Each mental health center must have and observe written policies and procedures that include
- (A) a statement of its philosophy and objectives and of the geographical area served;
- (B) an intake policy;
- (C) admission procedures, including criteria for client admission and procedures for multidisciplinary review of each individual referral;
- (D) treatment procedures, including, but not limited to, development of the treatment plan, case assignment, case review, discharge planning, and follow-up on members who leave the center voluntarily or involuntarily;
- (E) a medication policy that includes prescription, administration, and monitoring data;
- (F) a referral policy, including procedures for ensuring uninterrupted and coordinated member care upon transfer;
- (G) procedures for walk-in members, and clinical emergencies during operating and nonoperating hours;
- (H) recordkeeping policies, including what information must be included in each record, and procedures to ensure confidentiality;
- (I) personnel and management policies, including policies for hiring, training, evaluation, supervision, and termination protocol for all staff;
- (J) a utilization review plan; and
- (K) explicit fee policies with respect to billing third-party payers, cancellation procedures, and fee reductions.