Current through September 24, 2024
A.
Pre-Evaluation Screening and a Civil Commitment Examination are two (2)
separate events which include screening and examinations, inclusive of other
services, to determine the need for civil commitment and/or other mental health
services, including outpatient or inpatient commitment. These services also
include assessment and plans to link people with appropriate services and can
only be provided by a DMH/C provider.
B. The DMH/C must have a written plan that
has been implemented which describes how the service meets the requirements of
the Mississippi civil commitment statutes. This plan must describe by county:
1. The system for conducting Pre-Evaluation
Screenings;
2. The system for
conducting Civil Commitment Examinations;
3. The system for handling court
appearances;
4. The services that
are offered for the family and/or significant others; and,
5. The system for assuring that people being
screened and/or evaluated for civil commitment and their family or significant
others have access to an employee knowledgeable in the civil commitment
process.
C. The
Pre-Evaluation Screening must be conducted by qualified employees of a regional
Community Mental Health Center, and:
1. Be
performed by:
(a) A certified licensed
psychologist or physician; or
(b) A
person with a Master's degree in a mental health or related field who has
received training and certification in Pre-Evaluation Screening by DMH;
or,
(c) Registered nurses who have
received training and certification in Pre-Evaluation Screening by
DMH.
(d) Additionally, employees
who meet requirements (b) and (c) above, have completed and provide
documentation of at least six (6) months of experience working with people with
serious mental illness or serious emotional disturbance.
2. Be performed in accordance with current
Mississippi civil commitment statutes.
3. Be documented on the forms and provide the
information required by the civil commitment law and/or DMH.
D. If the Civil Commitment
Examination is conducted, the examination must:
1. Be performed by two (2) licensed
physicians, or one (1) licensed physician and either one (1) psychologist,
nurse practitioner or physician assistant. The nurse practitioner or physician
assistant conducting the examination shall be independent from, and not under
the supervision of, the other physician conducting the examination (as required
in MCA Section
41-21-67(2)).
2. Be documented on required forms, and
provide information required by law or DMH. Documentation must include
information in the person's record of the Commitment Examination results and
the official disposition following the examination.
3. Include the evaluation of the person's
social and environmental support systems.
4. Include, when possible, the development of
a treatment and follow-up plan for the person and the family and/or significant
others.
Section
41-4-7
of the Mississippi Code, 1972, as Amended
