§ 1437. Mental Health Services and Transfer to a Treatment Facility.

The health administrator/responsible physician, in cooperation with the mental health director and the facility administrator, shall establish policies and procedures to provide mental health services. These services shall include, but not be limited to:

(a) screening for mental health problems at intake;

(b) crisis intervention and the management of acute psychiatric episodes;

(c) stabilization of persons with mental disorders and the prevention of psychiatric deterioration in the facility setting;

(d) elective therapy services and preventive treatment where resources permit;

(e) medication support services;

(f) provision for timely referral, transportation, and admission to licensed mental health facilities, and follow-up for youth whose psychiatric needs exceed the treatment capability of the facility; and,

(g) assurance that any youth who displays significant symptoms of severe depression, suicidal ideation, irrational, violent or self destructive behaviors, or who is receiving psychotropic medication shall be provided a mental status assessment by a licensed mental health clinician, psychologist, or psychiatrist.

(h) transition planning for youth undergoing mental health treatment, including arrangements for continuation of medication and therapeutic services.

Mentally disordered youth who appear to be a danger to themselves or others, or to be gravely disabled, shall be evaluated either pursuant to applicable statute or by on-site licensed health personnel to determine if treatment can be initiated at the juvenile facility. Absent an emergency, unless the juvenile facility has been designated as a Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) facility, and youth meet the criteria for involuntary commitment under the LPS Act in Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5000 et seq., all services shall be provided on a voluntary basis. Voluntary mental health admissions may be sought pursuant to Penal Code Section 4011.8 or Welfare and Institutions Code Section 6552.

HISTORY

1. New section filed 3-6-97; operative 4-5-97 (Register 97, No. 10).

2. Amendment of subsections (e)-(f) and new subsection (g) filed 1-11-2001; operative 2-10-2001 (Register 2001, No. 2).

3. Amendment of subsection (g) filed 6-18-2007; operative 7-18-2007 (Register 2007, No. 25).

4. Amendment of subsections (f)-(g), new subsection (h) and amendment of last paragraph and Note filed 12-2-2013; operative 4-1-2014 (Register 2013, No. 49).

Note

Note: Authority cited: Sections 210 and 885, Welfare and Institutions Code. Reference: Section 209, Welfare and Institutions Code.