1. (1)  IIBHT providers must have policies and procedures in place which outline their process for reviewing and responding to referrals as quickly as possible in order to address the needs of complex youth and young adults in crisis and avoid the need for emergency department use or higher level of care.
2. (2) IIBHT Providers must have policies and procedures in place which outline their response to referrals and admissions in accordance with these rules and for partnering with local hospital emergency departments (EDs) and local school districts to address youth mental health crises and referrals.

3. (3) Providers shall accept completed referrals from mental health outpatient programs, residential treatment facilities, Community Mental Health Programs, Coordinated Care Organizations, Oregon Department of Human Services, youth/young adults and/or their families, and other community partners when accompanied by the following:

   1. (a)  All referrals must utilize the IIBHT Universal Referral Form provided by OHA; and
   2. (b)   Include documentation by a QMHP or LMP with recent and direct experience treating or assessing the youth which include clinical justification for this level of care.
4. (4) IIBHT providers shall track all referrals to IIBHT services including at a minimum the date of the referral, approval or denial date, and either the denial reason or estimated date of admission.  IIBHT providers will submit documentation to OHA quarterly or as requested.
5. (5) Per the CCO and IIBHT program’s referral policies, the deciding entity shall communicate the determination decision within 5 business days of receipt of an IIBHT referral to the referring party. This determination shall reference appropriate medical necessity and appropriateness standards for acceptance or denial. If there is insufficient information to process the referral, the deciding entity will respond to the referring party requesting the additional information.

6. (6) Youth shall be enrolled into IIBHT services within 14 days of the referral being approved. If the provider is unable to enroll the youth/young adult into IIBHT services within 14 days, the provider must notify their CCO immediately. The CCO shall work with the youth/young adult and their family to:

   1. (a)provide ongoing care coordination and support,
   2. (b) ensure that interim alternative community-based services are in place,
   3. (c) communicate with the IIBHT provider to facilitate IIBHT enrollment as soon as possible to prevent the need for higher levels of care.

Statutory/Other Authority

ORS 413.042, 430.640 & 430.705

Statutes/Other Implemented

ORS 430.010, 430.205 & 430.708

History

BHS 3-2025, adopt filed 02/27/2025, effective 03/01/2025