1. A. In addition to the definitions in A.R.S. § 36-401, R9-10-101, and R9-10-201, the following definition applies in this Section: “Administrative separation” means the temporary isolation of a patient for the purpose of preserving the integrity of evidence during the course of a criminal investigation or for a situation where not isolating the patient presents a risk of serious harm to other individuals or a serious risk to the safety or security of a hospital.
2. B. Only a hospital established according to A.R.S. § 36-202 may use administrative separation.

3. C. An administrator appointed according to A.R.S. § 36-205 shall ensure that:

   1. 1. Administrative separation:

      1. a. Is only used for a patient admitted to the hospital pursuant to a criminal court order; and

      2. b. Is not used:

         1. i. In conjunction with a restraint,
         2. ii. As a method to manage behaviors, or
         3. iii. If prohibited by law; and

   2. 2. Policies and procedures are established, documented, and implemented for administrative separation that:

      1. a. Include the process and criteria for requesting an administrative separation;
      2. b. Include the process and deadlines for approving a request for an administrative separation;
      3. c. Cover patient notification of the right to appeal the administrative separation and to file a complaint;

      4. d. Include the process for providing a patient access to:

         1. i. Incoming mail, and
         2. ii. An advocate or legal representative;
      5. e. Include the process for providing treatment to a patient while in administrative separation;
      6. f. Include the process for establishing investigative goals; and
      7. g. Include the process for determining when administrative separation will no longer be used for a patient.

Historical Note

New Section R9-10-235 made by exempt rulemaking at 20 A.A.R. 1409, pursuant to Laws 2013, Ch. 10, § 13; effective July 1, 2014 (Supp. 14-2).