N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 14, § 595.8 – Admission criteria.

(a) Eligibility for admission to a residential program for adults shall be based upon:
1. (1) a designated mental illness diagnosis which, for purposes of the CREDIT program, must include a diagnosis of an eating disorder, as such term is defined in this Part; and one of the following:
2. (2) social security income or social security disability insurance enrollment due to a designated mental illness;
3. (3) extended impairment in functioning due to a designated mental illness, as defined in section 595.4(a) of this Part; or
4. (4) reliance on psychiatric treatment, rehabilitation and supports, as defined in section 595.4(a) of this Part.
(b) The provider of service shall make available to potential residents, upon application for admission, a clear and concise written description of the program and the application process. The description shall include but not be limited to:
1. (1) the criteria for admission as well as any criteria for exclusion;
2. (2) the necessary documentation required;
3. (3) the process for admission; including reasonable accommodations for admissions which may warrant a temporary waiver of one or more of the documentation criteria;
4. (4) the type(s) of living accommodations available;
5. (5) the services to be provided;
6. (6) the fee schedule;
7. (7) the residency agreement and house rules;
8. (8) the notice of resident rights;
9. (9) the policy regarding continued residency if a resident needs to be hospitalized; and
10. (10) the process for discharge planning.
(c) A referral for admission to a community residence that is a CREDIT program shall be received from a Comprehensive Care Center for Eating Disorders, or from the individual’s primary care physician or mental health provider. All assessments must have occurred within the last 30 days. Each referral must include the following documents:
1. (1) an updated medical report;
2. (2) a psychosocial assessment;
3. (3) a psychiatric evaluation;
4. (4) a description of the individual’s current behaviors and significant strengths and problems;
5. (5) documentation that potentially less restrictive community, home and/or extended non-residential services have been reasonably explored and are either not available or have not been successful;
6. (6) nutritional screening for eating disorder behaviors and nutritional status;
7. (7) psychological testing as needed; and
8. (8) assessment of the family system, when appropriate, by direct involvement with the family members.
(d) The provider of service shall make a decision with regard to an individual's application for admission no later than 15 working days after submission of all necessary documentation. The provider shall supply a written explanation to the applicant and the referring agency where there is reason(s) for rejection or delay, which shall include the steps that would need to be taken in order for the person to be admitted.
(e) No specific participation requirements for services outside the residential program may be imposed as a requirement for participation in a support residential program, unless in association with an order authorizing assisted outpatient treatment. A resident of a treatment residential program may be required, as a criteria for admission and continued stay, to participate in on-site and outside services if the services are critical to the rehabilitation goals of such individual, are consistent with the individual's service plan and are stipulated and agreed upon within the residency agreement.