professional performance

of all practitioners authorized to practice in the hospital through the

appropriate delineation of the clinical privileges that each practitioner may

exercise in the hospital and through an ongoing review and evaluation of each

practitioner's performance in the hospital;

(9)           to promote the well‑being of the

medical staff, permitting them to practice medicine in a congenial atmosphere

and with the support and stimulus of working with their colleagues; and

(10)         to advise and assist the Division of Mental

Health Services and management of (fill in name) hospital in their

responsibilities of providing an environment conducive to the practice of

medical care of high quality, and to promote liaison with county, state and

national professional societies, and with medical colleagues in community

hospitals.

(d)  Qualifications for Membership

(1)           Licensing.  Applicants for membership on

the medical staffs shall be duly licensed or authorized to practice medicine or

dentistry in the State of North Carolina according to those standards set forth

by the North Carolina State Board of Medical Examiners or the North Carolina

State Board of Dental Examiners.  Externs, interns, and resident physicians

must have appropriate recognition and authorization by the North Carolina State

Board of Medical Examiners.  Physicians' assistants and nurse practitioners

shall have at least one physician supervisor appointed by the Director or

Director of Clinical Services of the hospital.

(2)           Criteria for Membership.  No applicant shall

be denied membership on the basis of any other criteria not related to

professional competence or good standing with the North Carolina State Board of

Medical Examiners or the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners.

(3)           Ethics.  Acceptance of membership on the

medical staff shall constitute the staff member's agreement that he will

strictly abide by the principles of medical ethics of the American Medical

Association or the American Dental Association, whichever is applicable.

(4)           Medical Director.  The medical director

shall be a member of the hospital medical staff and shall be a medical doctor

duly licensed to practice medicine in the State of North Carolina with approved

training and experience in the practice of psychiatry.

(5)           Appointments

(A)          Appointments to the medical staff shall be made by

the Director of the hospital with concurrence of the Director of Clinical

Services.

(B)          The Director shall consult with the credentials

committee of the medical staff before taking action on any application or

cancelling any appointment previously made.

(C)          Appointment to the medical staff of (fill in name)

hospital shall confer upon the appointee only such privileges as may

hereinafter be provided.

(D)          Initial appointments shall be for a period extending

to the end of the current medical staff year of the hospital.  Reappointments

shall be for a period of not more than two medical staff years.  For the

purpose of these bylaws the medical staff year commences on the first day of

July and ends the 30th day of June of each year.

(6)           Appointment Procedure

(A)          Application for membership on the medical staff

shall be presented in writing conforming to the requirements laid down by the

North Carolina State Personnel Department and such other requirements as may be

determined by the Director of the Division of Mental Health Services.  The

application shall state the qualifications and references of the applicant and

shall signify his agreement to abide by the bylaws, rules and regulations of

the medical staff.  The application for employment on the medical staff shall

be presented to the Director and Director of Clinical Services who shall

transmit it to the Secretary of the medical staff.

(B)          The Secretary of the medical staff shall present the

application immediately to the credentials committee.  This committee shall

review the application and the applicant in order to determine suitability and

eligibility for employment in the hospital.

(C)          The credentials committee shall submit a report of

findings to the Director and to the Director of Clinical Services as soon as

possible and in all cases within one month recommending that the application be

accepted, deferred, or rejected.  Wherever a recommendation to defer is made,

it must be accompanied by reasons for the deferment and must be followed by a

subsequent report to accept or reject the applicant within a period of 30

days.  Any recommendation for appointment shall include a delineation of

privileges.

(D)          The Director of the hospital in concurrence with the

Director of Clinical Services shall either accept the recommendation of the

credentials committee or shall refer it back for further consideration stating

the reasons for such action.  After further consideration the credentials

committee will report to the Director and Director of Clinical Services who

will take final action on the application.

(E)           When a final decision has been made by the Director

and Director of Clinical Services, they shall be authorized to transmit this

decision to the candidate for employment, and if the candidate accepts

employment, to secure his signed agreement to be governed by the bylaws, rules,

and regulations.

(F)           It is recommended that the Director and Director of

Clinical Services may utilize the consultative services of the credentials

committee in reviewing the credentials of paramedical personnel who are being

considered for appointment to responsible positions of leadership at (fill in

name) hospital.

(7)           Reappointment Process

(A)          At least 60 days prior to the final scheduled

governing body meeting in the medical staff year, the executive committee of

the medical staff shall review all pertinent information available on each

practitioner scheduled for periodic appraisal, for the purpose of determining

its recommendations for reappointments to the medical staff and for the

granting of clinical privileges for the ensuing period, and shall transmit its

recommendations, in writing, to the Director of Clinical Services.  Where

non-reappointment or a change in clinical privileges is recommended, the reason

for such recommendation shall be stated and documented.

(B)          Recommendations for reappointment shall normally be

made by the credentials committee and shall normally be considered at the

annual meeting.

(C)          Each recommendation concerning the reappointment of

a medical staff member and the clinical privileges to be granted upon

reappointment shall be based upon such member's professional competence and

clinical judgement in the treatment of patients, his ethics and conduct, his attendance

at medical staff meetings and participation in staff affairs, his compliance

with the hospital bylaws and the medical staff bylaws, rules and regulations,

his cooperation with hospital personnel, his use of the hospital's facilities

for patients, his relations with other practitioners, and his general attitude

toward other practitioners, and his general attitude toward patients, the

hospital and the public.

(D)          Thereafter, the procedure provided in Part (d)(6)(C)

to Part (d)(6)(F) of this Rule relating to recommendations on applications for

initial appointment shall be followed.

(8)           Appeals

(A)          Should the superior of any physician or dentist

recommend restriction or termination of the employment of any physician or

dentist of the medical staffs, such recommendation will be forwarded in writing

to the Director and Director of Clinical Services who in turn may, within a

period of five days, refer said recommendation to the executive committee of

the medical staff for review.  The result of this review will be forwarded to

the director within five days.  If the Director and Director of Clinical

Services accept the recommendation of the executive committee of the medical

staff, said recommendation will be made known to the physician or dentist in

question.  The physician or dentist may, if he wishes, appeal his case to the

regional director of mental health.  Further appeal can be made by the

physician or dentist in question to the Director of the Division of Mental

Health Services, the Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and

Human Services, and finally, to the State Personnel Board within a period not

to exceed two weeks.  Should the Director and Director of Clinical Services

disagree with the recommendation of the executive committee of the medical

staff committee, they can proceed with their decision after consulting with the

regional director of mental health.

(B)          (A) of this Subpart does not preclude the right of

the Director and Director of Clinical Services to suspend any physician or

dentist from his duties for flagrant misconduct pending the appeal mechanism as

in (A) of this Subpart.  Any superior recommending termination or restriction

of the rights and privileges of a physician or dentist of the staff of this

hospital must show cause for such recommendations.  If the cause is basically

performance, evidence shall be presented of two successive verbal warnings

having been given as well as a written warning having been previously forwarded

to the physician or dentist in question.

(9)           Emergency and Temporary Privileges

(A)          Regardless of his departmental staff status, in the

case of an emergency, the physician attending any patient shall be expected to

do all in his power to save the life of any patient at (fill in name) hospital

including the calling of such consultation as may be available or desirable. 

For the purpose of this Subpart, an emergency is defined as a condition in

which the life of the patient is in immediate danger and in which any delay in

administering treatment would increase the danger.

(B)          The Director and Director of Clinical Services of

the hospital shall have the authority to grant temporary privileges to a

qualified physician who is not a member of the medical staff.  Such a physician

shall work under the direct supervision of the Director and of the Director of

Clinical Services of the hospital.  Such temporary privileges shall last until

the credentials committee meets, but not to exceed 30 days.

(e)  Categories in the Medical Staff

(1)           Divisions of Medical Staff.  The medical

staff shall be divided into honorary, visiting, active, and resident staffs.

(2)           Honorary Staff.  The honorary medical staff

shall consist of physicians who are not active in the hospital and who are

honored by emeritus positions.  These may be physicians who have retired from

active hospital service or physicians of outstanding reputation not necessarily

resident in the community.  The honorary staff is not eligible to vote or hold

office, ordinarily does not admit patients, and shall have no assigned duties.

(3)           Visiting Medical Staff

(A)          The visiting medical staff shall consist of

physicians of recognized professional ability who are active in programs

carried out by the hospital or who have signified willingness to accept such

appointment.

(B)          The duties of the members of the visiting medical

staff shall be to give their services in the care of patients on request of any

member of the active medical staff or duties as designated by the Director or

Director of Clinical Services of (fill in name) hospital.

(C)          Consultants may be considered members of the

visiting staff.

(4)           Active Medical Staff

(A)          The active medical staff shall consist of those

physicians who are employed either full‑time or part‑time by (fill

in name) hospital.

(B)          The active medical staff shall consist of physicians

who have been selected to transact all business of the medical staff and attend

patients who are in the hospital and to whom all such patients shall be

assigned.  Only members of the active medical staff shall be eligible to hold

office on committees of the medical staff.

(C)          Members of the full‑time active medical staff

shall be required to attend three‑fourths of the medical staff meetings.

(D)          Members of the active medical staff shall be

required to attend meetings of all committees upon which they agree to serve by

virtue of appointment or election.

(E)           Each active staff physician may have one and not

more than two physicians' assistants and nurse practitioners under his

supervision and responsibility in (fill in name) hospital, after first having

the individual's credentials approved by the credentials committee and medical

staff.  These individuals will be registered and function in conformity with

North Carolina General Statute 90‑18(13), 1971.

(5)           The House Staff

(A)          The house staff consists of interns, assistant

residents, and residents, who shall be assigned to the clinical departments in

such numbers as may from time to time be decided by the Director and Director

of Clinical Services.

(B)          Members of the house staff must be graduates of or

students in good standing of approved and recognized schools of medicine. 

Members of the house staff will perform such duties as may seem appropriate to

the Director of the service to which they are assigned.  Graduates of medical

schools approved and recognized other than those in the United States, Canada,

or Puerto Rico must present a valid certificate from the Educational Council

for Foreign Medical Graduates, or a similar organization approved by the North

Carolina State Board of Medical Examiners as an added condition of appointment.

(f)  Determination of Qualifications

(1)           Classification of Privileges

(A)          Determination of privileges granted to members of

the medical staff will be made by the Director and Director of Clinical

Services of the hospital after recommendations of the executive committee of

the medical staff.  In determining these recommendations the executive

committee of the medical staff shall consult with the medical staff and the

members of the credentials committee.

(B)          Restricting the privileges of any physician or

dentist by reason of age or disability will be the duty of the Director and

Director of Clinical Services at the request of the credentials committee.  Any

restrictions will be made known in writing to the involved physician or

dentist.  Should the physician or dentist refuse the recommended restriction or

restrictions, he may appeal.

(2)           Determination of Privileges

(A)          Determination of initial privileges shall be based

on an applicant's training, experience, and demonstrated competence. 

Determination of such recommended privileges shall be made by the credentials

committee.

(B)          Determination of extension of further privileges

shall be based upon the applicant's training, experience and demonstrated

competence, and his continued satisfactory performance of duties in the

hospital.

(C)          It shall be the duty of the credentials committee to

recommend specific rights and privileges of each physician and dentist as

practicing at (fill in name) hospital.  Such recommendation will be made part

of the minutes of that committee.  This will include those physicians given the

right to perform specialized procedures such as an electrocardiogram and liver

biopsies.  It shall in like manner be the duty of the credentials committee to

recommend rights and privileges of paramedical staff.

(g)  Officers and Committees

(1)           Officers.  The officers of the medical

staff shall be the president, vice president, and secretary.  Ultimate

authority and accountability remain with the governing body and with the

Director and Director of Clinical Services.

(2)           Requirements to be Officers.  Officers must

be members of the active medical staff at the time of appointment or nomination

and election and must remain members in good standing during their term of

office.  Failure to maintain such status shall immediately create a vacancy in

the office involved.

(3)           Election of Officers

(A)          The president, the vice president, and the secretary

shall be elected at the annual meeting of the medical staff.  All officers

shall be members of the active medical staff.  Only members of the active

medical staff shall be eligible to vote.

(B)          The nominating committee shall consist of members of

the active medical staff appointed by the president of the medical staff.  This

committee shall offer one or more nominees for each office.

(C)          Nominations may also be made from the floor at the

time of the annual meeting or be made by petition signed by at least five

members of the active staff and filed with the Secretary of the medical staff

at least 30 days prior to the annual meeting.

(4)           Term.  Elected officers shall serve a one

year term from their election date or until a successor is elected.  They shall

take office on the first day of the medical staff year.

(5)           Vacancies.  Vacancies of the officers

during the medical staff year shall be filled by the president of the medical

staff.

(6)           President.  The president shall serve as

the chief administrative officer of the medical staff to do the following:

(A)          act in coordination and cooperation with the

Director and Director of Clinical Services in all matters of mutual concern

within the hospital;

(B)          call, preside at, and be responsible for the agenda

of all general meetings of the medical staff;

(C)          serve as chairman of the medical staff executive

committee;

(D)          serve as ex officio member of all other medical

staff committees without vote;

(E)           be responsible for the enforcement of medical staff

bylaws, rules, and regulations, for implementation of sanctions where these are

indicated, and for the medical staff's compliance with procedural safeguards in

all instances where corrective action has been requested against a

practitioner;

(F)           appoint committee members to all standing, special,

and multidisciplinary medical staff committees except elected members of the

executive committee and joint conference committee;

(G)          represent the views, policies, needs, and grievances

of the medical staff to the governing body and to the Director and Director of

Clinical Services;

(H)          receive and interpret the policies of the governing

body to the medical staff and report to the governing body on the performance

and maintenance of quality with respect to the medical staff's delegated

responsibility to provide medical care;

(I)            be responsible for the educational activities of

the medical staff; and

(J)            be the spokesman for the medical staff in its

external professional and public relations.

(7)           Absence of President.  In the absence of

the president, the vice president shall assume all the duties and have the

authority of the president.  He shall be a member of the executive committee of

the medical staff and of the joint conference committee.  He shall

automatically succeed the president when the latter fails to serve for any

reason.

(8)           Secretary‑Treasurer.  The Secretary‑treasurer

shall be a member of the executive committee of the medical staff.  The

Secretary shall keep accurate and complete minutes of all medical staff

meetings, call medical staff meetings on order of the president, attend to all

correspondence, and perform such other duties as ordinarily pertain to his

office.  He shall be the Secretary of the ad hoc bylaws committee whenever it

convenes, unless this becomes a standing committee.

(h)  Committees

(1)           Committees shall be designated as standing

and special.  All committee members other than elected members of the executive

and the joint conference committee shall be appointed by the president of the

medical staff.  Committees shall be known as committees of the medical staff of

the hospital and can include, other than members of the active medical staff,

persons representing disciplines from within and without the hospital. 

Committee reports shall be filed in the Director's and director of clinical service's

offices.  The report of all committee meetings will be brought to the attention

of the executive committee.  It shall be the duty of the president or his

designee to compile and present these committee reports for the consideration

of the executive committee at its next regular meeting.

(2)           The executive committee shall be composed

of the president, vice president, secretary, and two other elected members of

the medical staff. The Director and Director of Clinical Services shall be ex

officio members.

(3)           The executive committee shall be empowered

to act on behalf of the medical staff.  The committee shall meet at least

monthly, and shall maintain a permanent record of its proceedings and actions. 

The Director and Director of Clinical Services shall attend all meetings of

this committee.  Functions and responsibilities of the executive committee

include the following:

(A)          to receive and act upon the reports of medical staff

committees;

(B)          to consider and recommend action to the Director and

Director of Clinical Services all matters of a medico‑administrative

nature;

(C)          to implement the approved policies of the medical

staff;

(D)          to make recommendations to the governing body;

(E)           to take all reasonable steps to ensure

professionally ethical conduct on the part of all members of the medical staff

and to initiate such prescribed corrective measures as are indicated;

(F)           to fulfill the medical staff's accountability to

the governing body for the diagnosis, treatment and care rendered to the

patients in the facility; and

(G)          to ensure that the medical staff is kept abreast of

the accreditation program and informed of the accreditation status of the

facility.

(4)           The following committees are essential and

report to the executive committee of the medical staff:

(A)          administrative committees which include the joint

conference committee, the credentials review committee, and the accreditation

committee; and

(B)          clinical committees which include patient care

evaluation, utilization review, medical records, tissue review, pharmacy and

therapeutics, infections, and research.

(5)           Committees may be combined consistent with

proper management.

(i)  Meetings

(1)           Annual Meeting.  The annual meeting of the

medical staff shall be held near the end of the hospital fiscal year.  At this

time, the officers and committees shall make such reports as may be desirable;

committee recommendations and committee appointments for the ensuing year shall

be made.

(2)           Monthly Meeting.  The medical staff shall

meet monthly to review the clinical work of the hospital since its last meeting

and make recommendations for improvement.  It will hear reports from the

executive committee and the other standing committees.  Business and other

executive sessions of the medical staff will be conducted by the active staff

except that other categories of the medical staff may be present and

participate but without the right to vote.

(3)           Special Meetings

(A)          Special meetings of the medical staff may be called

at any time by the Director, Director of Clinical Services, president of the

medical staff or by written request of at least five members stating the

purpose of the meeting.  At any special meeting no business shall be transacted

except that stated in the notice calling the meeting.  Sufficient written notice

of any meeting shall be provided at least 48 hours before the time set for the

meeting.

(B)          The joint conference committee will meet quarterly

with the governing body.

(4)           Attendance at Meetings

(A)          Members of the active medical staff shall attend at

least three‑fourths of the regular staff meetings unless excused by the

executive committee for just cause.  Absence from more than one‑fourth of

the regular staff meetings of the year, unless excused by the executive

committee for just cause such as sickness or absence from the community shall

be considered a basis for disciplinary action.

(B)          Reinstatement of members of the active staff to

positions rendered vacant because of absence from meetings may be made on

application, the procedure being the same as in the case of original

appointment.

(C)          Members of the honorary and visiting categories of

medical staff shall not be required to attend meetings but it is expected that

they will attend and participate in these meetings unless unavoidably prevented

from doing so.

(D)          A member of any category of the staff who has

attended a case that is to be presented for discussion at any meeting shall be

notified and shall be required to be present.

(5)           Quorum.  Fifty percent of the total

membership of the active medical staff shall constitute a quorum.

(6)           Agenda

(A)          The agenda at any regular meeting shall be as

follows:

(i)            business, which includes call to order,

acceptance of the minutes of the last regular and of all special meetings,

unfinished business, communications, reports of standing and of special

business committees, and new business; and

(ii)           medical, which includes review and analysis of

the clinical work of the hospital, reports of standing and of special medical

committees, discussion and recommendations for improvement of the professional

work of the hospital, and adjournment.

(B)          The agenda at special meetings shall be as follows:

(i)            reading of the notice calling the meeting,

(ii)           transaction of the business for which the

meeting was called, and

(iii)          adjournment.

(7)           Robert's Rules.  Unless specified

otherwise, Robert's Rules of Order will be followed at all medical staff

meetings where business is conducted and at all committee meetings, except each

committee may adopt its own rules or suspend the rules if a majority of members

agree.

(8)           Amendments.  Amendments to these bylaws

shall be made upon consideration and recommendation of the medical staff, the

Director and Director of Clinical Services, and with approval of the governing

body.

(9)           Signatures.  Adoption by the medical staff

shall be indicated by signatures of the Director and Director of Clinical

Services and the Director of the Division of Mental Health Services as the

governing body.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143B‑147;

Eff. February 1, 1976.

 

SECTION .0400 ‑ HOSPITAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY PROGRAMS

 

10A NCAC 28F .0401        SCOPE

(a)  The purpose of Rules .0401 through .0406 of this

Section shall be to set forth the requirements and general framework for

behavior therapy programs used in the treatment of mental illness.

(b)  The rules in this Section shall apply to behavior

therapy programs in the regional psychiatric hospitals of the Division.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143B‑147;

Eff. October 8, 1980.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0402        DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of the rules in this Section the following

terms shall have the meaning indicated:

(1)           Behavior therapy shall be defined as the systematic

application of principles of conditioning and learning for the purpose of

changing or remediating human behavior.  In addition, behavior therapy shall

meet the expanded definition set forth in Division publication HOSPITAL

BEHAVIOR THERAPY PROGRAMS, APSR 115‑2 (09/08/80), adopted pursuant to

G.S. 150B‑14(c).

(2)           Hospital shall mean one of the regional psychiatric

hospitals of the Division.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143B‑147;

Eff. October 8, 1980;

Amended Eff. March 1, 1990.

 

10A NCAC 28f .0403        IDENTIFICATION OF BEHAVIOR THERAPY

PROGRAMS

The Director of each hospital shall be responsible for the

identification of treatment programs in the hospital that qualify as behavior

therapy according to the definition given in Rule .0402(1) of this Section

including the referenced definition in APSR 115‑2 of the Division's

administration publications system.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143B‑147;

Eff. October 8, 1980.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0404        REQUIRED FACILITY MANUALS

The Director of each hospital shall be responsible for the

development of a manual which shall establish the framework and general

operating procedures for behavior therapy programs in the hospital.  The manual

shall not be overly constraining on the behavior therapy programs but shall

serve as a general guide to clinical practice, within the legal and ethical

constraints relating to client rights and accepted professional practice.  The

manual shall be available for information and inspection by hospital clients,

staff, and the general public. Each manual shall address the following:

(1)           definition of key terms employed;

(2)           patients rights including but need not be limited

to:

(a)           consent; and

(b)           disallowed procedures;

(3)           staff qualifications;

(4)           peer review procedures including a time schedule;

(5)           training for personnel;

(6)           records and documentation; and

(7)           use of aversive (i.e., the application of noxious

stimuli) and intrusive procedures including specifically:

(a)           documentation of alternative, positive

approaches attempted, and documentation of consent to the specific program

employed;

(b)           statement of minimum client rights to be

observed for all patients in the program, citing relevant statutes and standards

which shall include client rights as set forth in G.S. 122C‑51 through

122C‑58 and 122C‑62 and 10A NCAC 28A, B, C and D, Division

publication HUMAN RIGHTS FOR CLIENTS OF STATE OWNED AND OPERATED FACILITIES,

APSM 95‑1 (07/01/89), adopted pursuant to G.S. 150B‑14(c).

(c)           specific time schedule for peer review; and

(d)           approval procedures, to include review by

the Human Rights Committee, as provided in 10A NCAC 28A .0207 DUTIES.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143B‑147;

Eff. October 8, 1980;

Amended Eff. March 1, 1990; April 1, 1981.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0405        REQUIRED PROGRAM MANUAL

(a)  The Director of each behavior therapy program of a

regional psychiatric hospital shall be responsible for the development of an

operations manual which shall communicate the purpose and operating procedures of

the program.  The manual shall be available for information and inspection by

hospital clients, staff, and the general public.

(b)  The manual shall contain, but need not be limited to,

the following:

(1)           definition of key terms employed;

(2)           the target populations and behaviors;

(3)           the choice of treatment methods and

techniques;

(4)           goals of treatment;

(5)           voluntary participation of the client; and

(6)           evaluation of treatment.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143B‑147;

Eff. October 8, 1980;

Amended Eff. March 1, 1990.

 

10a NCAC 28F .0406        INSTITUTIONAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY

COMMITTEE

(a)  The Director of each hospital shall establish an

institutional behavior therapy committee to:

(1)           review, at least annually, program‑wide

applications of behavior therapy (e.g., Behavior Therapy Ward);

(2)           be available for consultation to unit or

program directors; and

(3)           investigate an established program or an

individual application of behavior therapy upon request of the hospital

director.

(b)  The committee shall consist of six persons, the

majority of whom are professionals with training and experience in the field of

behavior therapy.  Among the six shall also be a representative of the Human

Rights Committee and a psychiatrist.

(c)  All committee members, with the exception of the representative

of the Human Rights Committee, shall be division employees unless the hospital

director requests from the Division director the appointment of one member

outside the Division.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143B‑147;

Eff. October 8, 1980;

Amended Eff. March 1, 1990.

 

SECTION .0500 ‑ DESIGNATION OF RESEARCH FACILITIES IN

REGIONAL PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS

 

10A NCAC 28F .0501        SCOPE

The rules in this Section establish procedures by which a

regional psychiatric hospital may be designated as a facility where adults who

are not otherwise admissible as clients, because of an absence of mental

illness, may be voluntarily admitted for the purposes of research.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C‑112(b)(3); 122C‑210.2;

Eff. December 1, 1988.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0502        APPLICATION

(a)  Application for designation shall be made to the

Director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and

Substance Abuse Services, 3001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-3001.

(b)  The application for designation shall be in letter form

and shall include the following:

(1)           name and address of facility;

(2)           description of the organization of research

within the facility;

(3)           description of the types of research

currently conducted at the facility;

(4)           description of the types of research for

which designation is requested;

(5)           description of the conditions under which

individuals, admitted under this designation, would be housed and maintained;

(6)           assurance of an active Human Rights

Committee including its operating rules; and

(7)           description of the procedures by which the

medical records and statistics would be maintained for the individuals who

would be admitted under terms of G.S. 122C‑210.2.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C‑112(b)(3); 122C‑210.2;

Eff. December 1, 1988.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0503        REVIEW PROCESS

Upon receipt of the application and prior to granting

designation, the Division director shall evaluate the application according to

the following criteria:

(1)           consistency of the research, currently conducted

and proposed, with division goals and priorities;

(2)           adequacy of procedures by which medical records and

statistics would be maintained separate from those kept for regularly admitted

clients;

(3)           existence of an active Human Rights Committee with

adequate operating rules which give the committee the authority to monitor the

care of individuals admitted for research;

(4)           adequacy of the facility's capacity to house and

maintain persons admitted under this designation in a safe manner; and

(5)           any other criteria deemed relevant by the Division

director.

 

History Note:        Authority G. S. 122C‑112(b)(3);

122C‑210.2;

Eff. December 1, 1988.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0504        DESIGNATION

(a)  The Division director shall notify the applicant of his

decision in writing within 60 days of receipt of a complete application.

(b)  Designation shall be for a specified period of time,

not to exceed two years, and stated in the written decision.

(c)  The Division director shall terminate the designation

upon finding that the facility no longer meets the qualifications for

designation or upon request by the facility director that designation be

terminated.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C‑112(b)(3); 122C‑210.2;

Eff. December 1, 1988;

Amended Eff. March 1, 1990.

 

SECTION .0600 ‑ VOLUNTARY ADMISSION OF ADULTS WHO ARE

NOT OTHERWISE ADMISSIBLE AS CLIENTS TO DESIGNATED RESEARCH FACILITIES IN

REGIONAL PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS

 

10A NCAC 28F .0601        SCOPE

The rules in this Section establish standard procedures and

uniform criteria for voluntary admissions of adults to regional psychiatric

hospitals designated as research facilities within the provisions of Part I of

Article 5 of Chapter 122C of the General Statutes.  These individuals would not

otherwise be admissible as clients under G.S. 122C‑211 because of an

absence of mental illness.  Their reason for being admitted is to serve in

approved research projects.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C‑112(b)(3); 122C‑210.2;

Eff. January 1, 1989.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0602        EXPLANATION OF TERMS

For the purposes of the rules in this Section the following

terms shall have the meanings indicated:

(1)           "Hospital" means one of the regional

psychiatric hospitals of the Division.

(2)           "Designated research facility" means a

regional psychiatric hospital which has met the requirements of 10A NCAC 28F,

.0500.

(3)           "Principal investigator" means the

person, or his designee, who has overall responsibility for the conduct for the

proposed research.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C‑112(b)(3); 122C‑210.2;

Eff. January 1, 1989.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0603        APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION

The application for admission to participate in a specific

research program shall be in writing and signed by the individual requesting

admission to a designated research facility.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C‑112(b)(3); 122C‑210.2;

Eff. January 1, 1989.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0604        GENERAL CRITERIA FOR VOLUNTARY

ADMISSION

(a)  When an individual request admission to a designated

research facility the admission staff shall determine from the principal

investigator that admission to the hospital is for a specific research project

that has been approved by the facility's Human Rights Committee and the

designated Institutional Research Committee.

(b)  Upon admission to the designated research facility, the

admission staff shall:

(1)           verify that the individual has been

informed by the principal investigator of the nature of the procedures which

will be employed as part of the research protocol; and

(2)           verify that the individual has signed the

informed consent form covering participation in the research project.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C‑112(b)(3); 122C‑210.2;

Eff. January 1, 1989.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0605        RECORD KEEPING

(a)  A client record shall be maintained for each individual

and shall include but not be limited to:

(1)           application for admission;

(2)           signed informed consent form covering

participation in the project;

(3)           physical examination and review of systems;

(4)           description of procedures performed;

(5)           special tests;

(6)           adverse reactions and incidents; and

(7)           termination summary.

(b)  A complete description of medications administered

shall be placed in the client record when it no longer would interfere with the

purpose of the research to do so.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C‑112(b)(3); 122C‑210.2;

Eff. January 1, 1989.

 

10A NCAC 28f .0606        DISCHARGE

(a)  An individual who has been admitted under the

provisions of these rules shall be kept in the hospital no longer than is

indicated by the research protocol under which he was admitted.

(b)  An individual who has been admitted under the

provisions of these rules shall be discharged upon his own request.  The

discharge request shall be in writing.

(c)  An individual who has been admitted under the

provisions of these rules may be discharged by the facility at any time.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C‑112(b)(3); 122C‑210.2;

Eff. January 1, 1989;

Amended Eff. March 1, 1990.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0607        PAYMENT FOR PARTICIPATION

Reasonable compensation may be paid to individuals admitted

under the provisions of these rules, for their services in participation in

research projects, provided that such compensation is paid from research grant

funds.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C‑112(b)(3); 122C‑210.2;

Eff. January 1, 1989.

 

SECTION .0700 ‑ ADMISSION OF DEAF CLIENTS TO STATE

PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS AND TRANSFER OF DEAF CLIENTS TO DOROTHEA DIX HOSPITAL

 

10A NCAC 28F .0701        PURPOSE AND SCOPE

(a)  The purpose of the rules in this Section is to set

forth procedures for State psychiatric hospitals when establishing policy for

the:

(1)           admission of deaf clients to State

psychiatric hospitals; and

(2)           transfer of deaf clients from State

psychiatric hospitals to the Dorothea Dix Hospital Deaf Unit (DDHDU).

(b)  These Rules shall be used in conjunction with the

transfer requirements in G.S. 122C-206 and rules contained in 10A NCAC 28F

.0200.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C-206; 143B-147;

Eff. March 1, 1995.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0702        DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of the rules in this Section, the follow­ing

terms shall have the meanings specified:

(1)           "Certified interpreter" means an

interpreter who is certified by the National Registry of Interpreters for the

Deaf (NRID), or has received an A or B degree in the North Carolina Interpreter

Classification System.

(2)           "Clinical impressions" mean information

provided by the Regional Adult Coordinator of Mental Health Services for the

Deaf to assist in differentiating psychiatric condi­tions from the cultural

norms of deafness.

(3)           "Deaf client" means an individual who is

admitted to a State psychiatric hospital and:

(a)           has a severe to profound hearing loss;

(b)           utilizes any modality of sign language as

the primary means of communication; or

(c)           would benefit from a signing environment.

(4)           "Dorothea Dix Hospital Deaf Unit" means

the statewide 17-bed co-ed psychiatric unit for deaf adults (age 18 and above)

located on the Dorothea Dix Hospital campus.

(5)           "Regional adult coordinator of mental health

services for the deaf" means the professional who provides mental health

services for deaf adults through the Division's designated regional deaf

service centers.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C-206; 143B-147;

Eff. March 1, 1995.

 

10A NCAC 28f .0703        ADMISSION OF DEAF CLIENTS TO STATE

PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS

(a)  Except for Dorothea Dix Hospital, upon admission of a

deaf client to a State psychiatric hospital, the hospital shall adhere to the

following procedures:

(1)           within 24 hours, the responsible

professional designated by the hospital director shall notify the Regional

Adult Coordinator of Mental Health Services for the Deaf to arrange an

assessment of the deaf client;

(2)           within 60 hours of notification by the

hospital, the Regional Adult Coordinator shall perform the assessment which

shall become part of the primary client record  and shall include, but not be

limited to:

(A)          an evaluation of the deaf client's language and

communication abilities;

(B)          cultural and social information;

(C)          clinical impression; and

(D)          recommendations.

(b)  Each State psychiatric hospital that admits a deaf

client shall be responsible for obtaining and providing interpreter services

from the time of admission until the client is transferred.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C-206; 143B-147;

Eff. March 1, 1995.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0704        TRANSFER OF DEAF CLIENTS TO THE

DOROTHEA DIX DEAF UNIT

(a)  A voluntarily admitted deaf client, who has been deter­mined

by the treatment team to require a hospital stay of 15 days or more, shall be

eligible for transfer to the DDHDU at the time of such determination.

(b)  An involuntarily admitted deaf client who, after the

initial court hearing is committed shall be eligible for transfer to the DDHDU

after the initial court hearing.

(c)  Upon transferring a client to the DDHDU, as determined

in Paragraphs (a) or (b) of this Rule, the responsible profes­sional at the

sending facility shall:

(1)           comply with the transfer requirements set

forth in G.S. 122C-206 and 10A NCAC 28F .0200; and

(2)           explain and ensure that the process for

transfer is interpreted by the Regional Coordinator or a certified interpreter.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C-206; 143B-147;

Eff. March 1, 1995.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0705        DOROTHEA DIX HOSPITAL DEAF UNIT

(a)  The Director of Admissions at Dorothea Dix Hospital

shall forward the information required in Rule .0704 of this Section to the

Coordinator of the Deaf Unit.

(b)  The Director of Admissions, the Coordinator of the Deaf

Unit, and the responsible professional at the sending facility shall mutually

determine the date of transfer.

(c)  The Director of Admissions and the Coordinator of the

Deaf Unit may refuse to accept a transfer if the client is determined to be

inappropriate for transfer:

(1)           the Coordinator of the Deaf Unit shall

consult with the State Coordinator of Mental Health Services for the Deaf; and

(2)           such refusal of transfer shall be

documented by both facilities involved, in order to provide background

information should a review of the decision be request­ed.

(d)  The Dorothea Dix Hospital Admissions Office shall:

(1)           complete a new "Identification/Face

Sheet-Form A" upon receiving a transferred client; and

(2)           incorporate into the primary client record,

information which is generated by the DDHDU.

(e)  The DDHDU treatment team and the appropriate area

program shall be responsible for discharge planning, and shall ensure that:

(1)           all transferred clients shall be directly

discharged from the DDHDU to the community;

(2)           a copy of the aftercare plan is shared with

the appro­priate Regional Coordinator upon consent of the client, the legally

responsible person, and with the sending hospital; and

(3)           transportation for discharged clients shall

be provided in accordance with established transportation policy of Dorothea

Dix Hospital.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C-206; 143B-147;

Eff. March 1, 1995.

 

SECTION .0800 – general rules for MR centers

 

10A NCAC 28F .0801        VOLUNTARY ADMISSIONS TO MR CENTERS

(a)  The procedures of this Rule shall apply to all state

institutions for the mentally retarded.

(b)  Any minor, or parent of any minor, or guardian of any

minor may request voluntary admission to a mental retardation facility for such

person by signing a standard form requesting voluntary admission.  Such forms

shall be available at each mental retardation center.

(c)  Any adult, or any incompetent adult's guardian may

request voluntary admission for the person to any mental retardation center of

the Division by signing a standard form requesting admission for the person to

the mental retardation center.  Such forms shall be available at each mental

retardation center.

(d)  Admissions shall be considered appropriate when

community resources to meet the needs of the individual have been explored and

it is determined that community services are not available.

(e)  Except in emergency cases, a person shall be admitted

only if he has been comprehensively evaluated by an interdisciplinary team of

mental retardation specialists.

(f)  All admissions to the regional mental retardation

centers shall be considered time limited, goal‑oriented, and subject to

periodic review to determine the appropriateness of continued treatment,

training, or discharge.

(g)  Parents, guardians, and applicants shall be counseled

prior to admission on the relative advantages and disadvantages of

institutionalization and the goals of treatment or training.

(h)  Any minor resident of a center for the mentally

retarded may be removed from the center at any time by the parent or guardian

of the minor.

(i)  Any adult resident of a center for the mentally

retarded who has been voluntarily admitted and has not been judicially declared

to be incompetent may leave the center without permission at any time.

(j)  Except in emergency cases, children less than six years

of age shall not be admitted to a center for the mentally retarded.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C‑112; 122C‑114;

143B‑147;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Amended Eff. April 1, 1990.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0802        CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION

Except in cases of admission for respite care persons shall

be admitted to a regional mental retardation center of the division only upon

the determination by the center that the following criteria are met:

(1)           The parent or parents, guardian or guardians, or

person or persons standing in loco parentis cannot reasonably provide for the

habilitation and maintenance needs of the person due to the person's

retardation or the person's mental retardation accompanied by physical

handicaps;

(2)           There is no community‑based program available

to the person which can provide for the habilitation and maintenance needs of

the person; and

(3)           The habilitation and maintenance needs of the

person can best be met at the mental retardation center.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C‑112; 122C‑181;

122C‑241; 143B‑147;

Eff. February 1, 1976.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0803        RESPITE CARE

(a)  Persons may be admitted to the regional mental

retardation centers for respite care.  Respite care may be afforded a person

for one of the following three reasons:

(1)           Regular Respite Care.  A parent, guardian

or other person responsible for the care of a mentally retarded person requires

relief from the care of a mentally retarded person for such reasons as a family

vacation or the need for home rest.

(2)           Respite Care for Behavior Management.  A

parent, guardian or other person responsible for the care of a mentally

retarded person requires relief from the care of a mentally retarded person who

is presenting severe behavioral problems which either disrupt or interfere with

normal family functioning.  Respite care for this purpose is offered to allow

the family time to rest as well as to explore local community resources and

services, which could be utilized following discharge.

(3)           Emergency Respite Care.  The death or

temporary loss of a parent, guardian or other responsible person, or any other

situation leaves the mentally retarded person without supervision or care. 

Respite care for this purpose is offered to provide temporary care while

community resources and services which could be utilized following discharge can

be explored by the agency initiating the application.

(b)  Respite care admissions shall normally be for a period

not to exceed 30 days.  If a caregiver requests, an additional 30 days may be

granted and the admission status shall be changed from respite care to some

other category.

(c)  Respite care admissions, except emergency respite care

admissions, shall be scheduled and all required admission data supplied at

least two weeks prior to admission.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C‑112; 122C‑181;

122C‑241; 143B‑147;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Amended Eff. March 1, 1990.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0804        PRIORITY OF ADMISSION

Equal priority for admission to a mental retardation center

shall be given to all applicants except that first priority shall be given to

Willie M. class members according to the provisions of 10A NCAC 29A .0101 through

.0106 which are available in division publication APSR 45‑8.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C‑112; 122C‑181;

122C‑241; 143B‑147; S.L. 1981, Ch. 859;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Amended Eff. March 1, 1990; February 1, 1982; September

30, 1981.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0805        REGIONS

A prospective resident may be admitted only to the regional

mental retardation center located in the region in which he is domiciled,

except that the Director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental

Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services may permit the admission of a person

with special needs to a regional mental retardation center other than that

located in the region in which the person is domiciled, when the center to

which the person is seeking admission offers a special program not available at

the center in the region in which the person is domiciled.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C‑122; 122C‑181;

122C‑241; 143B‑147;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Amended Eff. March 1, 1990.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0806        DISCHARGE

A resident of a mental retardation center of the division

shall be discharged if one or more of the following occur:

(1)           One or more of the criteria for admission seen in

Rule .0802 of this Section is not met;

(2)           The resident completes the habilitation program for

which he was admitted and the criteria for admission seen in Rule .0802 of this

Section are not otherwise met;

(3)           The resident requests discharge and the resident is

not a minor or judicially declared incompetent;

(4)           The resident's parent or guardian requests

discharge and the resident is a minor;

(5)           The resident's guardian requests discharge and the

resident has been judicially declared incompetent;

(6)           The director of the mental retardation center

determines that it is not in the best interest of the resident or the center

for the resident to be retained at the center; and

(7)           When the term of a planned contractual agreement

with the resident, the resident's parent, the resident's guardian, or the

person standing in loco parentis to the resident has expired and agreement has

not been reached on a new contract.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C‑112; 122C‑181;

143B‑147;

Eff. February 1, 1976.

 

section .0900 – voluntary admission and discharge to alcoholic

rehabilitation centers (arcs)

 

10A NCAC 28F .0901        SCOPE

The rules in this Section apply to voluntary admissions and

discharges of all clients to alcoholic rehabilitation centers (ARCs). The criteria

and procedures shall be followed by staff of ARCs and by area program staff

making referrals to ARCs.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C‑112; 122C‑181;

122C‑211; 2C‑212; 143B‑147;

Eff. April 1, 1981.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0902        PROCEDURES FOR VOLUNTARY ADMISSION AND

DISCHARGE

(a)  Evaluation.  Any person voluntarily seeking admission

shall receive an evaluation to include a physical examination by a staff

physician of the ARC within 24 hours of the time of presentation for

admission.  Only those persons who have been determined to be in need of

treatment or evaluation available at the ARC and who will be able to benefit

from the program and services offered at the ARC shall be admitted.  In making

the decision, consideration shall be given to the effects of any previous

treatment efforts in reducing or exacerbating the person's problems.

(b)  Evaluation in Writing.  The evaluation shall be in

writing and shall state whether the person is in need of admission for

treatment or further evaluation of alcoholism or drug dependency.

(c)  Nonacceptance.  If the examining physician at the ARC

determines that the person is not in need of admission for treatment or further

evaluation, or that another facility to which application for admission is made

does not provide the requisite evaluation or indicated treatment services, the

person shall not be accepted as a client, but other appropriate suggestions and

referrals shall be made as indicated to meet the person's need.  If the person

is not admitted to the ARC, personnel from the ARC shall notify the referral

source and specify reasons for nonacceptance and inform the referral source as

to the status of the person's receiving services from another provider.  If it

is determined the client can be more appropriately served in the community,

based on evaluation of the client's needs and consideration of resources

available in the community, the client shall be referred to the community

program.

(d)  Leaving Against Medical Advice.  A client, a client's

parent if a minor, or a client's guardian, if a minor or incompetent, upon the

client's leaving an ARC against the advice of the attending physician will be

given the opportunity, though not required, to sign a form relieving the ARC

and the staff of the ARC from liability for any consequences of the client's

departure from the ARC.  Such forms shall be available at every state ARC.

(e)  Contracts.  There shall be written agreements between

area authorities and alcoholic rehabilitation centers specifying policies and

procedures in admitting, providing services to, referring and discharging

persons.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C‑112; 122C‑181;

122C‑211; 122C‑212; 143B‑147;

Eff. April 1, 1981.

 

10A NCAC 28F .0903        APPOINTMENTS FOR ADMISSION

(a)  Arrival at an ARC without an appointment may result in

admission being delayed because of lack of bed space.  However, if bed space is

not available, ARC staff shall contact the appropriate area program or the

closest emergency room in order to arrange for placement of the client until

bed space is available.

(b)  Individuals transporting persons seeking admission to

an ARC shall remain with the person until a determination has been made as to

the availability of bed space.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C‑112; 122C‑181;

122C‑211; 143B‑147;

Eff. February 1, 1982;

Amended Eff. March 1, 1990.

 

SECTION .1000 ‑ PROBATION AND DISCHARGE

 

10A ncac 28F .1001        PROBATION AND DISCHARGE

(a)  A patient at an alcohol and drug abuse treatment center

may be placed on probation by the clinical team for failure to adhere to the

prescribed treatment plan or any other violation of the rules and regulations

of the alcohol and drug abuse treatment center.  Persons placed on probation

shall be counseled to assure that they understand the rules, including their

right to file a grievance as specified in 10A NCAC 28B .0203  STATE FACILITY

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE AND REPORTS, Division publication HUMAN RIGHTS FOR CLIENTS

IN STATE OWNED AND OPERATED FACILITIES, APSM 95‑1, 07/01/89, adopted

pursuant to G.S. 150B‑14(c).

(b)  Probation shall be for a period of one week from the detection

of the violation.

(c)  Patients committing one of the violations listed in

Part (a) of this Rule while on probation may be discharged by vote of the

clinical team, who will ensure the patients' understanding of the right to file

a grievance as cited in Paragraph (a) of this Rule.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C‑181; 143B‑147;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Amended Eff. August 1, 1990; March 1, 1990.

 

10a NCAC 28F .1002        CENTER RULE VIOLATION

Any patient who commits one or more of the following acts

may be immediately discharged from an alcoholic rehabilitation center:

(1)           drinking alcohol,

(2)           taking unauthorized drugs,

(3)           possession of alcohol,

(4)           possession of unauthorized drugs,

(5)           unacceptable social behavior,

(6)           theft, or

(7)           violent behavior.

Persons exhibiting violent behavior as a result of serious

emotional or psychiatric problems may be transferred to other institutions of

the division better able to treat the emotional or psychiatric problems.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C‑181; 143B‑147;

Eff. February 1, 1976.