N.J. Admin. Code § 8:43G-26.7

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 21, November 4, 2024

Section 8:43G-26.7 - Psychiatry patient services

(a) Psychiatric patients shall receive, when needed, all medical, surgical, diagnostic, and treatment services as ordered by a physician. If such services are not available within the hospital, qualified consultants and attending physicians shall be available and arrangements established for transferring patients to a facility where the needed services can be provided.

(b) All patients shall receive a complete history and physical examination by a physician, advanced practice nurse or physician assistant within 24 hours of admission to the psychiatric unit.

(c) The following services shall be available as part of the program of the psychiatric care unit:

1. Individual, group, and family therapy;

2. Psychotropic medications;

3. Rehabilitative services;

4. Psychological services, including testing, provided by a psychologist licensed by the State of New Jersey; and

5. Recreational therapy.

(d) A social worker shall complete a psychosocial assessment for each patient which includes at least:

1. Identified problems;

2. Social and family history;

3. Educational and employment history;

4. Financial status; and

5. Present living arrangements.

(e) A written psychiatric evaluation shall be performed of each patient by a psychiatrist, advanced practice nurse or physician assistant within 24 hours of admission to the unit.

(f) The psychiatric evaluation shall be documented in the medical record and shall include at least:

1. The chief complaint;

2. A history of present illness;

3. A family history;

4. A pertinent medical history, including previous reactions to psychotropic medications;

5. A mental status; and

6. A diagnostic impression.

(g) An individual, comprehensive, multidisciplinary care plan shall be developed for each patient based on an assessment of the patient's strengths and limitations. The written care plan shall include at least:

1. A psychiatric diagnosis specifying intercurrent diseases;

2. Observable treatment goals;

3. The specific treatment methods to be used; and

4. The responsibilities of each member of the interdisciplinary care team.

(h) The multidisciplinary care plan shall be discussed with the patient and implemented.

(i) Each patient's plan of care shall be formulated in a multidisciplinary conference, which includes members of all disciplines involved in treating the patient.

(j) The multidisciplinary plan of care shall be reassessed at least weekly by all members of the professional team who are involved in the patient's care.

(k) If the patient is admitted to the psychiatric unit through the emergency department and the patient gives consent, the patient's primary-care physician shall be contacted in order to inform the physician about the patient's condition and to obtain information about the patient's medical status.

(l) Written discharge plans shall be developed for each patient by members of a multidisciplinary team, who either meet or make notes individually in the patient's record.

(m) There shall be mechanisms for providing immediate security assistance to staff and patients.

(n) Patients shall be advised of the reasons for, and expected effects of, medications prescribed for them.

(o) There shall be a milieu program that includes patient community meetings and daily activities.

(p) An accurate schedule of activities shall be posted conspicuously in the unit.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:43G-26.7

Amended by R.2005 d.279, effective 9/6/2005.
See: 37 N.J.R. 709(a), 37 N.J.R. 3365(a).
In (b) and (e), added ", advanced practice nurse or physician assistant" preceding "within 24 hours".