N.J. Admin. Code § 8:135-1.4

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 12, June 17, 2024

Section 8:135-1.4 - Supervision level assignment procedure

(a) Upon admission, a patient shall be assigned to supervision Level I.

1. Within 72 hours, the treatment team shall assign the patient to the supervision level that is most appropriate, based on the patient's clinical condition and treatment needs.

(b) The treatment team shall evaluate each patient's supervision level at least as frequently as the treatment plan review schedule specifies, and more frequently if reevaluation of a patient's supervision level is clinically indicated or the patient requests reevaluation.

1. The treatment plan review schedule shall comply, at a minimum, with the standards set by the applicable accrediting body for the hospital.

2. A patient may review the patient's treatment plan at any time.

3. A patient's family members, significant others, lawyers, guardians, and custodians are permitted to review a patient's treatment plan upon their request and with the patient's prior consent.

(c) When a sudden change in a patient's behavior or clinical condition constitutes a crisis or emergency to the extent that the level to which the patient is then assigned is no longer appropriate, clinical staff in charge may authorize temporary limitations on the patient's activities to maintain a safe and secure environment and shall document the rationale for temporary limitations in the patient's clinical record.

1. The treatment team shall:

i. Review the rationale by the next working day;

ii. Either rescind the limitations when clinically appropriate or continue them for a clinically justified period of time; and

iii. Document its findings in the clinical record.

(d) A patient ordered "Conditional Extension Pending Placement" by the court shall be accorded the highest level that provides the necessary supervision.

1. The treatment team shall enter a note into the patient's medical record documenting the clinical considerations justifying the supervision level that the treatment team determines to be necessary.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:135-1.4

Amended by 48 N.J.R. 713(a), effective 5/2/2016

Amended and recodified from 10:36-1.4 by 55 N.J.R. 2258(b), effective 11/9/2023