Program Requirement Two (2): Availability and Accessibility of Services –

Program Requirement Two (2): Availability and Accessibility of Services – General Requirements for Timely Access to Services and Initial and Comprehensive Evaluation A. All people new to receiving services, whether requesting or being referred for behavioral health services at the CCBHC, will, at the time of first contact, whether that contact is in person, by telephone, or using other remote communication, receive a preliminary triage, including risk assessment, to determine acuity of needs. The preliminary triage may occur telephonically. If the triage identifies an emergency/crisis need, appropriate action is taken immediately. Note: Refer to crisis response timelines and details about required services, including plans to reduce or remove risk of harm and to facilitate any necessary subsequent outpatient follow-up. 1. If the triage identifies an urgent need, clinical services are provided, including an initial evaluation within one (1) business day of the time the request is made. 2. If the triage identifies routine needs, services will be provided, and the initial evaluation completed within 10 business days. 3. For those presenting with emergency or urgent needs, the initial evaluation may be conducted by phone or through use of technologies for telehealth/telemedicine and video conferencing, but an in-person evaluation is preferred. If the initial evaluation is conducted telephonically, once the emergency is resolved, the person receiving services must be seen in person at the next subsequent encounter and the initial evaluation reviewed. B. The preliminary triage and risk assessment will be followed by: (1) an initial evaluation and (2) a comprehensive evaluation, with the components of each specified in Program Requirement Four (4). At the CCBHC’s discretion, recent information may be reviewed with the person receiving services and incorporated into the CCBHC health records from outside providers to help fulfill these requirements. Each evaluation must build upon what came before it. Subject to more stringent state, federal, or applicable accreditation standards, all new people receiving services will receive a comprehensive evaluation to be completed within 60 calendar days of the first request for services. If the state has established independent screening and assessment processes for certain child and youth populations or other populations, the CCBHC should establish partnerships to incorporate findings and avoid duplication of effort. This requirement does not preclude the initiation or completion of the comprehensive evaluation, or the provision of treatment during the 60-day period. C. The person-centered and family-centered treatment plan is reviewed and updated as needed by the treatment team, in agreement with and endorsed by the person receiving services. The treatment plan will be updated when changes occur with the status of the person receiving services, based on responses to treatment or when there are changes in treatment goals. The treatment plan must be reviewed and updated no less frequently than every six (6) months, unless the state, federal, or applicable accreditation standards are more stringent. D. People who are already receiving services from the CCBHC who are seeking routine outpatient clinical services must be provided an appointment within 10 business days of the request for an appointment, unless the state, federal, or applicable accreditation standards are more stringent. If a person receiving services presents with an emergency/crisis need, appropriate action is taken immediately based on the needs of the person receiving services, including immediate crisis response if necessary. If a person already receiving services presents with an urgent, non-emergency need, clinical services are generally provided within one (1) business day of the time the request is made or at a later time if that is the preference of the person receiving services. Same-day and open access scheduling are encouraged.