(b) In cases where clients are not able to stabilize in or are not appropriate for the crisis stabilization unit, linkage services shall be provided, including the following steps:

1. (1) Qualified crisis stabilization unit staff shall perform the crisis intervention and referral process to the appropriate treatment facility;

2. (2)

   1. (A) The referral process shall require referral to the least restrictive service to meet the needs of the client.
   2. (B)

(i) The referral shall be discussed with the client, the client's legal guardian, or both the client and legal guardian as applicable, and shall include a discussion of why a less restrictive community resource was not utilized if applicable.

1. (ii) This discussion shall be documented in the client's record.

   1. (iii) If an adult client wishes to include family members in the decision-making process, appropriate releases should be obtained; and

2. (3)

   1. (A) Staff shall make referral to an appropriate treatment facility to include demographic and clinical information and documentation.

   2. (B) Appropriate releases should be obtained as indicated.

      1. (c)
3. (1) The crisis stabilization unit shall have a written plan for addressing nonpsychiatric medical emergencies, including transfer to a general medical-surgical hospital when necessary.

4. (2) All emergencies must be documented and reviewed by appropriate staff.

   1. (d) If the crisis stabilization unit is referring a client to an acute inpatient facility, the client must meet the admission criteria.