Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 82 - DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES › Chapter 82-4 › Subject 82-4-1 - CHILD AND ADOLESCENT CRISIS STABILIZATION UNITS › Rule 82-4-1-.08 - Program Description

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
The C & A CSU's description of services shall clearly state the following:
1.The C & A CSU is designed to serve as a first-line community based alternative to hospitalization, offering psychiatric stabilization and detoxification services on a short- term basis;
2.The target population is individuals ages five (5) through seventeen (17) requiring psychiatric or behavioral stabilization, and youth ages thirteen (13) through seventeen (17) with substance related disorders or with co-occurring mental health and substance use needs;
3.When an emancipated minor presents for service at a C & A CSU, the C & A CSU shall assess the individual's life circumstances to determine if the individual is more appropriately served in an adult environment;
4.Psychiatric stabilization and residential detoxification services are offered at a clinical intensity level which supports the level of care in DBHDD contracts and the DBHDD Provider Manual for Community Behavioral Health Providers;
5.The CSU shall have policies and procedures for identifying and managing individuals who meet the diagnostic criteria for a Substance Dependence Disorder;
6.The CSU shall have policies and procedures for providing a planned regimen of twenty-four hour, professionally-driven evaluation, care and treatment services for individuals who meet the diagnostic criteria for a Substance Dependence Disorder;
7.All services offered within the C & A CSU shall be provided under the direction of a physician. It is preferred that the C & A CSU provide services under the direction of a psychiatrist with training or experience in working with children and youth. Consultation by a psychiatrist shall be available if the covering physician is not a psychiatrist;
8.A physician or psychiatrist shall be on call twenty-four hours a day and shall make rounds seven days a week. The physician is not required to be on site twenty-four hours a day; however the physician must respond to staff calls immediately, (delay not to exceed one (1) hour);
9.The C & A CSU shall provide emergency receiving, screening, and evaluation services twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week and shall have the ability to admit and discharge seven days a week;
10.The C & A CSU shall have policies and procedures for identifying and managing individuals at high risk of suicide or intentional self-harm;
11.The functions performed by staff whose practice is regulated or licensed by the State of Georgia are within the scope allowed by state law and professional practice acts;
12.The C & A CSU shall have a full-time position classified as a nursing administrator. It is preferred that the employee serving in this position have training or experience with treating children and youth;
13.The C & A CSU shall have an RN present within the C & A CSU twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week who is the charge nurse for the C & A CSU. For every sixteen (16) C & A CSU beds there shall be one (1) RN present at all times;
14.Staffing shall be established based on the needs of individuals being served as follows:
a.At all times there shall be at least three (3) staff present within the C & A CSU including the charge nurse (if the charge nurse is an APRN, then he/she may not simultaneously serve as the accessible physician during the same shift);
b.There shall not be more than four (4) individuals for every one (1) staff (including the charge nurse);
c.The ratio of nursing staff to individuals shall increase on the basis of the clinical care needs of the individual, including required levels of observation for high risk individuals;
d.If a nursing staff is assigned a 1:1 support role, then he/she shall not be counted in the 1:4 ratios above.
e.Utilization of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in C & A CSU shall be to provide support to the registered nurse by performing duties specified in O.C.G.A. Sec. 43-26-3
et seq.