Cal. Code Regs. tit. 9 § 680

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 49, December 6, 2024

Section 680 - Basic Requirements

Outpatient services in Local Mental Health Services shall include:

(a) Minimum Professional Staff. Outpatient services shall be under the direction of a person who qualifies under Section 623, 624, 625, 626, 627, 628, 629 or 630. In addition to the director, the minimum professional staff shall include a psychiatrist, psychologist, and social worker, except that under special circumstances the Department may authorize the operation of an outpatient service with less personnel. In addition, the staff may include qualified registered nurses and other professional disciplines.

A psychiatrist must assume medical responsibility as defined in Section 522, and be present at least half-time during which the services are provided except that under special circumstance the Department may modify this requirement.

In developmental disabilities and substance abuse programs a physician other than a psychiatrist may be substituted when this would be more appropriate to the treatment needs of the patient upon approval of the Department.

(b) Availability of Service. Outpatient services shall be reasonably available and accessible.

(c) Care and Staffing. A program of outpatient services should provide for continuity of care and flexibility of staffing to meet the needs of the individual patients.

(d) Integration of Staff Services. The services of the various professional disciplines shall be integrated through regular staff meetings and other conferences for joint planning and evaluation of treatment.

Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 9, § 680

1. Amendment filed 1-28-76; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 76, No. 5).
2. Change without regulatory effect correcting internal cites filed 10-27-88 (Register 88, No. 45).
3. Amendment of subsection (a) filed 11-28-88; operative 12-28-88 (Register 89, No. 11).

Note: Authority cited: Sections 5600.5 and 5751, Welfare and Institutions Code. Reference: Sections 5600.5, 5704, 5712, 5751 and 5751.3, Welfare and Institutions Code.