10a NCAC 27g .5703      OPERATIONS

(a)  Objectives. The treatment objectives shall be addressed by activities designed to:

(1)           promote symptom stability and appropriate use of medication;

(2)           restore personal, community living and social skills;

(3)           promote and maintain physical health;

(4)           establish access to entitlements, housing, and work and social opportunities; and

(5)           promote and maintain the highest possible level of functioning in the community.

(b)  Client Selection Criteria. Eligibility for ACT services shall be determined on the basis of a comprehensive assessment and shall meet criteria Subparagraphs (b)(1), (2), and (3) of this Rule:

(1)           A diagnosis of a serious mental illness, developmental disability or substance abuse;

(2)           Unusual needs that have required intensive service provision as evidenced by one or more of the following:

(A)          an established pattern of frequent use of crisis services, emergency rooms or incarceration related to the diagnosed disorder;

(B)          a history of multiple admissions to psychiatric or substance abuse inpatient treatment facilities or multiple emergency admissions to Mental Retardation Centers or respite facilities; or

(C)          a history of frequent contacts or referral to protective service or the criminal justice system (including juvenile detention and training schools) secondary to severely dysfunctional or obviously dangerous behavior; and

(3)           Have symptoms and behaviors as evidenced by one or more of the following:

(A)          a history of alcohol and drug abuse in combination with psychiatric symptoms or other serious medical or physical problems;

(B)          a pattern of isolation with extremely poor or non-existent social or family support;

(C)          a pattern of inability to provide for basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter;

(D)          a pattern of urgent and severe psychiatric and other concomitant medical difficulties; or

(E)           have failed to remain engaged in or to respond to conventional services (such as case management, medication, outpatient treatment, or day programs).

(c)  Criteria For Continued Eligibility Of ACT Services:

(1)           If a client's needs can be adequately and appropriately addressed with an average of less than seven face-to-face contacts per month during any three-consecutive-month period, the treatment plan shall be reviewed to determine whether other less intensive service alternatives should be provided instead of ACT services.

(2)           If it is determined that less intensive services could meet a client's needs over the long run, the reasons shall be documented, a plan for continuity of care established, and the client should no longer be eligible for ACT services.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143B-147;

Eff. May 1, 1996;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. July 20, 2019.