10A NCAC 28D .0105      DISCHARGE

(a)  When a state facility discharges a client, each client shall have a discharge plan as specified in G.S. 122C‑61(2) unless the client:

(1)           is receiving respite services;

(2)           escapes or breaches the conditions of a conditional release;

(3)           is unanticipatedly discharged by the court following district court hearing; or

(4)           is immediately discharged upon request of the client or legally responsible person.

(b)  The discharge plan shall:

(1)           be formulated by qualified professionals;

(2)           inform the client of where and how to receive treatment or habilitation services in the community;

(3)           identify continuing treatment or habilitation needs, and address issues such as food, housing, and employment;

(4)           involve the appropriate area program, with consent of the client or his legally responsible person or in accordance with G.S. 122C‑55(a) or G.S. 122C‑63; and

(5)           be provided to the client or legally responsible person as specified in G.S. 122C‑61(2).

(c)  When the client is unexpectedly discharged by the court in hearing subsequent to the initial hearing, the client's discharge plan shall contain at least the following:

(1)           address and phone number of the agency in the community where follow‑up services can be provided, including name of contact person in Department of Social Services if food and housing are issues;

(2)           current medications, if applicable; and

(3)           recommendations for continued care in anticipated problem areas.

(d)  With the exception of the State Hospital Director who shall follow the provisions of 10A NCAC 28F .0113, the State Facility Director in each of the other state facilities shall establish written policies and procedures to ensure that reasonable efforts are made to assist the client in obtaining needed services in the community upon discharge or placement. The policy shall include the designation of qualified professional staff to assist clients in establishing contact with the appropriate area program and furnishing information to the area program with the client or legally responsible person's consent or as permitted by G.S. 122C‑55(a).

History Note:        Authority G.S. 122C‑55; 122C‑61; 122C‑63; 122C‑132; 131E‑67; 143B‑147;

Eff. October 1, 1984;

Amended Eff. July 1, 1989;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. May 1, 2018.