(a) As used in this section, "transitional care" means temporary treatment services to facilitate an individual's:
- (1) transfer from a mental health institution to a community residential setting; or
- (2) discharge from a mental health institution.
- (b) The transitional care program shall assist consumers in making a smooth adjustment to community living and operate in collaboration with a community mental health center of services in the consumer's home area.
- (c) Resources for the program shall come from the total appropriation for the facility, and may be adjusted to meet the needs of consumer demand by the director.
- (d) Each state institution administered by the division of mental health and addiction shall establish a transitional care program with adequate staffing patterns and employee skill levels for patients' transitional care needs where clinically appropriate.
- (e) The transitional care program shall be staffed by transitional care specialists and at least one (1) transitional care case manager.
- (f) A transitional care case manager must have at least a bachelor's degree and be trained in transitional care.
- (g) Psychiatric attendants working in this program shall be trained, classified, and compensated as appropriate for a transitional care specialist.
As added by P.L.40-1994, SEC.54. Amended by P.L.215-2001, SEC.71; P.L.188-2013, SEC.17.