Geographic service area

Section 103 Section 103.20  Geographic service area Agency plans shall be developed, presented, and reviewed in the context of the needs and resources within the geographic service area(s) to be served.  The objectives stated in the plan shall be integrated into the development of the objectives of a community-based delivery system which is serving individuals through services or a network of services. a)         The agency shall define and describe the specific geographic area to be served by each program.  Agencies are required to provide services in the grant-funded programs, up to the program's capacity and capability, for individuals in the target group who need such services. b)         All persons requesting services from any Department-funded agency shall receive a preliminary evaluation and be provided with immediate crisis intervention, if needed, regardless of their home area.  The agency receiving the request for services shall, if funded for these services, provide the services.  If the agency is not funded to provide these services, an immediate referral shall be made to an agency nearby which is funded to provide such services.  The agency receiving the referral shall, then, provide the services as requested. Pursuant to the individual's consent in accordance with the Confidentiality Act, linkage to the individual's home area must be undertaken with an agency most suitable for responding to the individual's treatment and training needs. c)         Agencies receiving federal Community Mental Health Services (CMHS) Block Grant funds (42 U.S.C.A. 300x et seq. (1996), Subpart I and III, Part B, Title XIX, Public Health Services Act, 45 CFR 96 (1996)) through State financing shall assure that individuals admitted to Department facilities are screened and determined appropriate for that level of care or provide other treatment alternatives within the local community.