Ala. Admin. Code r. 580-5-30K-.15

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 580-5-30K-.15 - Discharge

Discharge planning is an important part of the habilitation process and ideally should begin at admission. Discharge refers to termination of services which may occur following the request of the individual, and/or family, and/or by a decision/recommendation of the program that the client has received maximum benefit. Discharge may also occur when it is determined that the program is no longer the client's most appropriate setting at which time the A & D Committee shall be convened to review the plan for discharge in accordance with program policy and procedures. The discharge planning process is designed to facilitate the client's movement and adjustment to a more appropriate setting.

(1) The client, the family, and other professionals, as appropriate, shall be included in the discharge decision and process. Efforts to include them in the discharge decision and process shall be documented.

(2) Program staff designated by the program's policies and procedures shall be responsible for the documentation and provision of services specified in the discharge plan.

(3) Responsible program staff, in cooperation with other agencies, shall identify the individual's appropriate follow-up/follow-along agency in order to promote efficient services.

(4) When a client or family requests termination of program services, the individual/family shall be counseled regarding advantages and disadvantages of termination.

(5) If the client and/or family disagree with the decision to discharge, they have the right to appeal.

(6) A discharge summary shall be prepared upon termination of program services and shall be entered into the individual's record within 30 calendar days following the program's termination of services. The discharge summary shall include:

(a) A summary of significant events and progress during the period of services to the individual;

(b) Specific recommendations for future services;

(c) Arrangements for follow-along services; and

(d) An evaluation of the appropriateness of termination of services when such is against professional advice.

(7) Steps (1) through (6) may be abbreviated in the event of an abrupt/emergency discharge.

Author: Division of Mental Retardation, DMH/MR.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 580-5-30K-.15

Filed May 19, 1988; effective June 23, 1988. Amended: Effective January 3, 1991; effective September 8, 1992.

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, § 22-50-11.