Section 411.145  Psychiatric Hospitalization

a)         If staff of the secure child care facility have cause to believe that a child or youth needs psychiatric hospitalization, the facility shall comply with requirements for the Department's Screening, Assessment, and Support Services (SASS) program for a pre-admission screening for psychiatric hospitalization. Secure child care facility staff shall assist SASS with the screening process and, if the child or youth meets the standard for admission, shall accompany the child or youth to the hospital.

b)         In high risk emergency situations, a child or youth may be transported directly to the hospital emergency room. The secure child care facility shall immediately notify SASS and the required screening will be conducted at the hospital.

c)         If the secure child care facility medical director or consulting physician and the SASS agent are in disagreement about the need for hospitalization, the medical director's or physician's recommendation shall be followed.

d)         Staff of the secure child's care facility will comply with all Department procedures concerning their responsibilities during the child's or youth's hospitalization, and for discharge, transition and post-hospital services.