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

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:

15.Academic needs shall be met through the local school system in accordance with the needs of the individual;

16.Program offerings shall be age appropriate and designed to meet the needs of each individual, and the therapeutic content of the program (group therapy/training, individual therapy/training, education support, etc.) shall be annually approved by a licensed/certified clinician. This content is captured in a master file which will have the licensed clinician's approval, signature and date of review;

17.The C & A CSU shall have protocols with respect to stabilization and transfer of individuals to a different level of care. The treating physician shall make the determination as to the time and manner of transfer so as to ensure no further deterioration of the individual during the transfer between facilities, and shall specify the benefits expected from the transfer in the individual's record;

18.Children or youth shall return to their natural environment as quickly as possible; therefore, the total length of stay in a C & A CSU for any one episode of care shall not exceed twenty-nine (29) calendar days.