Section 2060.329  Referral Procedure

a)         Written procedures shall be established for the referral of patients to other providers for services that are not available within the organization and/or that are requested by the patient.  These procedures shall include the following:

1)         the method of obtaining any necessary written consent from the patient for transfer of any relevant portion of the patient record and for communication regarding patient services with that provider;

2)         the method for ensuring continuity of patient care which shall include a written referral document that indicates the reason for the referral, provides information about any service received to date and any additional services needed or requested, specifies any necessary continued coordination between the providers and the time frame for any necessary follow-up reports; and

3)         the method by which a patient may request a referral.

b)         Each organization shall have a written linkage agreement, specifying the above provisions, with any other provider that it routinely utilizes for referrals unless otherwise required by the Department.

c)         All referrals made for treatment or intervention services as defined in this Part shall only be made to organizations licensed under this Part, to those individuals or organizations that are specifically exempted from licensure as specified in Section 15-5 of the Act or to similarly licensed and regulated organizations in other states.