902 KAR 20:320. Psychiatric residential treatment facility operation and services.

RELATES TO: KRS 216B.010-216B.130, KRS 216B.010-216B.130, 216B.990, 42 C.F.R. 441.156, 42 C.F.R. 483

STATUTORY AUTHORITY: KRS 216B.042, 216B.105, KRS 216B.010-216B.130, 314.011(8), 314.042(8), 320.240(14),

NECESSITY, FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY: KRS 216B.042, 216B.105 and KRS 216B.010-216B.130 mandate that the Kentucky Cabinet for Health Services regulate health facilities and services. This administrative regulation provides minimum licensure requirements regarding the operation of and services provided in psychiatric residential treatment facilities.

Section 1. Definitions.

(1) "Chemical restraint" means the use of a drug that:

(a) Is administered to manage a resident's behavior in a way that reduces the safety risk to the resident or others;

(b) Has the temporary effect of restricting the resident's freedom of movement; and

(c) Is not a standard treatment for the resident's medical or psychiatric condition.

(2) "Clinical privileges" means authorization by the governing body to provide certain resident care and treatment services in the facility specified by the governing body within well-defined limits, based on the individual's license, education, training, experience, competence, and judgment.

(3) "Direct-care staff" means residential or child-care workers who directly supervise residents.

(4) "Freestanding" is defined in KRS 216B.450(3).

(5) "Governing body" means the individual, agency, partnership, or corporation in which the ultimate responsibility and authority for the conduct of the facility is vested.

(6) "Licensure agency" means the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of Inspector General.

(7) "Living unit" means the area within a single building that is supplied by the facility for daily living and therapeutic interaction of no more than nine (9) residents.

(8) "Mechanical restraint" means any device attached or adjacent to a resident's body that he or she cannot easily remove that restricts freedom of movement or normal access to his or her body.

(9) "Mental health associate" means:

(a) An individual with a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a mental health related field; a registered nurse; or a licensed practical nurse with at least one (1) year's experience in a psychiatric inpatient or residential treatment setting for children; or

(b) An individual with a high school diploma or an equivalence certificate and at least two (2) years work experience in a psychiatric inpatient or residential treatment setting for children.

(10) "Mental health professional" is defined in KRS 645.020.

(11) "Personal restraint" means the application of physical force without the use of any device for the purpose of restraining the free movement of a resident's body and does not include briefly holding without undue force a resident in order to calm or comfort him or her or holding a resident's hand to safely escort him or her from one (1) area to another.

(12) "Psychiatric residential treatment facility" or "PRTF" is defined in KRS 216B.450 (5).

(13) "Seclusion" means the involuntary confinement of a resident alone in a room or in an area from which the resident is physically prevented from leaving.

(14) "Special treatment procedures" means any procedure such as chemical restraint, mechanical restraint, personal restraint, or seclusion which may have abuse potential or be life threatening.

(15) "Unusual treatment" means any procedure not readily accepted as a standard method of treatment by the relevant professional.

Section 2. Applicability.

(1) A psychiatric residential treatment facility shall be located in a freestanding structure.

(2) In accordance with KRS 216B.455(5) multiple PRTFs may be located on a common campus if each is freestanding.

(3) If a psychiatric residential treatment facility is located on grounds shared by another licensed facility other than a PRTF, the following shall apply:

(a) The residents of the PRTF and the licensed facility with which it shares grounds shall not have any joint activities or interactions, except for organized education activities, organized recreational activities, or group therapy for children with similar treatment needs;

(b) Direct-care staff of the licensed facility with which the PRTF shares grounds may provide relief, replacement, or substitute staff coverage to the PRTF; and

(c) For continuity of care, at least fifty (50) percent of direct care staff of the PRTF shall be employed by the PRTF.

(4) PRTFs that are located in the same structure or on a common campus may share joint activities and staff.

Section 3. Licensure.  A psychiatric residential treatment facility shall comply with all the conditions for licensure contained in 902 KAR 20:008.

Section 4. Governing Body.

A PRTF shall have a governing body with overall authority and responsibility for the facility's operation.

(1) The governing body shall be a legally constituted entity in the Commonwealth of Kentucky by means of a charter, articles of incorporation, partnership agreement, franchise agreement, or legislative or executive act.

(2) A facility that is part of a multifacility system or is operated by a government agency shall have a written description of the system's administrative structure and lines of authority.

(3) The authority and responsibility of any person designated to function as the governing body shall be specified in writing.

(4) If a business relationship exists between a governing body member and the organization, there shall be a conflict-of-interest policy that governs the member's participation in decisions influenced by the business interest.

(5) The responsibilities of the governing body shall be stated in writing and shall describe the process for the following:

(a) Adopting policies and procedures;

(b) Providing sufficient funds, staff, equipment, supplies, and facilities to assure that the facility is capable of providing appropriate and adequate services to residents;

(c) Overseeing the system of financial management and accountability;

(d) Adopting a program to monitor and evaluate the quality of all care provided and to appropriately address identified problems in care;

(e) Electing, appointing, or employing the clinical and administrative leadership personnel of the facility, and defining the qualifications, authority, responsibility, and function of those positions; and

(f) Approving employment of mental health professional staff.

(6) The governing body shall meet as a whole at least quarterly and keep records that demonstrate the ongoing discharge of its responsibilities.

(7) If a facility is a component of a larger organization, the facility staff, subject to the overall authority of the governing body, shall be given the necessary authority to plan, organize, and operate the program.

Section 5. Program Director.

(1) A program director shall be responsible for the administrative management of the facility.

(2) A program director:

(a) Shall be qualified by training and experience to direct a treatment program for children and adolescents with emotional problems;

(b) Shall have at least minimum qualifications of a master's degree or bachelor's degree in the human services field including:

1. Social work;

2. Sociology;

3. Psychology;

4. Guidance and counseling;

5. Education;

6. Religion;

7. Business administration;

8. Criminal justice;

9. Public administration;

10. Child care administration;

11. Christian education;

12. Divinity;

13. Pastoral counseling;

14. Nursing; or

15. Other human service field related to working with families and children;

(c)1. With a master's degree shall have two (2) years of prior supervisory experience in a human services program; or

2. With a bachelor's degree shall have four (4) years of prior supervisory experience in a human services program; and

(d)1. Shall have three (3) professional references, two (2) personal references, and a criminal record check performed every two (2) years through the Administrative Office of the Courts or the Kentucky State Police; and

2. Shall not have a crime conviction, or plea of guilty, pursuant to KRS 17.165 or a Class A felony.

(3) A program director shall be responsible to the governing body in accordance with the bylaws, rules or policies for the following:

(a) Overseeing the overall operation of the facility, including the control, utilization, and conservation of its physical and financial assets and the recruitment and direction of staff;

(b) Assuring that sufficient, qualified, and appropriately supervised staff are on duty to meet the needs of the residents at all times;

(c) Approving purchases and payroll;

(d) Assuring that treatment planning, medical supervision, and quality assurance occur as specified in this administrative regulation;

(e) Advising the governing body of all significant matters bearing on the facility's licensure and operations;

(f) Preparing reports or items necessary to assist the governing body in formulating policies and procedures to assure that the facility is capable of providing appropriate and adequate services to residents;

(g) Maintaining a written manual that defines policies and procedures and is regularly revised and updated; and

(h) Assuring that all written facility policies, plans, and procedures are followed.

Section 6. Administration and Operation.

(1) A PRTF shall have written documentation of the following:

(a) An organizational chart that includes position titles and the name of the person occupying the position, and that shows the chain of command;

(b) A service philosophy with clearly defined assumptions and values;

(c) Estimates of the clinical needs of the children and adolescents in the area served by the facility;

(d) The services provided by the facility in response to needs;

(e) The population served, including age groups and other relevant characteristics of the resident population;

(f) The intake or admission process, including how the initial contact is made with the resident and the family or significant others;

(g) The assessment and evaluation procedures provided by the facility;

(h) The methods used to deliver services to meet the identified clinical needs of the residents served;

(i) The methods used to deliver services to meet the basic needs of residents in a manner as consistent with normal daily living as possible;

(j) The methods used to create a home-like environment for all residents;

(k) The methods, means and linkages by which the facility involves all residents in community activities, organizations, and events;

(l) The treatment planning process and the periodic review of therapy;

(m) The discharge and aftercare planning processes;

(n) The facility's therapeutic programs;

(o) How professional services are provided by qualified, experienced personnel;

(p) How mental health professionals and direct-care staff who have been assigned specific treatment responsibilities are qualified by training or experience and demonstrated competence and have appropriate clinical privileges; or are supervised by a mental health professional who is qualified by experience to supervise the treatment;

(q) How the facility is linked to regional interagency councils, psychiatric hospitals, community mental health centers, Department for Community Based Services offices and facilities, and school systems in the facility's service area;

(r) The means by which the facility provides, or makes arrangements for the provision of:

1. Emergency services and crisis stabilization;

2. Discharge and aftercare planning that promotes continuity of care; and

3. Education and vocational services; and

(s) Services the facility provides to improve stability of care and reduce re-hospitalization including:

1. How psychiatric and nursing coverage is provided to assure the continuous ability to manage and administer medications in crisis situations except for those that may only be administered by a physician; and

2. How direct-care staffing with supervision is provided to manage behavior problems in accordance with the residents’ treatment plans, including an array of interventions that are alternatives to seclusion and restraint, and the staff training necessary to implement them.

(2) The documentation shall be:

(a) Made available to each mental health professional and to the program director; and

(b) Reviewed and revised as necessary, in accordance with the changing needs of the residents and the community and with the overall objectives and goals of the facility. Revisions in the documentation shall incorporate, as appropriate, relevant findings from the facility's quality assurance and utilization review programs.

(3) Professional staff.

(a) A PRTF shall:

1. Employ a sufficient number of mental health professionals to meet the treatment needs of residents and the goals and objectives of the facility; and

2. Meet the following requirements with regard to professional staffing:

a.         (i) A board-eligible or board-certified child psychiatrist or board-certified adult psychiatrist shall be employed to meet the treatment needs of the residents and the functions which shall be performed by a psychiatrist specified within this administrative regulation.

(ii) If a facility has residents ages twelve (12) and under, the psychiatrist shall be board-eligible or board-certified in child psychiatry.

(iii) The psychiatrist shall be present in the facility to provide professional services to the facility's residents at least weekly.

b. A PRTF shall employ at least one (1) full-time mental health professional.

c. A mental health professional shall be available to assist on-site in emergencies on at least an on-call basis at all times.

d. A psychiatrist shall be available on at least an on-call basis at all times.

(b) Clinical director. The governing body shall designate one (1) full-time mental health professional as clinical director for the PRTF.

1. In addition to the requirements related to his profession, the clinical director shall have at least two (2) years of clinical experience in a mental health setting that serves children or adolescents with emotional problems.

2. The governing body shall define the authority and duties of the clinical director.

3. An individual may serve as both the clinical director and the program director if the qualifications of both positions are met.

4. The clinical director shall be responsible for:

a. The maintenance of the facility's therapeutic milieu; and

b. Assuring that treatment plans developed in accordance with Section 11(3) of this administrative regulation are implemented.

5. A full-time mental health professional may be designated as clinical director for more than one (1) PRTF if the PRTFs are located on a common campus.

(4) Direct-care staff.

(a) A PRTF shall employ adequate direct-care staff to ensure the continuous provision of sufficient regular and emergency supervision of all residents twenty-four (24) hours a day.

(b)1. Direct-care staff shall have at least a high school diploma or equivalency and two (2) years experience in a program in the mental health field serving children or adolescents.

2. Completion of a forty (40) hour training curriculum meeting the requirements of subsection (5)(d) of this section within one (1) month of employment may be substituted for experience, except that direct-care staff so qualified shall not be given clinical privileges in their first year of employment.

(c) In order to assure that the residents are adequately supervised and are cared for in a safe and therapeutic manner, the direct-care staffing plan shall meet each of the following requirements:

1. At least one (1) direct-care staff member who is a mental health associate shall be assigned direct-care responsibilities for a PRTF at all times during normal waking hours when residents are not in school;

2. At least one (1) direct-care staff member shall be assigned to direct-care responsibilities for each three (3) residents during normal waking hours when residents are not in school;

3.a. At least one (1) direct-care staff member shall be assigned direct-care responsibilities, be awake, and be continuously available on each living unit during all hours the residents are asleep; and

b. A minimum of one (1) additional direct-care staff member who is a mental health associate shall be immediately available on the grounds of the PRTF to assist with emergencies or problems which might arise;

4. If a mental health professional is directly involved in an activity with a group of residents, he or she may meet the requirement for a direct-care staff member; and

5. The direct-care staff member who is supervising residents shall know the whereabouts of each resident at all times.

(d) Written policies and procedures approved by the governing body shall:

1. Specify the clinical privileges, if any, of each member of the direct-care staff;

2. Provide for the supervision of the direct-care staff; and

3. Describe the responsibilities of direct-care staff in relation to professional staff.

(5) Staff development.

(a) Staff development programs shall be provided and documented for administrative, professional, direct-care, and support staff.

(b) Full-time professional and direct-care staff shall meet the continuing education requirements of their profession or be provided with forty (40) hours per year of in-service training

(c) Part-time staff shall have at least twenty-four (24) hours of annual training specific to tasks to be performed.

(d) Each staff member working directly with residents shall receive annual training in the following areas:

1. Child and adolescent growth and development;

2. Emergency and safety procedures;

3. Behavior management, including de-escalation training; and

4. Detection and reporting of child abuse or neglect.

(6) Employment practices.

(a) A PRTF shall have employment and personnel policies and procedures designed, established, and maintained to promote the objectives of the facility, to ensure that an adequate number of qualified personnel under appropriate supervision is provided during all hours of operation, and to support quality of care and functions of the facility.

(b) The personnel policies and procedures shall be written, systematically reviewed, and approved on an annual basis by the governing body, and dated to indicate the time of last review.

(c) The personnel policies and procedures shall provide for the recruitment, selection, promotion, and termination of staff.

(d) The PRTF shall maintain job descriptions that:

1. Are approved by the governing body for all positions specifying the qualifications, duties, and supervisory relationship of the position;

2. Accurately reflect the actual job situation;

3. Are revised if a change is made in the required qualifications, duties, supervision, or any other major job-related factor; and

4. Provide the salary range for each position.

(e) The PRTF shall provide a personnel orientation to all new employees.

(f)         1. The personnel policies and procedures shall be available and apply to all employees and shall be discussed with all new employees.

2. The governing body shall establish a mechanism for notifying employees of changes in the personnel policies and procedures.

b. Job descriptions shall accurately reflect the actual job situation and shall be revised whenever a change is made in the required qualifications, duties, supervision, or any other major job-related factor. In addition, salary range for each position shall be provided.

2.a. Provide a personnel orientation to all new employees.

b. The personnel policies and procedures shall be available and apply to all employees and shall be discussed with all new employees.

c. The governing body shall establish a mechanism for notifying employees of changes in the personnel policies and procedures.

(g) Information on the following shall be included in the personnel policies and procedures:

1. Employee benefits;

2. Recruitment;

3. Promotion;

4. Training and staff development;

5. Employee grievances;

6. Safety and employee injuries;

7. Relationships with employee organizations;

8. Disciplinary systems;

9. Suspension and termination mechanisms;

10. Rules of conduct;

11. Lines of authority;

12. Performance appraisals;

13. Wages, hours and salary administration; and

14. Equal employment opportunity and, if required, affirmative action policies.

(h) The personnel policies and procedures shall describe methods and procedures for supervising all personnel, including volunteers.

(i) The personnel policies and procedures shall require a criminal record check through the Administrative Office of the Courts or the Kentucky State Police for all staff and volunteers to assure that only persons whose presence does not jeopardize the health, safety, and welfare of residents are employed and used.

(j) The personnel policies and procedures shall provide for reporting and cooperating in the investigation of suspected cases of child abuse and neglect by facility personnel.

(k) A personnel record shall be kept on each staff member and shall contain the following items:

1. Application for employment;

2. Written references and a record of verbal references;

3. Verification of all training and experience and of licensure, certification, registration, or renewals;

4. Wage and salary information, including all adjustments;

5. Performance appraisals;

6. Counseling actions;

7. Disciplinary actions;

8. Commendations;

9. Employee incident reports; and

10. Record of health exams related to employment.

(l) The personnel policies and procedures shall assure the confidentiality of personnel records and specify who has access to various types of personnel information.

(m) Performance appraisals shall relate job description and job performance and shall be written. The criteria used to evaluate job performance shall be objective.

Section 7. Resident Rights.

(1) A PRTF shall support and protect the basic human, civil, and constitutional rights of the individual resident.

(2) Written policy and procedure approved by the governing body shall provide a description of the resident's rights and the means by which these rights are protected and exercised.

(3) At the point of admission, a PRTF shall provide the resident and parent, guardian, or custodian with a clearly written and readable statement of rights and responsibilities. The statement shall be read to the resident or parent, guardian, or custodian if either cannot read and shall cover, at a minimum:

(a) Each resident's right to access treatment, regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity;

(b) Each resident's right to recognition and respect of his personal dignity in the provision of all treatment and care;

(c) Each resident's right to be provided treatment and care in the least restrictive environment possible;

(d) Each resident's right to an individualized treatment plan;

(e) Each resident's and family's right to participate in planning for treatment;

(f) The nature of care, procedures, and treatment that the resident shall receive;

(g) The right to informed consent related to the risks, side effects, and benefits of all medications and treatment procedures used; and

(h) The right, to the extent permitted by law, to refuse the specific medications or treatment procedures and the responsibility of the facility if the resident refuses treatment, to seek appropriate legal alternatives or orders of involuntary treatment, or, in accordance with professional standards, to terminate the relationship with the resident upon reasonable notice.

(4) The rights of residents shall be written in language which is understandable to the resident, his or her parents, custodians, or guardians and shall be posted in appropriate areas of the facility.

(5) The policy and procedure concerning resident rights shall assure and protect the resident's personal privacy within the constraints of his treatment plan. These rights to privacy shall at least include:

(a) Visitation by the resident's family or significant others in a suitable private area of the facility;

(b) Sending and receiving mail without hindrance or censorship; and

(c) Telephone communications with the resident's family or significant others at a reasonable frequency.

(6) If any rights to privacy are limited, the resident and his or her parent, guardian, or custodian shall receive a full explanation. Limitations shall be documented in the resident's record and their therapeutic effectiveness shall be evaluated and documented by professional staff every seven (7) days.

(7) The right to initiate a complaint or grievance procedure and the means for requesting a hearing or review of a complaint shall be specified in a written policy approved by the governing body and made available to residents, parents, guardians, and custodians responsible for the resident. The procedure shall indicate:

(a) To whom the grievance is to be addressed; and

(b) Steps to be followed for filing a complaint, grievance, or appeal.

(8) The resident and his or her parent, guardian, or custodian shall be informed of the current and future use and disposition of products of special observation and audio-visual techniques such as one (1) way vision mirrors, tape recorders, videotapes, monitors, or photographs.

(9) The policy and procedure regarding resident's rights shall ensure the resident's right to confidentiality of all information recorded in his or her record maintained by the facility. The facility shall ensure the initial and continuing training of all staff in the principles of confidentiality and privacy.

(10)     (a) A resident shall be allowed to work for the facility only under the following conditions:

1. The work is part of the individual treatment plan;

2. The work is performed voluntarily;

3. The patient receives wages commensurate with the economic value of the work; and

4. The work project complies with applicable law and administrative regulation; and

(b) The performance of tasks related to the responsibilities of family-like living, such as laundry and housekeeping, shall not be considered work for the facility and need not be compensated or voluntary.

(11) Written policy developed in consultation with professional and direct care staff and approved by the governing body shall provide for the measures utilized by the facility to discipline residents. These measures shall be fully explained to each resident and the resident's parent, guardian, or custodian.

(12) A PRTF shall prohibit all cruel and unusual disciplinary measures including the following:

(a) Corporal punishment;

(b) Forced physical exercise;

(c) Forced fixed body positions;

(d) Group punishment for individual actions;

(e) Verbal abuse, ridicule, or humiliation;

(f) Denial of three (3) balanced nutritional meals per day;

(g) Denial of clothing, shelter, bedding, or personal hygiene needs;

(h) Denial of access to educational services;

(i) Denial of visitation, mail, or phone privileges for punishment;

(j) Exclusion of the resident from entry to his assigned living unit; and

(k) Restraint or seclusion as a punishment or employed for the convenience of staff.

(13) Written policy shall prohibit residents from administering disciplinary measures upon one another and shall prohibit persons other than professional or direct-care staff from administering disciplinary measures to residents.

(14)     (a) Written rules of resident conduct shall be developed in consultation with the professional and direct-care staff and be approved by the governing body.

(b) Residents shall participate in the development of the rules to a reasonable and appropriate extent.

(c) These rules shall be based on generally acceptable behavior for the resident population served.

(15) The application of disciplinary measures shall relate to the violation of established rules.

Section 8. Resident Records.

(1) A PRTF shall:

(a) Have written policies concerning resident records approved by the governing body; and

(b) Maintain a written resident record on each resident, to be directly accessible to staff members caring for the resident.

(2) The resident record shall contain at a minimum:

(a) Basic identifying information;

(b) Appropriate court orders or consent of appropriate family members or guardians for admission, evaluation, and treatment;

(c) A provisional or admitting diagnosis which includes a physical diagnosis, if applicable, as well as a psychiatric diagnosis;

(d) The report by the parent, guardian, or custodian of the patient's immunization status;

(e) A psychosocial assessment of the resident and his family, including:

1. An evaluation of the effect of the family on the resident's condition and the effect of the resident's condition on the family; and

2. A summary of the resident's psychosocial needs.

(f) An evaluation of the resident's growth and development, including physical, emotional, cognitive, educational, and social development; and needs for play and daily activities;

(g) The resident's legal custody status, if applicable;

(h) The family's, guardian's, or custodian's expectations for, and involvement in, the assessment, treatment, and continuing care of the resident;

(i) Physical health assessment, including evaluations of the following:

1. Motor development and functioning;

2. Sensorimotor functioning;

3. Speech, hearing, and language functioning;

4. Visual functioning; and

5. Immunization status.

(3) The resident record shall also include:

(a) Physician's notes which shall include an entry made at least weekly by the staff psychiatrist regarding the condition of the resident.

(b) Professional progress notes which shall be completed following each professional service except if the service is provided daily to groups of residents, when weekly summaries may be used. Professional progress notes shall be signed and dated by the mental health professional who provided the service.

(c)        1. Direct-care progress notes which shall record implementation of all treatment and any unusual or significant events which occur for the resident.

2. Direct-care progress notes shall be completed at least by the end of each direct-care shift and summarized weekly.

3. Direct-care notes shall be signed and dated by the direct-care staff making the entry.

(d) Special clinical justifications for the use of special and unusual treatment procedures and reports.

(e) Discharge summary.

(f) If a patient dies, the resident record shall include a summation statement in the form of a discharge summary, including events leading to the death, signed by the attending physician.

(4) A PRTF shall maintain confidentiality of resident records. Resident information shall be released only on written consent of the resident or his parent, guardian, or custodian or as otherwise authorized by law. The written consent shall contain the following information:

(a) The name of the person, agency, or organization to which the information is to be disclosed;

(b) The specific information to be disclosed;

(c) The purpose of disclosure; and

(d) The date the consent was signed and the signature of the individual witnessing the consent.

Section 9. Quality Assurance.

(1) A PRTF shall have an organized quality assurance program designed to enhance resident treatment and care through the ongoing objective assessment of important aspects of resident care and the correction of identified problems.

(2) A PRTF shall prepare a written quality assurance plan designed to ensure that there is an ongoing quality assurance program that includes effective mechanisms for reviewing and evaluating resident care, and that provides for appropriate response to findings.

(3) A PRTF shall record all incidents or accidents that present a direct or immediate threat to the health, safety or security of any resident or staff member. Examples of incidents to be recorded include the following: physical violence, fighting, absence without leave, use or possession of drugs or alcohol, or inappropriate sexual behavior. The record should be kept on file and retained at the facility and shall be made available for inspection by the licensure agency.

Section 10. Admission Criteria.

(1) A PRTF shall have written admission criteria approved by the governing body and which are consistent with the facility's goals and objectives.

(2) Admission criteria shall be made available to referral sources and to parents, guardians, or custodians and shall include:

(a) Types of admission (crisis stabilization, long-term treatment);

(b) Age and sex of accepted;

(c) Criteria that preclude admission;

(d) Clinical needs and problems typically addressed by the facility's programs and services;

(e) Criteria for discharge; and

(f) Any preplacement requirements of the resident, his parents, guardians, custodians, or the placing agency.

(3)       (a) Residents admitted to a PRTF shall have obtained age six (6), but not attained age eighteen (18).

(b) Residents may remain in care until age twenty-one (21) if admitted by their 18th birthday.

(c) Admission criteria related to age at admission shall be determined by the age grouping of children currently in residence and shall reflect a range no greater than five (5) years in a living unit.

(4) Children and adolescents who are a danger to self or others for whom the facility is unable to develop a risk-management plan shall not be admitted.

Section 11. Resident Management.

(1) Intake.

(a) A PRTF shall have written policies and procedures approved by the governing body for the intake process which addresses at a minimum the following:

1. Referral, records, and statistical data to be kept regarding applicants for residence;

2. Criteria for determining the eligibility of individuals for admission;

3. Methods used in the intake process which shall be based on the services provided by the facility and the needs of residents; and

4. Procurement of appropriate consent forms. This may include the release of educational and medical records.

(b) The intake process shall be designed to provide at least the following information:

1. Identification of agencies who have been involved in the treatment of the resident in the community and the anticipated extent of involvement of those agencies during and after the resident's stay in the facility;

2. Legal, custody and visitation orders; and

3. Proposed discharge plan and anticipated length of stay.

(c) The intake process shall include an orientation for the parent, guardian, or custodian as appropriate and the resident which includes the following:

1. The rights and responsibilities of residents, including the rules governing resident conduct and the types of infractions that can result in disciplinary action or discharge from the facility;

2. Rights, responsibilities, and expectations of the parent, guardian, or custodian; and

3. Preparation of the staff and residents of the facility for the new resident.

(d) Upon admission each resident of school age shall have been certified or be referred for assessment as a child with a disability pursuant to 20 U.S.C. 1400.

(2) Assessment.

(a) A complete evaluation and assessment shall be performed for each resident which includes at least physical, emotional, behavioral, social, recreational, educational, legal, vocational, and nutritional needs.

(b) An initial health screening for illness, injury, and communicable disease or other immediate needs shall be conducted within twenty-four (24) hours after admission by a nurse.

(c) A physician, nurse practitioner, or physician's assistant shall conduct a physical examination of each resident within fourteen (14) days after admission. Communication to schedule the physical examination of each resident shall be initiated within twenty-four (24) hours after admission. The physical examination shall include at least evaluations of the following:

1. Motor development and functioning;

2. Sensorimotor functioning;

3. Speech, hearing, and language functioning;

4. Visual functioning; and

5. Immunization status. If a resident's immunization is not complete as defined in the report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the facility shall be responsible for its completion and shall begin to complete any immunizations which are outside of the set periodicity schedule within thirty (30) days of admission or the physical examination, whichever is later.

(d) If the resident has had a complete physical examination by a qualified physician, nurse practitioner, or physician's assistant within the previous three (3) months which includes the requirements of paragraph (c) of this subsection of this section and if the facility obtains complete copies of the record, the physician, nurse practitioner, or physician's assistant may determine after reviewing the records and assessing the resident's physical health that a complete physical examination is not required. If that determination is made, the examination performed in the previous three (3) months may be used to meet the requirement for a physical examination in paragraph (c) of this section.

(e) Facilities shall have all the necessary diagnostic tools and personnel available or have written agreements with another organization to provide physical health assessments, including electroencephalographic equipment, a qualified technician trained in dealing with children and adolescents, and a properly qualified physician to interpret electroencephalographic tracing of children and adolescents.

(f) An emotional and behavioral assessment of each resident that includes an examination by a psychiatrist shall be completed and entered in the resident's record. The emotional and behavioral assessment shall include the following:

1. A history of previous emotional, behavioral, and substance abuse problems and treatment;

2. The resident's current emotional and behavioral functioning;

3. A direct psychiatric evaluation;

4. If indicated, psychological assessments, including intellectual, projective, and personality testing;

5. If indicated, other functional evaluations of language, self-care, and social-affective and visual-motor functioning; and

6. An evaluation of the developmental age factors of the resident.

(g) The facility shall have an assessment procedure for the early detection of mental health problems that are life threatening, are indicative of severe personality disorganization or deterioration, or may seriously affect the treatment or rehabilitation process.

(h) A social assessment of each resident shall be undertaken and include:

1. Environment and home;

2. Religion;

3. Childhood history;

4. Financial status;

5. The social, peer-group, and environmental setting from which the resident comes; and

6. The resident's family circumstances, including the constellation of the family group; the current living situation; and social, ethnic, cultural, emotional, and health factors, including drug and alcohol use.

(i) The social assessment shall include a determination of the need for participation of family members or significant others in the resident's treatment.

(j) An activities assessment of each resident shall include information relating to the individual's current skills, talents, aptitudes, and interest.

(k) An assessment shall be performed to evaluate the resident's potential for involvement in community activity, organizations, and events.

(l) For adolescents age sixteen (16) and older, a vocational assessment of the resident shall be done which includes the following:

1. Vocational history;

2. Education history, including academic and vocational training; and

3. A preliminary discussion, between the resident and the staff member doing the assessment, concerning the resident's past experiences with and attitude toward work, present motivations or areas of interest, and possibilities for future education, training, and employment.

(m) If appropriate, a legal assessment of the resident shall be undertaken and shall include the following:

1. A legal history; and

2. A preliminary discussion to determine the extent to which the legal situation will influence his progress in treatment and the urgency of the legal situation.

(3) Treatment plans.

(a)       1. Within seventy-two (72) hours following admission, a mental health professional shall develop an initial treatment plan that is based at least on an assessment of the resident's presenting problems, physical health, and emotional and behavioral status.

2. Appropriate therapeutic efforts shall begin before a master treatment plan is finalized.

(b) A master treatment plan shall be developed by a multidisciplinary team conference in conformity with 42 C.F.R. 441.156 within ten (10) days of admission for any resident remaining in treatment. It shall be based on the comprehensive assessment of the resident's needs completed pursuant to subsection (2) of this section, include a substantiated diagnosis and the short-term and long-range treatment needs, and address the specific treatment modalities required to meet the resident's needs.

1. The treatment plan shall contain specific and measurable goals for the resident to achieve.

2. The treatment plan shall describe the services, activities, and programs to be provided to the resident, and shall specify staff members assigned to work with the resident and the time or frequency for each treatment procedure.

3. The treatment plan shall specify criteria to be met for termination of treatment.

4. The treatment plan shall include any referrals necessary for services not provided directly by the facility.

5. The resident shall participate to the maximum extent feasible in the development of his treatment plan, and the participation shall be documented in the resident's record.

6.         a. A specific plan for involving the resident's family or significant others shall be included in the treatment plan.

b. The parent, guardian, or custodian shall be given the opportunity to participate in the multidisciplinary treatment plan conference if feasible and shall be given a copy of the resident's master treatment plan.

c. The master treatment plan shall identify the mental health professional who is responsible for coordinating and facilitating the family's involvement throughout treatment.

7. The treatment plan shall be reviewed and updated through multidisciplinary team conferences as clinically indicated and at least within, thirty (30) days following the first ten (10) days of treatment and every sixty (60) days thereafter.

8. Following one (1) year of continuous treatment, the review and update may be conducted at three (3) month intervals.

(c) The master treatment plan and each review and update shall be signed by the participants in the multidisciplinary team conference that developed it.

(4) Progress notes.

(a) Progress notes shall be entered in the resident's records, be used as a basis for reviewing the treatment plan, signed and dated by the individual making the entry and shall include the following:

1. Documentation of implementation of the treatment plan;

2. Chronological documentation of all treatment provided to the resident and documentation of the resident's clinical course; and

3. Descriptions of each change in each of the resident's conditions.

(b) All entries involving subjective interpretation of the resident's progress shall be supplemented with a description of the actual behavior observed.

(c) Efforts shall be made to secure written progress reports for residents receiving services from outside sources and, if available, to include them in the resident record.

(d) The resident's progress and current status in meeting the goals and objectives of his or her treatment plan shall be regularly recorded in the resident record.

(5) Discharge planning. A PRTF shall have written policies and procedures for discharge of residents.

(a)       1. Discharge planning shall begin at admission and be documented in the resident's record.

2. At least ninety (90) days prior to the planned discharge of a resident from the facility, or within ten (10) days after admission if the anticipated length of stay is under ninety (90) days, the multidisciplinary team shall formulate a discharge and aftercare plan.

3. This plan shall be maintained in the resident's record and reviewed and updated with the master treatment plan.

(b) All discharge recommendations shall be determined through a conference, including the appropriate facility staff, the resident, the resident's parents, guardian, or custodian and, if indicated, the representative of the agency to whom the resident may be referred for any aftercare service, and the affected local school districts. All aftercare plans shall delineate those parties responsible for the provision of aftercare services.

(c) If the aftercare plan involves placement of the resident in another licensed program following discharge, facility staff shall share resident information with representatives of the aftercare program provider if authorized by written consent of the parent, guardian, or custodian.

(d) A facility deciding to release a resident on an unplanned basis shall:

1. Have reached the decision to release at a multidisciplinary team conference chaired by the clinical director that determined, in writing, that services available through the facility cannot meet the needs of the resident;

2. Provide at least ninety-six (96) hours notice to the resident's parent, guardian, or custodian and the agency which will be providing aftercare services. If authorized by written consent of the parent, guardian, or custodian, the facility shall provide to the receiving agency copies of the resident's records and discharge summary; and

3. Consult with the receiving agency in situations involving placement for the purpose of ensuring that the placement reasonably meets the needs of the resident.

(e) Within fourteen (14) days of a resident's discharge from the facility, the facility shall compile and complete a written discharge summary for inclusion in the resident's record. The discharge summary shall include:

1. Name, address, phone number, and relationship of the person to whom the resident was released;

2. Description of circumstances leading to admission of the resident to the facility;

3. Significant problems of the resident;

4. Clinical course of the resident's treatment;

5. Assessment of remaining needs of the resident and alternative services recommended to meet those needs;

6. Special clinical management requirements including psychotropic drugs;

7. Brief descriptive overview of the aftercare plan designed for the resident; and

8. Circumstances leading to the unplanned or emergency discharge of the resident, if applicable.

Section 12. Services. A PRTF shall provide the following services in a manner which takes into account and addresses the social life; emotional, cognitive, and physical growth and development; and the educational needs of the resident. Services shall include the opportunity for the resident to participate in community activities, organizations and events and shall provide a normalized environment for the resident.

(1) Mental health services.

(a) Mental health assessments and evaluations shall be provided as required in Section 11 of this administrative regulation.

(b) The mental health services available through the PRTF shall include the services listed below. These mental health services shall be provided by staff of the PRTF:

1.         a. Case coordination services to assure the full integration of all services provided to each resident.

b. Case coordination activities shall include monitoring the resident's daily functioning to assure the continuity of service in accordance with the resident's treatment plan and ensuring that all staff responsible for the care and delivery of services actively participate in the development and implementation of the resident's treatment plan.

2.         a. Planned on-site verbal therapies including formal individual, family, and group therapies.

b. These therapies shall include psychotherapy and other face-to-face verbal contacts between staff and the resident which are planned to enhance the resident's psychological and social functioning as well as to facilitate the resident's integration into a family unit.

c. Verbal contacts that are incidental to other activities are excluded from this service.

3.         a. Task and skill training to enhance a resident's age appropriate skills necessary to facilitate the resident's ability to care for himself and to function effectively in community settings.

b. Task and skill training activities shall include homemaking, housekeeping, personal hygiene, budgeting, shopping, and the use of community resources.

(2) Physical health services.

(a) The physical health services available through the PRTF facility shall include the services listed below. Physical health services may be provided directly by the facility or may be provided by written agreement.

1. Assessments and evaluations as required in Section 11 of this administrative regulation;

2. Diagnosis, treatment, and consultation for acute or chronic illnesses occurring during the resident's stay at the facility or for problems identified during an evaluation;

3. Preventive health care services to include periodic assessments in accordance with the periodicity schedule established by the American Academy of Pediatrics;

4. A dental examination within six (6) months of admission, periodic assessments in accordance with the periodicity schedule established by the American Dental Association, and treatment as needed;

5. Health and sex education; and

6. An ongoing immunization program.

(b) If physical health services are provided by written agreement with a provider of services other than the facility, the written agreement shall, at a minimum, address:

1. Referral of residents;

2. Qualifications of staff providing services;

3. Exchange of clinical information; and

4. Financial arrangements.

(3) Dietary services.

(a) A PRTF shall have written policies and procedures approved by the governing body for the provision of dietetic services for staff and residents which may be provided directly by the facility staff or through written contractual agreement.

(b) Adequate staff, space, equipment, and supplies shall be provided for safe sanitary operation of the dietetic service, the safe and sanitary handling and distribution of food, the care and cleaning of equipment and kitchen area, and the washing of dishes.

(c) The nutritional aspects of resident's care shall be planned, reviewed, and periodically evaluated by a qualified dietician registered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration and employed by the facility as a staff member or consultant.

(d) The food shall be served to residents and staff in a common eating place and:

1. Shall account for the special food needs and tastes of residents;

2. Shall not be withheld as punishment; and

3. Shall provide for special dietary need of residents such as those relating to problems, such as diabetes and allergies.

(e) Residents shall participate in the preparation and serving of food as appropriate.

(f) At least three (3) meals per day shall be served with not more than a fifteen (15) hour span between the substantial evening meal and breakfast. The facility shall arrange for and make provision for between-meal and unscheduled snacks.

(g) Except for school lunches and meals at restaurants, all members of a living unit shall be provided their meals together as a therapeutic function of the living unit.

(4) Emergency services.

(a) A PRTF shall provide for the prompt notification of the resident's parents, guardian, or custodian in case of serious illness, injury, surgery, or death.

(b) The facility shall provide or arrange for the training of all direct-care and professional staff in first aid and CPR.

(c)        1. All staff shall be knowledgeable of a written plan and procedure for meeting potential disasters and emergencies such as fires or severe weather.

2. The plan shall be posted.

3. Staff shall be trained in properly reporting a fire, extinguishing a small fire, and in evacuation from the building.

4. Fire drills shall be practiced in accordance with state fire administrative regulations.

(d) The facility shall have written procedures to be followed by staff if a psychiatric, medical, or dental emergency of a resident occurs that specifies:

1. Notification of designated member of the facility's chain of command;

2. Designation of staff person who shall decide to refer resident to outside treatment resources;

3. Notification of resident's parent, guardian, or custodian;

4. Transportation to be used;

5. Staff member to accompany resident;

6. Necessary consent and referral forms to accompany resident; and

7. Name, location, and telephone of designated treatment resources.

(e) The facility shall have designated treatment resources who shall have agreed to accept a resident for emergency treatment. At a minimum the resources shall include:

1. Licensed physician and an alternate designee;

2. Licensed dentist and an alternate designee;

3. Licensed hospital; and

4. Licensed hospital with an accredited psychiatric unit.

(5) Pharmacy services. A PRTF shall have written policies and procedures approved by the governing body for proper management of pharmaceuticals that are consistent with the following requirements:

(a)       1. Medications shall be administered by a registered nurse, physician, or dentist, except if administered by a licensed practical nurse, certified medication aide, or direct care staff under the supervision of a registered nurse.

2. Direct care staff who administer medications shall have successfully completed a medicine administration course approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing;

(b) Medications shall not be given without a written order signed by a physician, or dentist if applicable, or advanced registered nurse practitioner as authorized in KRS 314.011(8) and 314.042(8), or therapeutically-certified optometrist as authorized in KRS 320.240(14). Telephone orders for medications shall be given only to licensed nurses or a pharmacist and signed by the physician, dentist, advanced registered nurse practitioner or therapeutically-certified optometrist within twenty-four (24) hours from the time the order is given;

(c) Psychotropic medications shall be prescribed only when clinically indicated as one (1) facet of a program of therapy. The facility shall ensure that no stimulant or psychotropic medication is administered solely for the purpose of program management or control, and that no medication is prescribed for the purposes of experimentation or research;

(d) All medications shall require "stop orders";

(e) All prescriptions shall be reevaluated by the prescriber prior to its renewal;

(f) There shall be a systematic method for prescribing, ordering, receipting, storing, dispensing, administering, distributing and accounting for all medications;

(g) The facility shall provide maximum security storage of and accountability for all legend medications, syringes, and needles;

(h) Self-administration of medication shall be permitted only when specifically ordered by the responsible physician and supervised by a member of the professional staff or a mental health associate. Drugs to be self-administered shall be stored in a secured area and be made available to the resident at the time of administration;

(i) Residents permitted to self-administer drugs shall be counseled regarding the indications for which the drugs are to be used, the primary side effects, and the physical dosage forms which are to be administered;

(j) Drugs brought into the facility by residents shall not be administered unless they have been identified and unless written orders to administer these specific drugs are given by the responsible physician. Otherwise these drugs shall be packaged, sealed, and stored, and, if approved by the responsible physician, returned to the resident, parent, guardian, or custodian at the time of discharge.

(6) Education and vocational services.

(a) Educational and vocational services available through a PRTF shall include the minimum requirements of Kentucky Revised Statutes and federal laws and regulations regarding regular education, vocational education, and special education as appropriate to meet the needs of the residents.

1. Educational services may be provided by:

a. The facility;

b. The local school district in which the facility is located; or

c. A nonpublic school program which is specially accredited and approved by the Kentucky Department of Education to provide special education services to students with disabilities.

2. If the educational services are provided by the facility, the school program shall be specially accredited and approved by the Kentucky Department of Education to provide special education services to students with disabilities.

3. Educational services provided by a local school district may be provided within the facility or within the local school district.

4. The facility's multidisciplinary team shall make a recommendation concerning the delivery site of educational services provided by a local school district that is based on least restrictive environment determinations for individual residents.

5. Education services approved by the Department of Education shall be available either on the same site or in close physical proximity to the PRTF.

(b) If the education services are not provided directly by the facility, there shall be a written plan for the provision of education services. The education provider shall be a state education department-approved program. The written plan shall, at a minimum, address:

1. Qualifications of staff providing educational services;

2. Participation of educational and vocational staff in the treatment planning process;

3. Access by staff of the facility to educational and vocational programs and records; and

4. Financial and service arrangements.

(c) The facility shall ensure that residents have opportunities to be educated in the least restrictive environment consistent with the treatment needs of the resident as determined by the multidisciplinary team and reflected in the resident's master treatment plan.

(d) Upon admission each resident of school age shall have been certified or be referred for assessment as a child with a disability pursuant to 20 U.S.C. 1400.

(e) The facility shall ensure that education services are developed and implemented with input from the child's education staff in conjunction with the master treatment plan and meet the following requirements:

1. Each resident's master treatment plan shall include formal academic goals for remediation and continuing education.

2.         a. Each resident eligible for special education services to the handicapped shall have treatment activities developed by the multidisciplinary team, which may be incorporated into the individualized treatment plan developed by the local school district.

b. The multidisciplinary team shall develop treatment activities which extend into the classroom as appropriate.

c. The program director or designee shall request an invitation to attend all individualized treatment plan meetings.

d. If allowed, the program director or designee shall attend all individualized treatment plan meetings.

3. To avoid unnecessary duplication and make maximum use of resources, the services provided by the education and treatment components for children with disabilities pursuant to 20 U.S.C. 1400 shall be developed with the opportunity for input from both parties.

(f)         1. The facility shall provide or arrange for vocational services for residents, as is age appropriate and is in accordance with the master treatment plan.

2. The services shall be planned, implemented and supervised by a vocational counselor or appropriate therapist who may be a full- or part-time employee of the facility or a consultant.

(g) Residents may be permitted to accumulate earnings in a bank account established with the resident by the facility.

(7) Activity services.

(a) A daily schedule of planned recreational activities shall be prepared for the approval of the clinical director prior to implementation of the schedule.

1. The schedule shall be for normal waking hours that residents are not in school, or in active treatment.

2. The schedule shall include a full range of activities including physical recreation, team sports, art, and music; attendance at recreational and cultural events in the community; and individualized, directed activities like reading and crafts.

3. Nondirected leisure time shall be limited to two (2) one-half (1/2) hour periods on school days and three (3) one-half (1/2) hour periods on nonschool days.

4. The activity schedule shall identify the professional or direct-care staff who will lead and support each activity.

5. Changes made to the schedule as the schedule is implemented shall be indicated on a copy of each daily schedule maintained as a permanent record by the clinical director.

(b) Appropriate time, space, and equipment shall be provided by the facility for leisure activity and free play.

(c) The facility shall provide the means of observing holidays and personal milestones in keeping with the cultural and religious background of the residents.

(8) Speech, language, and hearing services. A PRTF shall provide or arrange for speech, language, and hearing services to meet the identified needs of residents. These services shall be provided by the facility or through written agreement with a qualified speech-language and hearing clinician. The written agreement shall, at a minimum, address:

(a) Referral of residents;

(b) Qualifications of staff providing services;

(c) Exchange of clinical information; and

(d) Financial arrangements.

Section 13. Special Treatment Procedures.

(1) Special treatment procedures include procedures such as restraint or seclusion which may have abuse potential or be life threatening. Special treatment shall be used only as a means to prevent a resident from injuring himself, herself, or others.

(2) The use of mechanical restraint shall be prohibited in a PRTF.

(3) Special treatment procedures shall not be used as punishment or as a convenience of staff.

(4) Special treatment procedures may only be:

(a) Ordered by a trained, clinically-privileged staff person acting within his or her scope of practice; and

(b) Carried out by trained staff.

(5) A PRTF shall have a written plan approved by the governing body for the use of special treatment procedures which at a minimum meet the following requirements:

(a) Any use of special treatment procedures shall require clinical justification;

(b) A rationale and the clinical indications for the use of special treatment procedures shall be clearly stated in the resident's record for each occurrence. The rationale shall address the inadequacy of less restrictive intervention techniques;

(c) The plan shall specify the length of time for which a specific approval remains effective;

(d) The plan shall specify the length of time the special treatment procedure may be utilized; and

(e) The plan shall specify when continued or repeated special treatment procedures shall trigger multidisciplinary team review.

(6) If an emergency situation requires restraint or seclusion and a practitioner authorized to order restraint or seclusion is not available in a PRTF, a verbal order for restraint and seclusion may be obtained and carried out under the following conditions:

(a) The verbal order shall be given by a practitioner, as authorized by the facility, who is acting within his or her scope of practice;

(b) The verbal order shall be received by a practitioner, as authorized by the facility, who is acting within his or her scope of practice;

(c) The ordering practitioner shall be immediately available by telephone for consultation during the time that restraint or seclusion is being carried out; and

(d) The verbal order shall be countersigned by the ordering practitioner within seven (7) days of date that the order was given.

(7) For a nonemergency situation, restraint or seclusion may be carried out only after being ordered by:

(a) A resident's treating physician; or

(b) A practitioner acting within his or her scope of practice, if the resident's treating physician is not available. The practitioner shall:

1. Contact the resident's treating physician as soon as possible and inform him or her of the order for restraint or seclusion; and

2. Annotate the resident's record with date and time of the contact with the treating physician.

(8) An order for restraint or seclusion shall not exceed:

(a) The duration of the emergency safety situation;

(b) Four (4) hours for a resident eighteen (18) to twenty-one (21) years of age;

(c) Two (2) hours for a resident nine (9) to seventeen (17) years of age; or

(d) One (1) hour for a resident under nine (9) years of age.

(9) If an emergency safety situation exists beyond the time limit for the use of restraint or seclusion, a new order for restraint or seclusion shall be obtained.

(10) A resident that is placed in restraint or seclusion shall receive a face-to-face evaluation to determine physical and psychological well being. The evaluation shall be conducted:

(a) By a practitioner authorized by the facility and acting within his or her scope of practice; and

(b) Within one (1) hour of restraint or seclusion being initiated.

(11) Staff who implement special treatment procedures shall:

(a) Have documented training in the proper use of the procedure used;

(b) Be certified in physical management by a nationally-recognized training program in which certification is obtained through skilled-out testing; and

(c) Receive annual training and recertification in crisis intervention and behavior management.

(12) Staff authorized by a PRTF shall:

(a) Be constantly, physically present with a resident being restrained;