Sections of the North Carolina Administrative Code describing rules for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Facilities and Services were reviewed. In particular, those describing the scope of programs identified as intensive psychiatric residential treatment facilities, as well as the nature of clients appropriate for admission to such a facility, were reviewed (see Section 10A NCAC 27 G). Relevant sections for the purpose of disposition (10A NCAC 27G .1901 and 10A NCAC 27G .1801) are described below:
SECTION .1900 - PSYCHIATRIC RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
10A NCAC 27G .1901 SCOPE
(a) The rules in this Section apply to psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTF)s.
(b) A PRTF is one that provides care for children or adolescents who have mental illness or substance abuse/dependency in a non-acute inpatient setting.
(c) The PRTF shall provide a structured living environment for children or adolescents who do not meet criteria for acute inpatient care, but do require supervision and specialized interventions on a 24-hour basis.
(d) Therapeutic interventions shall address functional deficits associated with the child or adolescent's diagnosis and include psychiatric treatment and specialized substance abuse and mental health therapeutic care. These therapeutic interventions and services shall be designed to address the treatment needs necessary to facilitate a move to a less intensive community setting.
(e) The PRTF shall serve children or adolescents for whom removal from home or a community-based residential setting is essential to facilitate treatment.
(f) The PRTF shall coordinate with other individuals and agencies within the child or adolescent's catchment area.
(g) The PRTF shall be accredited through one of the following; Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations; the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities; the Council on. Accreditation or other national accrediting bodies as set forth in the Division of Medical Assistance Clinical Policy Number 8D-1, Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility, including subsequent amendments and editions. A copy of Clinical Policy Number 8D-1 is available at no cost from the Division of Medical Assistance website at http://www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dma/.
History Note: Authority G.S. 122C-26; 143B-147;
Eff. November 1, 2005.
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SECTION .1800 – Intensive RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT FOR CHILDREN or ADOLESCENTS
10a NCAC 27g .1801 SCOPE
(a) An intensive residential treatment facility is one that is a 24-hour residential facility that provides a structured living environment within a system of care approach for children or adolescents whose needs require more intensive treatment and supervision than would be available in a residential treatment staff secure facility.
(b) It shall not be the primary residence of an individual who is not a client of the facility.
(c) The population served shall be children or adolescents who have a primary diagnosis of mental illness, severe emotional and behavioral disorders or substance-related disorders; and may also have co-occurring disorders including developmental disabilities. These children or adolescents shall not meet criteria for acute inpatient psychiatric services.
(d) The children or adolescents served shall require the following:
(1) removal from home to an intensive integrated treatment setting; and
(2) treatment in a locked setting.
(e) Services shall be designed to:
(1) assist in the development of symptom and behavior management skills;
(2) include intensive, frequent and pre-planned crisis management;
(3) provide containment and safety from potentially harmful or destructive behaviors;
(4) promote involvement in regular productive activity, such as school or work; and
(5) support the child or adolescent in gaining the skills needed for reintegration into community living.
(f) The intensive residential treatment facility shall coordinate with other individuals and agencies within the child or adolescent's system of care.
History Note: Authority G.S. 122C‑26; 143B‑147;
Eff. April 1, 2006.
