Section 2060.435  Assessment

a)         Assessment precedes admission to treatment and then is ongoing throughout treatment as continuing service review.  The initial goal of assessment is to obtain sufficient information to determine the need for stabilization, obtain a diagnosis, and an initial recommendation for placement in a level of care so that the patient can access and initiate services as soon as possible.

b)         Assessment is conducted in accordance with the six dimensions of the ASAM Criteria and includes the biopsychosocial assessment and risk/severity rating and an immediate need profile.  The apparent severity of the patient's condition and impairment shall guide how comprehensive the initial biopsychosocial assessment for placement needs to be prior to admission.

c)         Assessment is a clinical service and shall be conducted by professional staff.

d)         Assessment shall include a review of any specific conditions or recommendations from a referral source including any prior screenings, evaluations, or assessments.

e)         Assessment shall include a review of any specific conditions of any court order or other referral that may require completion of a specified level of care or number of hours.  If a court order or referral differs from the level of care or number of hours that are subsequently determined by the assessment, the organization shall have procedures in place to reconcile with the court or referral source and allow admission in accordance with the requirements specified in Section 2060.450 regarding mandated treatment.

f)         The assessment shall be organized according to the six dimensions of the ASAM Criteria and conclude with a diagnosis, as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), and a recommendation for placement in a level of care.