Section 60. Services

A. Each individual receiving services shall receive those services according to law and sound therapeutic practice.

B. The provider's duties.

1. Providers shall develop, carry out, and regularly monitor policies and procedures prohibiting discrimination in the provision of services. Providers shall comply with all state and federal laws, including any applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 USC § 12101 et seq.), that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, age, sex, disability, or ability to pay. These policies and procedures shall require, at a minimum, the following:

a. An individual or anyone acting on his behalf may complain to the director if he believes that his services have been limited or denied due to discrimination.

b. If an individual complains of discrimination, the director shall assure that an appropriate investigation is conducted immediately. The director shall make a decision, take action, and document the action within 10 working days of receipt of the complaint.

c. A written copy of the decision and the director's action shall be forwarded to the individual and his authorized representative, the human rights advocate, and any employee or employees involved.

d. If the individual or his authorized representative is not satisfied with the director's decision or action, he may file a petition for an LHRC hearing under 12VAC35-115-180.

2. Providers shall ensure that all services, including medical services and treatment, are at all times delivered in accordance with sound therapeutic practice. Providers may deny or limit an individual's access to services if sound therapeutic practice requires limiting the service to individuals of the same sex or similar age, disability, or legal status.

3. Providers shall develop and implement policies and procedures that address emergencies. These policies and procedures shall:

a. Identify what caregivers may do to respond to an emergency;

b. Identify qualified clinical staff who are accountable for assessing emergency conditions and determining the appropriate intervention;

c. Require that the director immediately notify the individual's authorized representative and the advocate if an emergency results in harm or injury to any individual; and

d. Require documentation in the individual's services record of all facts and circumstances surrounding the emergency.

4. Providers shall assign a specific person or group of persons to carry out each of the following activities:

a. Medical, mental health, and behavioral screenings and assessments, as applicable, upon admission and during the provision of services;

b. Preparation, implementation, and appropriate changes to an individual's services plan based on the ongoing review of the medical, mental, and behavioral needs of the individual;

c. Preparation and implementation of an individual's discharge plan; and

d. Review of every use of seclusion or restraint by a qualified professional who is involved in providing services to the individual.

5. Providers shall not deliver any service to an individual without a services plan that is tailored specifically to the needs and expressed preferences of the individual and, in the case of a minor, the minor and the minor's parent or guardian. Services provided in response to emergencies or crises shall be deemed part of the services plan and thereafter documented in the individual's services plan.

6. Providers shall write the services plan and discharge plan in clear, understandable language.

7. When preparing or changing an individual's services or discharge plan, providers shall ensure that all services received by the individual are integrated. With the individual's or the individual's authorized representative's authorization, providers may involve family members in services and discharge planning. When the individual or his authorized representative requests such involvement, the provider shall take all reasonable steps to do so. In the case of services to minors, the parent or guardian or other person authorized to consent to treatment pursuant to § 54.1-2969 A of the Code of Virginia shall be involved in service and discharge planning.

8. Providers shall ensure that the entries in an individual's services record are at all times authentic, accurate, complete, timely, and pertinent.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 18, Issue 03, eff. November 21, 2001; amended, Virginia Register Volume 23, Issue 25, eff. September 19, 2007.

Statutory Authority

§§ 37.2-203 and 37.2-400 of the Code of Virginia.