10A NCAC 28F .0213. REFERRALS OF MINORS FROM A NON-SINGLE PORTAL AREA

(a)  In a non-single portal area, in addition to area program staff, a licensed physician or eligible psychologist may refer a minor directly to a hospital.  This person shall be known as the "referring agent."

(b)  As part of the referring process, the referring agent shall provide the evaluation and other information specified in Rules .0205 and .0206 of this Section.

(c)  To assure appropriate planning for treatment, discharge, and aftercare, when a licensed physician or eligible psychologist makes a referral pursuant to this Rule, he or she shall be asked by the hospital to agree in writing to:

(1)           continued involvement with the child and family during hospital treatment;

(2)           participation in identification and coordination of community services that are essential to discharge planning; and

(3)           provision of aftercare, as needed.

(d)  If the referring agent does not sign the agreement described in Paragraph (c) of this Rule, the hospital staff shall consult with the minor's legally responsible person to determine a practitioner to participate in discharge and aftercare planning.  The area program staff shall be considered as an option.  The selected practitioner shall be considered to be the referring agent.

(e)  For purposes of Rules .0207 through .0212 of this Section, the referring agent shall perform the consultation, communication and notice functions described for area program staff.  The area program staff also shall participate and shall receive the notices prescribed in those Rules.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C-112; 143B-147;

Eff. February 1, 1989;

Amended Eff. July 1, 1996; March 1, 1990.