Sec. 816.9. Additional requirements for medically monitored services

(a) Medically monitored services are designed for persons intoxicated by alcohol and/or substances, or who are suffering from mild withdrawal coupled with situational crisis, or persons who have previously been unable to withdraw without complications. Such services do not require physician direction or direct supervision by a physician, and are designed to provide a safe environment with medical monitoring in which a person may complete withdrawal and secure a referral to the next level of care.

(b) All medically monitored services must provide at least all of the following services:

(1) assessment;

(2) monitoring of withdrawal symptoms and vital signs; and

(3) individual and group counseling.

(c) A patient may be retained in the medically monitored withdrawal and stabilization service if he or she is awaiting a scheduled admission into appropriate treatment upon discharge. Such retention must be documented and may not exceed 21 days from date of admission.

(d) Staffing.

(1) Each medically monitored service of 10 beds or more shall have a full-time program director who is a qualified health professional. Such director shall have at least one year of full-time work experience in the field of substance use disorder prior to appointment. A medically monitored service with fewer than 10 beds shall have a similarly qualified director who shall serve on at least a part-time basis.

(2) Each medically monitored withdrawal and stabilization service shall employ a sufficient number of staff to adequately serve all patients and to meet the requirements of this Part.

(i) There shall be at least two patient care staff on duty at all times.

(ii) There shall be sufficient clinical staff to achieve a ratio of 1 counselor for each 10 beds, scheduled so as to be on duty at least 1½ shifts per day, 7 days per week.

(iii) All patient care staff of the service shall have current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation from the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association or an equivalent nationally recognized organization within 90 days after hiring and thereafter, to be renewed as needed.