R432-101-17. Admission and Discharge

  (1) The hospital shall develop written admission, exclusion and discharge policies consistent with the Plan for Patient Care Services and the Utilization Review plan. These policies shall be available to the public upon request.

  (2) The hospital shall make available to the public and each potential patient information regarding the various services provided, methods and therapies used by the hospital, and associated costs of such services.

  (3) Admission criteria shall be clearly stated in writing in hospital policies.

  (a) The facility shall assess and screen all potential patients prior to admission and admit a patient only if it determines that the facility is the least restrictive setting appropriate for their needs. The pre-screening process shall include an evaluation of the patient's past criminal and violent behavior.

  (b) Patients shall be admitted for treatment and care only if the hospital is properly licensed for the treatment required and has the staff and resources to meet the medical, physical, and emotional needs of the patient.

  (c) Patients shall be admitted by, and remain under the care of, a member of the medical staff. There shall be a written order for admission and care of the patient at the time of admission. A documented telephone order is acceptable.

  (d) There shall be procedures to govern the referral of ineligible patients to alternate sources of treatment where possible.

  (e) Involuntary commitment must be in accordance with Section 62A-5-312.

  (f) All out of state adjudicated delinquent juveniles admitted to the hospital shall be processed and monitored through the appropriate Interstate Compact.

  (4) The patient shall be discharged when the hospital is no longer able to meet the patient's identified needs, when care can be delivered in a less restrictive setting, or when the patient no longer needs care.

  (a) There shall be an order for patient discharge by a member of the medical staff except as indicated in R432-101-17(4)(b) below.

  (b) In cases of discharge against medical advice, AMA, the attending physician or qualified designee shall be contacted and the response documented in the patient record.

  (c) Discharge planning shall be coordinated with the patient, family, and other parties or agencies who are able to meet the patient's needs.

  (d) Upon discharge of a patient, all money and valuables of that patient which have been entrusted to the hospital shall be surrendered to the patient in exchange for a signed receipt.