1. (a) The procedures of this Rule shall apply to all state institutions for the mentally retarded.
2. (b) Any minor, or parent of any minor, or guardian of any minor may request voluntary admission to a mental retardation facility for such person by signing a standard form requesting voluntary admission. Such forms shall be available at each mental retardation center.
3. (c) Any adult, or any incompetent adult's guardian may request voluntary admission for the person to any mental retardation center of the Division by signing a standard form requesting admission for the person to the mental retardation center. Such forms shall be available at each mental retardation center.
4. (d) Admissions shall be considered appropriate when community resources to meet the needs of the individual have been explored and it is determined that community services are not available.
5. (e) Except in emergency cases, a person shall be admitted only if he has been comprehensively evaluated by an interdisciplinary team of mental retardation specialists.
6. (f) All admissions to the regional mental retardation centers shall be considered time limited, goal‑oriented, and subject to periodic review to determine the appropriateness of continued treatment, training, or discharge.
7. (g) Parents, guardians, and applicants shall be counseled prior to admission on the relative advantages and disadvantages of institutionalization and the goals of treatment or training.
8. (h) Any minor resident of a center for the mentally retarded may be removed from the center at any time by the parent or guardian of the minor.
9. (i) Any adult resident of a center for the mentally retarded who has been voluntarily admitted and has not been judicially declared to be incompetent may leave the center without permission at any time.
10. (j) Except in emergency cases, children less than six years of age shall not be admitted to a center for the mentally retarded.

History Note: Authority G.S. 122C‑112; 122C‑114; 143B‑147;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Amended Eff. April 1, 1990;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. August 24, 2019.