Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0940-05-42-.18
Medically Supervised Withdrawal
Effective Sep 4, 2025Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-3-1601, 4-4-103, 33-1-302, 33-1-305, 33-1-309, 33-2-301, 33-2-302, and 33-2- 404.Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
(1) In the event the service recipient becomes unable to pay for treatment, the Facility shall develop procedures for administrative withdrawal or medically supervised withdrawal, including an appropriate time frame over which the procedure would take place. The schedule of withdrawal may be brief, less than thirty (30) days if necessary. Such procedures shall include documentation of referral of the service recipient to alternative treatment resources.
(a) The Facility shall develop policies and procedures clearly describing under what circumstances a service recipient may be subject to administrative withdrawal. Administrative withdrawal may result from:
- 1. Non-payment of fees. The Facility shall make every effort to consider all clinical data including service recipient participation and compliance with treatment prior to initiating administrative withdrawal for non-payment. If the service recipient has a history of compliance and cooperation with treatment, the Facility shall document every effort to explore alternatives to administrative withdrawal with the service recipient prior to initiation of administrative withdrawal;
- 2. Disruptive conduct or behavior considered to have an adverse effect on the Facility, staff, or service recipient population to justify the involuntary withdrawal and discharge of a service recipient; or
- 3. Other reasons as determined by the Facility and approved by the SOTA.
(b) Medically supervised withdrawal occurs as a voluntary and therapeutic withdrawal agreed upon by staff and service recipient. In some cases, the withdrawal may be against the advice of clinical staff (against medical advice).
- 1. The Facility shall supply an individualized schedule of dose reduction well tolerated by the service recipient.
- 2. The Facility shall offer supportive treatment, including increased counseling sessions and referral to a self-help group or another counseling provider as appropriate.
- 3. If the service recipient leaves the Facility’s program abruptly against medical advice, the Facility may readmit the service recipient within thirty (30) days without having to complete a new Initial or Comprehensive Assessment referred to in Paragraphs 0940-05-42-.06(7) and (8). The Facility shall document attempting to assist the service recipient in any issues which may have precipitated their abrupt departure.
- 4. The Facility shall make provisions for continuing care for each service recipient following the last dose of medication and for re-entry to maintenance treatment if the service recipient experiences a return to drug use or if the service recipient should reconsider medically supervised withdrawal.
Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-3-1601, 4-4-103, 33-1-302, 33-1-305, 33-1-309, 33-2-301, 33-2-302, and 33-2- 404. Administrative History: Original rule filed September 20, 2012; effective December 19, 2012. Amendments filed June 6, 2025; effective September 4, 2025. OPIOD TREATMENT PROGRAM FACILITIES