Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 45, November 9, 2024
Section 5221.51 - Consumer preparation and freedom of choice(a) A consumer or parent, if the consumer is a child, has the right to refuse to participate in intensive case management without prejudice to other parts of his treatment program.(b) Case management staff shall be assigned with the participation of the person to be served or parents, if the person is a child. When a person needs intensive case management but the person or the parents, if the person is a child, does not wish to participate in the assignment process, the circumstances and efforts to gain participation shall be documented.(c) Request for assignment or change of an intensive case manager by an adult or the parents of a child shall be made if possible. Requests of this nature and the outcome shall be documented.(d) The intensive case manager shall continue to provide services to an assigned case unless the consumer or parent, if the consumer is a child, requests a change or the need for services ends.(e) Consumers may not be terminated from service for nonattendance or noncompliant behavior that results from mental illness or emotional disorder.(f) No service decisions may be made in violation of a consumer's civil rights.(g) When it is necessary to terminate a consumer from intensive case management, the circumstances and rationale shall be fully documented and approved by the county administrator prior to termination.(h) The parent with whom a child is living shall act on behalf of the child in service planning. The child shall be encouraged to participate in the process insofar as the child is able and insofar as participation is age and functionally appropriate.(i) Persons readmitted to intensive case management shall be assigned to the intensive case manager who had previously assisted the person whenever possible, unless the consumer or parents, if the consumer is a child, object.(j) A parent may act on behalf of the child in decisions relating to services and shall be involved in decisions involving the formation of, and change in, a service plan.(k) A child 14 years of age or older may consent to treatment or discharge without the consent of the parent if the child substantially understands the nature of treatment and may sign and release records under section 201 of the Mental Health Procedures Act (50 P. S. § 7201).(l) If the child 14 years of age or older acts independently, the parents shall be notified and have a right to object.