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This website publishes administrative rules on their effective dates, as designated by the adopting state agencies, colleges, and universities.

Chapter 5122-2 | Grievances; Death; Psychotropic Medication; Etc

 
 
 
Rule
Rule 5122-2-01 | Applicability.
 

(A) The rules in this chapter shall apply to the regional psychiatric hospitals operated by the department of mental health and addiction services pursuant to section 5119.14 of the Revised Code.

(B) As used in this chapter, "RPH" shall mean "regional psychiatric hospital."

Last updated February 23, 2024 at 2:05 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 5119.10
Amplifies: 5119.10, 5119.11
Five Year Review Date: 7/12/2023
Rule 5122-2-03 | Chief executive officer as representative payee.
 
This is an Internal Management (IM) rule governing the day-to-day staff procedures and operations within an agency.

(A) The purpose of this rule shall be to establish procedures for the chief executive officer (CEO) of a regional psychiatric hospital (RPH) to apply for and manage funds of clients receiving intensive and specialized services or forensic inpatient services in those RPHs. The CEO shall only apply to become representative payee of a client's funds after all other avenues to obtain an appropriate representative payee have been pursued to no avail.

(B) Definitions:

"Representative payee" means a CEO who has been designated to receive a RPH client's funds and who is responsible to expend the monies for the benefit of the client in accordance with the regulations of those agencies providing the monies. Such agencies can include: federal civil service retirement; public employees retirement system; railroad retirement; social security administration - aged; social security administration - disabled; school employees retirement system; school teachers retirement system; veteran's administration compensation, or pension.

(C) Proper use of representative payee funds:

(1) Funds the CEO receives shall be used for the benefit and well-being of the client.

(2) The CEO is responsible for ensuring that the client is involved in determining his or her needs and that those needs are met.

(3) The client's treatment team shall document that at least quarterly a needs assessment has been done, that the client was involved in that assessment, that items needed are obtained and delivered to the client, and that the client has been informed of the amount of funds available to meet needs. The client must be informed of any per diem charges.

(4) At any time the client is entitled to know the amount of funds available, and to have those funds expended for current needs.

(D) Proper expenditure of representative payee funds:

(1) To meet the personal needs of the client which can aid in the client's recovery or discharge from the RPH or will improve living conditions while there, for example:

(a) Money for spending or for a canteen fund up to fifty dollars per month. Additional funds may be authorized by the client's treatment team based on the client's needs;

(b) Well-fitting clothes and supplies for personal grooming;

(c) Eyeglasses, dentures, hearing aids, dental care or other medical prosthesis, if not reimbursable by some third-party payor;

(d) Transportation costs for client to visit relatives or places that may help lead to recovery; and

(e) Reasonable transportation costs for a close relative to visit if a visit would be in the client's best interest and the client agrees.

(2) Depending upon the personal circumstances of the client, it is possible that one hundred per cent of funds could be spent on personal needs. The department expects that monthly funds available be expended on the personal needs of the client.

(E) Investments and accrual of funds:

(1) It is a high priority of the department that adequate invested funds be accumulated for the client's discharge, thus facilitating return to community living. These accumulated funds can also be used to establish a burial fund if the client dies while in the RPH.

(2) When a CEO becomes a client's representative payee, a fund shall be established and regularly added to from each month's check until a minimum amount of five hundred dollars has been reached. If the client's treatment team foresees a future discharge need greater than five hundred dollars, the regular addition to this fund should continue until the amount of combined funds reaches one thousand five hundred dollars as described in this paragraph.

(a) When investing funds to meet the immediate discharge needs of a client or to secure burial, these funds must be kept in individual federally insured interest bearing accounts.

(b) When funds are so invested, the CEO shall ensure that accumulation of principal and interest does not disqualify the client from health or welfare benefits that might otherwise be available to the client unless there is documented exception by the CEO. Principal, interest and the money available in the client's business office account (including the current month's check) should not exceed one thousand five hundred dollars. If the client's account balance exceeds one thousand five hundred dollars, the excess should be applied to spend-down such as personal needs items or hospital per diem charges.

(c) The CEO shall document that an assessment of needs upon discharge has been made, including consultation with community placements regarding normal and anticipated client placement needs.

(d) In most cases, the CEO will be requesting the proper agency to designate a new representative payee when discharging a client. However, the CEO, as representative payee, has some responsibility to provide for the current needs of the client until the designation is changed. Therefore, these invested funds and future monthly funds can be expended at the time of discharge and following discharge until a new representative payee is designated. The CEO should inform the client's community case manager or the prospective representative payee what unused funds are still available for use upon request. Until the RPH representative payee status has been changed, the CEO remains accountable through documentation for expenditure of these funds and should therefore require proper documentation for funds disbursed for the client's use at the time of discharge, and after discharge but before official transfer of the representative payee status.

(F) Other acceptable client expenditures:

(1) School expenses;

(2) Special rehabilitation or medical equipment expenses if not reimbursed by some other third-party payor;

(3) Insurance premiums;

(4) Current payments on a house in which the client has an interest;

(5) Tax payments;

(6) If all basic needs of a client are being met, some funds may be used to help support a spouse, child, or parent dependent under state law, and

(7) In some cases, a group of clients are allowed to purchase in common some specific items, for example, social/recreational equipment. If this type of purchase is needed, prior written approval of the funding agency is required.

If the CEO is not sure whether a proposed special needs expenditure is proper, it should be cleared with the funding agency.

(G) CEO reporting responsibilities as representative payee:

(1) The representative payee must, within seven days, report to the agency providing benefits to the client any changes that may affect benefit payments such as:

(a) Client enters or leaves RPH;

(b) Client stops or starts working (no matter how small the earnings are);

(c) A client has a change in income or resources;

(d) RPH is no longer responsible for the client; or

(e) Client's treatment team determines client is capable of assuming responsibility for his/her own funds.

(2) The representative payee must, within seven days, report to the agency providing benefits to the client certain events such as:

(a) A disabled person's condition improves whereby reasonable gainful employment is possible;

(b) Custody of a child changes;

(c) Client starts receiving another benefit or has a change in the amount; or

(d) Client plans to go outside the United States for thirty days or more.

The CEO shall ensure that responsibility for fulfilling these reporting requirements is assigned to appropriate staff and that such reporting occurs regularly and promptly.

(H) Requirements when the CEO stops being the representative payee, or if the client dies:

(1) To avoid any unnecessary or lengthy interruptions of funds, the CEO is responsible for notifying the proper agency in advance if the RPH no longer intends to act as payee.

(2) Advance notification must allow time to locate and select a new representative payee. The CEO cannot select or approve the new representative payee.

(3) When the proper agency has approved a new representative payee, generally the CEO must turn over to the proper agency all invested funds, including principal and interest, as well as cash on hand. In some cases, however, the CEO may be asked by the agency to turn over all such funds to the client or to the new representative payee.

(4) When a CEO has requested a change of representative payee status, upon discharge of a client, the CEO may continue to expend funds on behalf of the client until a new representative payee has been designated.

(5) If the client dies, at that point any remaining or invested funds, including principal and interest, belongs to his or her estate. The funds must be given to the legal representative of the estate for distribution or otherwise handled in accordance with state law. In some instances there are insufficient funds to meet immediate burial costs and the court handling the estate may order the RPH to disburse funds for a certain purpose at that time and to disburse remaining funds according to further instructions. The CEO should comply with only court orders regarding disposal of all estate funds upon the client's death.

(I) Evaluating the need to continue as representative payee for the client.

(1) At least twice a year, depending upon the client's length of stay, the individual treatment team shall evaluate whether the client really needs to continue having a representative payee. If it is their opinion that the client no longer needs a representative payee, and the client agrees, the RPH should submit such information to the proper agency for its consideration.

(2) When the RPH discharges a client who has a representative payee (whether the representative payee is the CEO or another person), the individual treatment team, when notifying the social security administration of discharge, shall state their opinion as to whether the client has a need for continuation of the representative payee.

(J) CEO accounting for representative payee funds:

(1) As representative payee, the CEO has a fiduciary relationship to the client.

(2) Appropriate records of money received and how it was spent or invested must be kept by the CEO and is subject to audit by the state auditor's office, the department's internal auditors, and auditors from the proper agency designating the CEO as representative payee.

(3) Monies received and disbursed shall conform to those business procedures detailed in rule 5122-9-10 of the Administrative Code.

(4) Sometimes the agency designating the CEO as representative payee will require specific reports of its own. The CEO shall comply with these requests.

The CEO shall assure that staff are assigned to properly administer and account for these funds as described in this paragraph.

(K) Department monitoring of CEO duties as representative payee.

(1) The office of fiscal administration shall conduct, at least annually, an audit of representative payee accounts as part of the regular RPH audit. This part of the audit shall review the client's account, the current account billing by the fiscal operations and revenue section (formerly the section of reimbursement services) of the department, and a review of procedures included in this procedure with regard to performance as representative payee. One of the performance criteria used in the department's internal audit will be expenditure of funds for personal needs or documented exceptions authorized by the CEO and that there are properly invested funds which have been used as an appropriate part of discharge planning.

(2) A copy of the findings of the office of fiscal administration during this internal audit shall be forwarded to the CEO, deputy director of hospital services and the department chief financial officer.

(3) If the internal audit report includes deficiencies regarding responsibilities as representative payee, the CEO shall prepare a plan of correction for this and send a copy to the deputy director of hospital services and the department chief financial officer.

(4) When the deputy director of hospital services, has approved the plan of correction for implementation, a copy will be forwarded to the office of fiscal administration to be included for review during the next scheduled audit.

(L) Training:

The CEO is responsible for ensuring that training is provided to those RPH staff having responsibility for carrying out the duties of representative payee. Training shall be provided to such personnel on an annual basis. Documentation that all staff having responsibility for carrying out the duties of representative payee receive such training once each calendar year shall be maintained.

Last updated February 23, 2024 at 2:05 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 111.15, 5119.01, 5119.35
Amplifies: 5119.35
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 2/10/1979, 2/13/1983
Rule 5122-2-04 | Client complaint and grievance procedure for regional psychiatric hospital inpatient services.
 

(A) The purpose of this rule is to promote individual recovery and provide a means for persons who have received or are receiving regional psychiatric hospital (RPH) inpatient services, or their representatives, to lodge complaints and file grievances and appeals regarding care, treatment, environmental conditions, and the exercise of patient rights or other aspects of inpatient care or services and to have those complaints, grievances, and appeals heard and acted upon in a timely manner. This rule also reinforces the obligation of all staff to listen to and respond to the complaints and grievances of persons served.

(B) The provisions of this rule apply to all RPHs providing inpatient services under the managing responsibility of the department.

(C) The deputy director of hospital services and medical director of the Ohio department of mental health and addiction services are to adopt a patient complaint and grievance procedure for each RPH.

(D) Each RPH may make changes to its patient complaint and grievance procedure with the approval of the RPH's governing body and the department's deputy director of hospital services, advocacy services administrator, and medical director.

(E) Each RPH patient complaint and grievance procedure is to be based on 42 CFR 482.13 and the centers for medicare and medicaid services state operations manual, appendix A, revised February 21, 2020.

(F) Each RPH patient complaint and grievance procedure is to be reviewed by the deputy director of hospital services, advocacy services administrator, and medical director not more than three years after the date of the last review of the procedure.

Last updated March 22, 2024 at 8:55 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: R.C. 5122.33
Amplifies: R.C. 5122.29
Five Year Review Date: 8/15/2028
Prior Effective Dates: 6/6/2011
Rule 5122-2-10 | Tuberculosis control program.
 

Each RPH shall develop and follow a tuberculosis control plan that is based on the risk classification of the facility. The control plan and facility risk assessment shall be consistent with the United States centers for disease control and prevention "guidelines for preventing the transmission of mycobacterium tuberculosis in health care settings, 2005," MMWR 2005, Volume 54, No. RR-17 and any additional requirements set forth by the Ohio department of health in rule 3701-15-03 of the Administrative Code.

Last updated February 23, 2024 at 2:05 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 5119.10
Amplifies: 5119.10, 5119.11
Five Year Review Date: 7/12/2023
Prior Effective Dates: 6/13/2009
Rule 5122-2-12 | Regional psychiatric hospital (RPH) inpatient assessment, treatment planning and discharge planning.
 
This is an Internal Management (IM) rule governing the day-to-day staff procedures and operations within an agency.

(A) The purpose of this rule is to establish department policy and guidelines governing the development and implementaton of assessments, treatment plans and discharge plans.

(B) The following definitions shall apply to this rule in addition to or in place of those appearing in rule 5122-1-01 of the Administrative Code.

(1) "Basic neurological exam" means an examination of cranial nerves, sensory and motor functions, coordination, and deep tendon reflexes.

(2) "CPST" means community psychiatric supportive treatment service which provides an array of services delivered by community based, mobile individuals or multidisciplinary teams of professionals and trained others. Services address the individualized mental health needs of the client. They are directed toward adults, children, adolescents and families and will vary with respect to hours, type and intensity of services, depending on the changing needs of each individual. The purpose/intent of CPST service is to provide specific, measurable, and individualized services to each person served. CPST services should be focused on the individual's ability to succeed in the community; to identify and access needed services; and to show improvement in school, work and family and integration and contributions within the community.

(3) "Day" means a calendar day, unless otherwise indicated.

(4) "Direct care nursing staff" means, but is not limited to, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, mental health technicians, and therapeutic program workers.

(5) "Goal" means an expected result or condition that takes time to achieve, that is specified in a statement that provides guidance in establishing intermediate objectives directed towards its attainment.

(6) "Long-term view" means the life situation the patient would like to attain in the next three to five years. Usually described in the patient's own words, the long-term view includes all elements that are important to the patient. This may include living arrangements, vocational/educational activities, relationships, and other factors that are important to the quality of life desired by the patient.

(7) "Objective" means an expected result or condition that takes less time to achieve than a goal, is stated in measurable terms, has a specified time for achievement, and is related to the attainment of a goal.

(8) "Physical disabilities" means conditions such as deaf/hard-of-hearing, visual impairment, and/or other physical limitations in what would be considered normal physical functioning that may affect an individual's access to treatment, and that needs to be considered in the overall assessment process, and in the development of an individual's treatment plan.

(9) "Physical examination" means an examination of a patient by a physician including, but not limited to, all the items indicated on "History of Physical Illness" and "Physical Examination" forms designated by the department.

(10) "Physician" means a person licensed under the laws of this state to practice medicine.

(11) "Psychiatric examination" means an examination of a patient by a psychiatrist, or a physician privileged by the facility to conduct such examinations, including, but not limited to, all the items indicated on the "Psychiatric Examination" form designated by the department.

(12) "Psychiatrist" means a licensed physician who has satisfactorily completed a residency training program in psychiatry, as approved by the residency review vommittee of the American council on graduate medical education, the committee on graduate education of the American osteopathic association, or the American osteopathic board of neurology and psychiatry, or who, as of July 1, 1989, has been recognized as a psychiatrist by the Ohio state medical association or the Ohio osteopathic association on the basis of formal training and five or more years of medical practice limited to psychiatry.

(13) "Psychologist" means an individual who holds a current license under Chapter 4732. of the Revised Code which authorizes the practice of psychology.

(14) "Recovery" means a personal process of overcoming the negative impact of a psychiatric disability despite its continued presence.

(15) "Registered nurse" means an individual who holds a current license issued under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code which authorizes the practice of nursing as a registered nurse.

(16) "Social worker" means a person who uses the application of specialized knowledge of human development and behavior, and social, economic and cultural systems in directly assisting individuals, families, and groups to improve or restore their capacity of social functioning, including assessment, counseling, and the use of social work interventions and social psychotherapy.

(17) "Treatment plan" (also known as "plan of care") means a written statement of specific, reasonable and measurable goals and objectives for an individual established by the treatment team, in conjunction with the patient, with specific criteria to evaluate progress towards achieving those objectives.

(18) "Treatment team" means a team comprised of the patient, patient's family as defined and authorized by the patient, psychiatrist, or physician so privileged by the facility, registered nurse, social worker, and other appropriate personnel (such as activity therapist, CPST worker, interpreter, readers, dietitian, occupational therapist, pharmacist, psychologist, and others as appropriate) based on patient needs and standard-setting agency requirements.

(C) Assessments

The RPH shall be responsible for conducting a complete assessment of each patient, including a consideration of the patient's abilities, strengths, stage in the recovery process, problems, and needs, and the types of services required to meet those needs in the least restrictive setting. Assessments shall contain a statement of individual strengths, and anticipated treatment interventions and recommendations. The assessment process shall pay careful attention to the uniqueness of individual patients, such as the presence of any physical disabilities, cultural differences, and/or religious preferences. To the fullest extent possible, each assessment shall be conducted in the patient's preferred method of communication; for deaf/hard of hearing patients, an interpreter shall be used to communicate unless the patient has expressed a preference for an alternative form of communication. See ODMH policy MD-10 "Providing Services to Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (Deaf/HOH) Patients in ODMH Hospitals." The assessments shall include, but not be limited to, the following areas: physical, mental, behavioral, social, recreational, financial, housing, vocational, recovery stage, and when appropriate, educational, legal, risk, nutritional, cultural, and spirituality. Information from relevant community agencies with whom the patient has been involved in treatment should be used as appropriate in the assessment process. It is understood that, due to a patient's condition, and/or unwillingness to cooperate with an assessment or with certain portions of it, the time frames indicated for assessments may not be met in every instance.

(1) A complete history and physical examination shall be completed on all patients within twenty-four hours of admission. This history and physical examination shall include a medical, alcohol and drug history, and a vision and hearing screening. It shall also include appropriate information about past and current physical disorders, and a basic neurological examination. Phrases like, "gross neurological examination within normal limits", "intact", and "no abnormalities", without any indication of tests performed and their result, are not acceptable.

(2) A psychiatric examination shall be completed and in the patient's medical record within sixty hours of admission.

(3) A nursing assessment by a registered nurse shall be completed, and in the patient's medical record within twenty-four hours of admission.

(4) A social work assessment, including a social history, shall be completed, and in the patient's medical record prior to the development of the comprehensive individual treatment plan.

(5) A psychological assessment shall be provided as appropriate to patient need.

(6) Other patient assessments shall be completed as appropriate, depending on the patient's needs, and standard-setting agency requirements.

(7) The physical and psychiatric examinations and the nursing and social service assessments shall be updated as often as indicated by the patient's changing condition, but in no case less frequently than annually. Other assessments shall be reviewed and updated as appropriate, based on patient need.

(8) Comprehensive physical examinations performed within thirty days prior to admission by a privileged member of the medical staff may be accepted, provided they are reviewed by the physician and are authenticated as still current, or are updated as needed; and provided a legible copy of the examination as authenticated or updated is placed in the patient's medical record within twenty-four hours of admission.

(9) Each RPH shall have a policy relating to needed assessments, or portions thereof, that are refused by the patient or that are deferred for some reason. The policy shall state the manner in which these deferrals or refusals are to be dealt with, and time frames for doing so.

(D) Treatment plan

Each patient shall have developed with the treatment team a treatment plan which is responsive to the treatment needs and recovery process of the patient, based on information provided by the patient, the patient's family/significant others, and assessments by the treatment team. The plan shall include services to be provided to the patient during the inpatient stay and needed services after discharge. Services to be planned for all patients after discharge shall include medication, housing, financial, and when appropriate, vocational and peer support services. This plan shall be developed with the involvement of the patient, and, when appropriate, the patient's family/significant others, and the CPST worker. The active involvement of the patient, any significant others, and the CPST worker, shall be documented. Each treatment plan shall pay careful attention to the uniqueness of individual patients, such as the presence of any physical disabilities, cultural differences, and/or religious preferences. In treatment plan development and implementation, the patient's preferred method of communication shall, to the fullest extent possible, be utilized. The treatment plan shall be developed and implemented as follows:

(1) An admitting/initial treatment plan, based on the intake assessments, shall be developed at the time of admission. This plan may be documented in the physician's admission note, and/or admitting orders. It shall give adequate direction to all relevant staff regarding the treatment regimen to be followed pending the development of the comprehensive treatment plan. This plan shall be reviewed and updated as indicated.

(2) Each patient shall have a comprehensive treatment plan developed by the treatment team. This plan shall be developed no later than five calendar days from admission, counting the day of admission as day one. This plan shall be based on the assessments referred to in paragraphs (C)(1) to (C)(7) of this rule, and upon identified patient abilities, strengths, stage in recovery process, problems, and needs. In most instances this plan will be a further evolution of the plan begun at the time of admission, but based now on more comprehensive assessment information.

(3) Each patient's comprehensive treatment plan shall be reviewed and updated by the treatment team as often as is indicated by the patient's condition, and his/her progress, or lack thereof, in achieving the goals of treatment. It is to be emphasized that the patient's changing condition, and his/her progress, or lack thereof, in moving towards recovery and the achievement of established treatment goals, is the primary determinant of the need for a review and update of the individual treatment plan. However, in no case shall the interval between reviews and updates exceed the following:

(a) Thirty days from the date of the comprehensive treatment plan;

(b) Every thirty days for the next two months of receiving RPH services;

(c) Every sixty days thereafter during the first year of receiving RPH services; and

(d) For patients who are in the RPH beyond one year, at least every ninety days for the duration of receiving RPH services.

(4) Each review and update of the treatment plan shall include a reassessment of the individual's diagnosis, and principal behaviors necessitating inpatient care. Changes shall be made in the treatment regimen, as appropriate, based on the patient's changing condition. The active participation in this entire process of the patient, any significant others, and the CPST worker, shall be encouraged and documented.

(E) Treatment plan contents

Each individual treatment plan and reviews or updates shall contain:

(1) A substantiated diagnosis;

(2) Clearly identified patient abilities, strengths, problems, needs, and stage of recovery drawn from the assessments, and any updates, thereof, that will be addressed in treatment;

(3) Clearly stated and measurable goals and objectives relative to the identified abilities, strengths, problems and needs, including recovery-related issues;

(4) Estimated time frames for the achievement of each goal and objective;

(5) Specific treatment methodologies, with their frequencies, focus, and duration, that will be used in an effort to achieve each stated objective;

(6) Individual names of staff responsible for carrying out, or assuring the carrying out, of each treatment method referenced in paragraph (E)(5) of this rule. The professional discipline shall be clearly indicated;

(7) Criteria for transition to the community, that is, clearly stated patient mental and behavioral status sufficient to allow continued treatment as needed in a community setting;

(8) Specific plans, or recommendations, for post-discharge services;

(9) The patient's involvement in and expressed concerns about the treatment plan; and

(10) The patient's long-term view.

(F) Discharge planning

Discharge planning should start the day of admission. Upon admission, or linkage to a provider organization, the CPST worker, if applicable, and the community provider organization shall be notified, and invited to participate in, and kept fully apprised of plans, including the discharge date.

Appropriate levels of supervision, housing, and peer support services, if appropriate, shall be identified by the treatment team and communicated to the provider staff. If the patient is not able to be discharged within one week after he/she is ready for discharge due to placement problems, the RPH social worker shall inform the RPH social work director/designee. The RPH social work director/designee shall contact the community provider organization to facilitate the discharge. These cases are reviewed by the RPH utilization review committee. Regular meetings between the RPH chief clinical officer and the mental health center chief clinical officers and their staffs need to be held to address cases that cannot be resolved by the social work directors.

(G) Patient access to medical records

(1) Pursuant to division (A)(5) of section 5122.31 of the Revised Code, a patient shall, upon request, be granted access to his/her medical record unless clear treatment reasons, i.e., likely to endanger the life or physical safety of the patient or others, are documented in the individual treatment plan and physician progress notes restrict such access. Examples of clear treatment reasons include:

(a) The information is about another person and the RPH determines that patient review would cause sufficient harm to another individual to warrant withholding; or

(b) Review by the patient could be reasonably likely to endanger the life or physical safety of the patient or anyone else.

(2) If restricted, the areas in the record from which the patient is restricted to view shall be noted; the non-restricted areas are still accessible to the patient. The patient's written treatment plan shall specify the treatment designed to eliminate the restriction.

(H) Authorization of individual treatment plans

The names of all team members actually participating in the development and/or review and update of the treatment plan shall appear on the treatment plan. The individual treatment plan and each review and update thereof shall be signed by a psychiatrist, or a physician so privileged by the RPH. A psychiatrist, or a physician so privileged by the RPH, shall assume primary responsibility for supervision and evaluation of each patient's ongoing care and treatment. The patient shall participate in the development of his/her treatment plan and shall be asked to sign it.

(I) Implementation of treatment plans

Treatment plan progress notes shall be completed for patients. The frequency of the notes is determined by the condition of the patient. Progress notes are written at least weekly or more frequently if clinically indicated. Such notes shall indicate the treatment interventions carried out in relation to a specific problem or goal on the treatment plan, and shall contain a careful assessment of the patient's progress in accordance with the stated goals and objectives on the treatment plan, and subsequent updates thereof. They shall also contain any recommendations for the continuation of or modifications in the patient's treatment regimen. All such entries shall be signed and dated by the staff member and the professional discipline shall be clearly indicated. In addition, direct care nursing staff shall complete regular notes. These notes shall be daily for the first week of admission. After the first week, while no required frequency is given, the notes shall be frequent enough to give a clear picture of the patient's clinical status and his/her response to the active treatment interventions.

(J) Treatment plan monitoring

Individual treatment plans governed by this policy shall be monitored by the RPH quality assurance/ improvement program. Results of the monitoring activity shall be distributed as appropriate both to inform staff persons with a need to know, and in order to assure prompt and effective corrective action on all identified deficiencies.

Last updated February 23, 2024 at 2:05 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4731., 5119.01, 5122.28, 5122.29
Amplifies: 5119.01, 5122.28, 5122.29
Five Year Review Date:
Prior Effective Dates: 7/1/1980, 6/7/1993
Rule 5122-2-13 | Medication practices in regional psychiatric hospitals.
 

(A) The purpose of this rule is to ensure safe and quality patient care by establishing standards that govern all aspects of medication practices within inpatient settings of the regional psychiatric hospitals (RPHs). Medication practices will reaffirm patients' rights to receive appropriate medication treatment and participate actively in treatment decisions.

(B) The following definitions apply to this rule in addition to those specified in rule 5122-1-01 of the Administrative Code:

(1) "Administration" means the direct application of a single drug to the body of a patient either by injection, inhalation, ingestion, or any other means.

(2) "Certified pharmacy technician" means an individual who is registered with the state board of pharmacy as a certified pharmacy technician under section 4729.901 of the Revised Code.

(3) "Chief clinical officer" and "CCO" mean the medical director of an RPH as defined in division (K) of section 5122.01 of the Revised Code.

(4) "Computerized physician order entry" and "CPOE" mean the computer program by which a prescriber can order a medication.

(5) "Dispensing" refers to the final association of a medication with a particular patient pursuant to a lawful prescription of a prescriber, and assuming responsibility for the activities involved in filling the prescription.

(6) "Emergency" means an impending or crisis situation which creates circumstances demanding immediate actions for prevention of injury to the patient or others, as determined either by a physician, registered nurse, or physician assistant.

(7) "Hazardous medication" means a medication that is potentially genotoxic, carcinogenic, teratogenic, or can cause developmental toxicity if improperly handled. A list of these medications is published by the national institute for occupational safety and health of the United States centers for disease control and prevention and updated as needed.

(8) "High risk medication" means a medication that has an increased risk of causing significant pertinent harm or death if it is misused or used in error.

(9) "Informed consent" means a process that requires a prescriber to give a patient or legal guardian all information necessary to make an informed decision to either undergo or refuse a proposed treatment or medication, including the following components: nature of the treatment or medication; the potential benefits, risks, or possible side effects or consequences associated with taking or not agreeing to the recommended treatment or medication; any alternative treatments available to the patient; and determination that the patient has the capacity to give or withhold informed consent.

(10) "Medication" or "drug" means a natural or chemical substance that exerts a pharmacological effect intended for the purpose of treatment, prevention, or diagnostic studies of illness.

(11) "Medication reconciliation" means the gathering of data on medications that were prescribed prior to admission and using the data in the selection of medications that are prescribed during the patient's hospital stay. Upon discharge or transfer, a list of medications currently prescribed is also shared with the next provider of services.

(12) "Medication with abuse potential" means a controlled substance as defined in section 802(6) of the "Controlled Substances Act," 21 U.S.C. 802(6), as amended, or a non-controlled medication with recognized potential for abuse.

(13) "Pharmacist" means a person licensed under Chapter 4729. of the Revised Code to engage in the practice of pharmacy.

(14) "Physician" means a person licensed under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery.

(15) "Prescriber" has the same meaning as in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code, except that it excludes a veterinarian licensed under Chapter 4741. of the Revised Code.

(16) "Prescribing" means an order for one or more medications issued.

(17) "PRN order" means an order for a medication that is given only when a patient manifests a specific clinical condition and consents to take the medication.

(18) "Prescription drug" means a medication dispensed only upon a prescription or includes on the manufacturer's label the wording, "Rx only," or the statement, "Caution: federal law prohibits dispensing without prescription."

(19) "Psychotropic medication" means a medication that has specific and intended effects on central nervous system functions and is ordinarily used to treat disorders of thought, perception, mood, or behavior.

(20) "Standing orders" means an established, routine, or special order from a prescriber and approved by the CCO that is applicable to the general population of a unit, ward, or RPH as opposed to an individual.

(21) "Telephone order" means an order transmitted by telephone.

(22) "Verbal order" means an order spoken aloud by a prescriber in the presence of the person authorized to receive the order.

(23) "Verification" means the professional clinical review of a patient's medication profile by a pharmacist for dose, schedule, medication allergies, drug-drug interactions, drug-food interactions, and drug-disease interactions prior to the dispensing of a new medication.

(C) Prescribing practices

(1) All medications will be prescribed as deemed medically appropriate pursuant to a physical and psychiatric evaluation. Prescribing practices will be in compliance with state and federal laws as well as standards of accrediting or certifying entities.

(2) All medications will be prescribed consistent with department policies and clinical practice guidelines. Medications will not be prescribed or administered in quantities that prevent a patient from participating in psychosocial treatment.

(3) Each patient's medication regimen will be reviewed and evaluated by the attending physician at time intervals established by RPH policies, but at least monthly. Documentation of this evaluation will be made in the patient's medical record.

(4) When the prescribing of two medications from the same psychotropic medication class is indicated, the reasons for prescribing more than one medication from the same class will be documented by the prescriber in the patient's record. If the concomitant use of three antipsychotic medications occurs for greater than sixty days, a review will be conducted by the RPH CCO or the CCO's designee.

(5) RPH policies and procedures will address high risk medications, hazardous medications, and medications with abuse potential.

(6) Medications may be prescribed on the basis of a telephone order only when received, recorded, and "read back" by a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or pharmacist to ensure correctness of the order. All telephone orders are to be countersigned, dated, and timed after review by the prescriber who gave the order, generally within seventy-two hours, unless a shorter time interval is specified in RPH policy.

(7) Telephone orders will be limited to the specific circumstances described in RPH policy.

(8) Verbal orders may only be used in an emergency situation. Verbal orders will be signed, dated, and timed by the prescriber within one hour.

(9) Medication orders will specify indication for use. If more than one PRN medication is ordered for the same indication, the orders will contain clear instructions for the relationship between their administrations (e.g., conjointly, in what sequence, etc.).

(10) Medication orders will be time-limited in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations, but in no case will non-controlled medication orders exceed three hundred sixty-five days. Orders for controlled medications will not exceed one hundred eighty days. (See appendix A to this rule.) Renewal of medication orders will be done by the prescriber in a timely fashion to avoid missed doses and other complications.

(11) For patients who lack a payer source for medication, the prescriber may order up to a fifteen day supply of medication to be dispensed to the patient at discharge. For patients with a payer source, the prescriber may order up to a three day supply to be dispensed at discharge, along with a prescription for up to thirty days of medication to be filled after discharge. Larger amounts may be given with CCO approval.

(12) Standing orders will be prohibited, except as approved by the RPH medical staff organization.

(13) The prescriber will perform medication reconciliation as part of the admission and discharge processes, as well as throughout the hospitalization as appropriate.

(D) Documentation

The prescriber will document in the progress notes of the patient's medical record justification of the use of medications. Documentation will include but is not limited to:

(1) Rationale for the use of each prescribed medication, including the increase or decrease in dose or form of the same medication;

(2) Rationale for a change to a different medication;

(3) Rationale for cessation of a given medication; and

(4) Periodic review and evaluation of the patient's response to the medication regimen.

(E) Pharmacy/dispensing practices

(1) The pharmacy is responsible for procurement, distribution, and drug control within the RPH. Pharmacy operations will comply with state and federal drug laws, regulations, and standards of accrediting or certifying entities. The pharmacy will maintain an up-to-date policy and procedure manual.

(2) The pharmacy will, in accordance with Ohio drug laws, receive medication orders through the CPOE program or in written form. Procedures for receipt of medication orders will be specified in RPH policies. The pharmacy will dispense medications only upon the order of a prescriber.

(3) The pharmacy will maintain a medication profile for each patient and a pharmacist is to clinically review this profile prior to the dispensing of each medication, in the process of verification. Medication profiles will be maintained in accordance with Ohio drug laws, RPH policies, and standards of accrediting or certifying entities. When deemed necessary, the pharmacy will notify the appropriate clinicians of problems existing within a medication regimen. This notification will be documented. When a drug is not available in a particular dose, the pharmacist may substitute with other dosage strengths available if the total combined dose equals the dose ordered by the prescriber. The prescriber will not be required to enter or write a new order as no new order is generated. Example: "valproic acid five hundred mg is substituted with valproic acid two hundred fifty mg two tablets."

(4) The pharmacy may have a certified pharmacy technician stock automated drug storage systems and replenish floor stock if a pharmacist is readily available to answer the technician's questions, routinely verifies that the technician is completing these tasks properly, and assumes full responsibility for the technician's activities.

(5) Patient-specific prescription drugs will be dispensed, packaged, stored, and labeled as required by Ohio drug laws. Prescription drugs that are emergency supplies or floor stock will be accompanied by appropriate accountability records and be issued, stored, and secured in accordance with Ohio drug laws. Prescription drugs issued as floor stock will not be in excessive quantities and will be periodically reconciled with the corresponding accountability sheets.

(6) Pharmacies that provide a contingency drug cabinet or automated dispensing machine (ADM) will maintain the cabinet or ADM in a secure area other than the pharmacy. RPH policy will specify personnel who may access the contingency supply and address accountability of the medications.

(7) The pharmacy is responsible for the safe and secure storage of all medication. All areas within the RPH where medications are stored will be inspected in accordance with RPH policies and procedures. Inspections will be documented and discrepancies identified, communicated, and corrected. Medications will be properly stored in all areas of the RPH with respect to appropriate space, temperature, light, moisture, segregation, and security.

(8) The pharmacy will dispense medications in compliance with department policies, directives, guidelines, and protocols.

(F) Record keeping

The pharmacy will maintain appropriate and current licenses with the Ohio board of pharmacy and the U.S. drug enforcement administration, as well as maintain records as required by Ohio and federal drug laws to ensure a complete audit trail of accountability.

(G) Clinical responsibilities

(1) RPH pharmacists will participate in clinical activities regarding medications. RPH policies and procedures will define these clinical activities.

(2) An RPH may establish additional policies which outline clinical pharmacy practices consistent with the Revised Code and under the supervision of the CCO or the CCO's designee.

(H) Administration practices

(1) All medication orders will have the authority of a privileged and licensed prescriber's signature or other means of order authentication when CPOE is used.

(2) Medications may be administered to patients only with a documented informed consent, except:

(a) In emergency situations (see OhioMHAS policy MED-11 MHAS informed consent policy for RPHs);

(b) When administering over the counter medications; or

(c) As authorized by a court.

(3) After verification of the identity of the patient, medications will be administered only by a clinician appropriately licensed by the state and deemed competent to do so by the RPH.

(4) Sound and prudent professional judgment will be exercised in the administration of medications.

(5) Medication is always to be verified with the order prior to transcription and administration, although medication may be administered prior to pharmacist review of the order in emergency situations as identified by the terms "emergency" or "stat" in the order.

(6) Self-administration of medication by a patient will be permitted only when a specific order for self-administration is written by the patient's prescriber and self-administration is authorized by RPH policy.

(7) Medication will be administered by the established standard drug administration schedule of the RPH unless otherwise specified by the prescriber.

(8) Medication errors of level 1 or greater (as defined by OhioMHAS policy MED-03 medication errors) or adverse drug reactions (ADR) shall be immediately reported to the patient's physician (or covering physician) and documented per department policy.

(I) Education/competency/performance improvement

(1) Prescribers, nurses, and pharmacists will hold current, valid professional licenses and be in good standing with their licensing boards. They will provide education and information relating to medication to staff, patients, and families. The content of this rule will be a part of RPH employee orientation.

(2) The competency of each prescriber, pharmacist, and nurse will be monitored, evaluated, and documented on an ongoing basis as part of the RPH performance improvement program and consistent with RPH policies, procedures, and competency plans.

(3) Each RPH will develop and implement a performance improvement program that addresses significant areas of medication standards of practice.

(J) Quality assurance/performance improvement

(1) RPHs will establish mechanisms that make patient safety in the area of medication use a high priority.

(2) RPHs will establish mechanisms to encourage a culture of safety that includes both of the following:

(a) Reporting of ADRs, near miss errors, and all medication errors. (Reporting of medication errors shall not result in any retaliatory action against the reporting person.)

(b) Analysis of medication use processes through failure mode effects analysis to reduce or eliminate potential errors.

(See OhioMHAS policy MED-03 medication errors.)

(3) RPHs will establish mechanisms in coordination with the hospital services pharmacy and therapeutics committee to disseminate to clinicians current information on prevention of errors and potential areas for improvement of medication use.

(K) Implementation

(1) The chief executive officer of each RPH will be responsible for implementation of this rule through RPH policy.

(See, also, appendix A to this rule.)

View Appendix

Last updated February 23, 2024 at 2:05 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: R.C. 5119.10
Amplifies: R.C. 5119.10 and 5119.11
Five Year Review Date: 4/4/2027
Prior Effective Dates: 9/1/2000, 10/10/2010
Rule 5122-2-17 | Seclusion and restraint use in regional psychiatric hospitals.
 

(A) The provision of a physically and psychologically safe environment is a basic requirement for effective mental health treatment. Treatment environments free of coercive interventions and violence promote positive, trusting relationships and facilitate treatment and recovery.

Seclusion and physical restraint are emergency interventions intended to prevent patient and staff injury. They are not a form of therapy and may be traumatizing to a patient. We strive continually to minimize the use of seclusion and restraint. We recognize that these emergency interventions are to be used only by trained and competent staff and as a last resort in order to eliminate dangerous and potentially harmful behaviors and to preserve safety and dignity. All patients should be assessed for any past exposure to these emergency interventions along with possible alternative interventions based on patient preference and experience.

The fundamental goal of inpatient care is to facilitate recovery from serious mental illness, especially from acute exacerbation of illness that may affect judgment, perception, emotion, and behavior. Quality inpatient care includes a physically and psychologically safe environment for both patients and staff. The preference of the department is for the use of positive, supportive and less intrusive measures to engage patients in treatment, including the use of counseling, positive relationships, and a therapeutic environment that facilitates treatment and recovery.

To reduce incidents that may lead to injuries, staff should employ a multi-modal approach and an interdisciplinary, trauma-informed, proactive intervention perspective.

The experience of seclusion and restraint is stressful for both staff and patients, requiring debriefing and support for these individuals. The purpose of this rule shall be to define and establish uniform procedures governing the safe, humane, and appropriate use of seclusion and restraint consistent with this philosophy, standards of quality treatment and respect for the rights of patients.

(B) The provisions of this rule shall be applicable to all regional psychiatric hospital inpatient settings operated by the department of mental health and addiction services (OhioMHAS).

(C) The following definitions apply to this rule in addition to or in place of those appearing in rule 5122-1-01 of the Administrative Code:

(1) "Chief clinical officer (CCO)" means the medical director of a regional psychiatric hospital (RPH) as defined in division (K) of section 5122.01 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Clear treatment reasons" means that permitting the patient to participate will present a substantial risk of physical harm to the patient or others or will substantially preclude effective treatment of the patient. If a restriction is imposed for clear treatment reasons, the patient's written treatment plan shall specify the treatment designed to eliminate the restriction at the earliest possible time.

(3) "Direct care personnel" means personnel with special training, competency and experience in assessing and treating persons with mental illness and whose primary responsibility is for such functions.

(4) "Emergency" means an impending or crisis situation which demands immediate action for preservation of life or prevention of serious bodily harm to the person or others as determined by a licensed physician, licensed practitioner, or registered nurse (RN).

(5) "Hospital services security personnel" means special police as defined in section 5119.08 of the Revised Code and security officers of the regional psychiatric hospital.

(6) Licensed practitioner" means an individual who is responsible for the care of the patient and authorized to order restraint or seclusion by hospital policy in accordance with state law and specifically refers to advanced practice nurses (APN) and physician assistants.

(7) "Mechanical supports" means items used for the purpose of achieving proper body alignment, position and balance. Mechanical supports shall not be considered restraints under this rule when used in this manner. Examples include orthopedic-prescribed devices, surgical dressings or bandages, protective helmets, or other methods that involve the physical holding of a patient for the purpose of conducting routine physical examinations or tests, or to protect the patient from falling out of bed, or to permit the patient to participate in activities without the risk of physical harm.

(8) "Physical restraint" means any method, or device that immobilizes or reduces the ability of a patient to move his or her arms, legs, body, or head freely. For purposes of this rule, physical restraint refers to:

(a) "Manual restraint" means physically holding an individual to restrict an individual's ability to move his or her legs, arms, head, or body, freely.

(b) "Physical restraint with devices" means any method of restricting a persons freedom of movement, physical activity, or normal use of his or her body, using an appliance or device manufactured for this purpose.

(c) "Prone restraint" means measures used to limit or control the movement of an individual's body while the individual is in a face-down position for an extended period of time. Prone restraint includes manual or physical restraint with devices.

(d) "Transitional hold" means a restraint involving a brief physical positioning of an individual face-down for the purpose of quickly and effectively gaining physical control of that individual in order to prevent harm to self and others, and enable the individual to be transported safely.

(9) "PRN order" means a practitioner's written order for a medication, treatment, or procedure which is only carried out when an individual patient manifests a specific clinical condition.

(10) "Quiet time" means a voluntary procedure through which a patient removes him/herself to an unlocked area from a situation which is too stimulating, in an effort to regain self-control.

(11) "Seclusion" means confinement of a patient alone in a room, locked or unlocked, in which that patient is physically prevented from leaving for any period of time.

(12) "Treatment plan" means a written statement of specific, reasonable and measurable goals and objectives for an individual established by the treatment team, in conjunction with the patient, with specific criteria to evaluate progress towards achieving those objectives.

(13) "Treatment team" means a team comprised of the patient, patient's family as defined and authorized by the patient, psychiatrist, licensed practitioner, or physician so privileged by the facility, RN, social worker, and other appropriate personnel (such as activity therapist, CPST worker, interpreter, dietitian, occupational therapist, pharmacist, psychologist, counselors, and others as appropriate) based on patient needs and requests, and standard-setting agency requirements.

(D) It is the policy of the department that seclusion and restraint shall be applied in a safe and humane manner as measures of last resort. The goal of seclusion and restraint use is to assist the patient in regaining self-control and maintaining dignity while reducing the risk of injury to patients and staff. The use of seclusion and restraint shall be consistent with nationally recognized standards for quality treatment and applicable laws.

(1) RPH policies for seclusion or restraint must require that these measures shall:

(a) Only be imposed to ensure the immediate physical safety of the patient, a staff member, or others, and must be discontinued at the earliest possible. time;

(b) Not employ a drug or medication when it is used as a restriction to manage the patient's behavior, or restrict the patient's freedom of movement, and is not a standard treatment or dosage for the patient's condition;

(c) Be employed as a last resort when lesser restrictive measures aimed at assisting a patient to control his or her behavior have failed;

(d) Not be used as coercion, discipline, or punishment; for the convenience of staff; or longer than clinically necessary;

(e) Be employed using the least restrictive form of restraint or seclusion that protects the physical safety of the patient, staff or others.

(f) Not cause injury to the patient;

(g) Not be used in place of more appropriate treatment interventions;

(h) Be used in a manner that best protects and maintains the dignity and individuality of each patient, and considers:

(i) Gender;

(ii) Age;

(iii) Developmental issues;

(iv) Ethnicity;

(v) History of physical or sexual abuse, or other trauma;

(vi) Medical conditions;

(vii) Physical disabilities; and

(viii) If individual is deaf, hard-of-hearing, or has a primary spoken language is other than English.

(i) Be ordered only by physicians or a licensed practitioner;

(j) Be used in a manner to provide for the greatest possible comfort of the patient; and

(k) Be vigorously supervised and monitored using individual medical record reviews and aggregate data reviews as part of an ongoing and systematic quality improvement program.

(2) Position in restraint. RPH policies and procedures shall ensure that:

(a) The use of prone restraint is prohibited.

(b) A patient shall be placed in a position that allows airway access and does not compromise respiration, regardless of the method of restraint utilized.

(c) The use of a transitional hold shall be:

(i) Applied only in a manner that does not compromise breathing; and,

(ii) Only for the brief amount of time necessary to bring the patient under control and ensure safe patient transport.

(3) RPH restraint and seclusion policies shall incorporate the following:

(a) Restraint shall be applied with concern for good body alignment and comfort of the patient, and recognition of any medical conditions;

(b) Seclusion may be employed only in rooms which contain proper temperature control, ventilation and lighting; a visual panel of safety glass for staff to make observations; a safe and sanitary environment with no wall/ceiling fixtures and sharp edges or electrical outlets. The room must include a bed, mattress, bed sheets, and pillow unless the patient's condition warrants their removal. Removal of these items requires a physician's or licensed practitioner's written order and documentation of rationale for removal, however, a nurse may initiate their removal and then obtain the physician's or licensed practitioner's order within sixty minutes after the removal.

(4) Steel cuffs or other restraining devices used by security staff for custody, detention, and public safety reasons are not considered behavioral restraints. The use of steel cuffs to restrain a patient on a unit is prohibited.

(E) Standards

(1) RPHs may distinguish between manual or physical restraint with devices in policy consistent with regulating and accrediting authorities and this rule.

(2) Approved restraints are indicated below and are to be used in accordance with the limitations stated in this rule.

(a) Physical restraints with devices:

(i) Padded leather cuffs, vinyl flexicuffs, waist/wrist cuffs (pads), and two- and four-point belts and cuffs;

(ii) Mittens securely fastened around the wrist with a tie;

(iii) Helmets only if the helmets are of an approved type and affixed in such a manner that removal or choking cannot be easily accomplished by patients;

(iv) Mechanical supports used for restraint rather than support purposes (e.g., soft ties, geri chairs, and tie jackets) shall be considered physical restraint devices under this rule.

(v) Items used for medical, surgical or dental procedures shall not be considered restraints under this rule.

(b) Manual restraint. May be utilized in either an emergency situation to prevent injury to the patient or others until appropriate physical restraint devices may be applied, or to control for transporting. Manual restraint is typically applied for only a brief time period (less than ten minutes).

(3) Quiet time shall not be considered restraint or seclusion.

(4) Personnel designated below shall be the only individuals permitted to implement seclusion and restraint if they have been trained and are competent to do so:

(a) Direct care and nursing personnel shall be permitted to implement seclusion and restraint;

(b) RPH security personnel shall assist in the use of these interventions only when requested to do so by direct care or nursing personnel; and,

(c) Other employees who have successfully completed training programs on the use of restraint or seclusion shall be permitted to assist in their application.

(F) Procedures

(1) RPH policies shall

(a) Allow a patient, as part of treatment planning, the opportunity to identify techniques that would help control his or her behavior; and

(b) Consider a patient's advance directive addressing special safety and treatment if seclusion or restraint is warranted.

(2) Orders

(a) Any application of seclusion or restraint of a patient shall require an order by a physician or another licensed practitioner. This order is obtained beforehand, as much as possible, but in emergent situations, a (RN) can direct the use of seclusion or restraint (either a physical restraint with devices or a manual restraint) and obtain the order as soon as possible afterward in accordance with paragraph (F)(2)(e) of this rule. The order must specify the use of seclusion and restraint separately. Each order shall be documented to include parameters for discontinuation of the intervention (seclusion and/or restraint) and placed in the patient's medical record.

(b) With the exception of orders for the use of mittens and helmets for patient who exhibit self-injurious behavior, each order for seclusion or restraint shall be in force for no longer than one hour for an initial order, or up to four hours for a renewal. A physician, licensed practitioner, or registered nurse trained in accordance with the requirements specified by CMS shall personally examine a patient being physically restrained and/or placed in seclusion and substantiate the need for continuing the use of seclusion or physical restraint with devices prior to order.

(3) Examinations/assessments

The patient shall be given an explanation of the reason for the restraint or seclusion, and which would indicate sufficient behavioral control to discontinue the intervention. The examination shall include the following unless clinically contraindicated and documented in the patient's record:

(a) An assessment of any physical problems or an unstable medical status that might contraindicate the use of seclusion or restraint. If there are none, the evaluator shall document in the patient's medical record that there are no known contraindications to this seclusion or restraint procedure;

(b) Vital signs including temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure, or documentation if not done, and why;

(c) A review of current medications if the evaluation is conducted by a physician or licensed practitioner;

(d) Documentation to substantiate the clinical indication for seclusion or restraint use, and that the evaluator considered both the benefits and risks of these measures; and

(e) If the one hour face-to-face evaluation is conducted by a physician other than the attending physician, the attending physician or other licensed practitioner responsible for the care of the patient must be consulted as soon as possible.

(4) Rationale for the release from seclusion or restraint shall be documented by the registered nurse or licensed practical nurse in the patient's medical record.

(5) The treating physician or licensed practitioner shall be contacted as soon as possible if the restraint or seclusion was ordered by another physician or licensed practitioner.

(6) Patient care and documentation standards.

(a) All prior interventions used before seclusion or restraint shall be documented in the patient's medical record.

(b) To ensure proper safety, body comfort, and circulation of a patient placed in restraints, checks of the patient's condition shall be made by direct care personnel.

(i) Patients placed in restraints or seclusion shall be continuously monitored. Observations of the condition of the patient shall be made and documented in the patient's medical record at least every fifteen minutes or more often if the patient's condition so warrants.

(ii) Appropriate assessments of a patient in restraint or seclusion shall be conducted every fifteen minutes by trained and competent staff, and documented in the patient's medical record. The fifteen minute assessments shall include, as applicable: signs of any injury; nutrition/hydration; circulation and range of motion in the extremities; vital signs; hygiene and elimination; physical and psychological status and comfort; and readiness for discontinuation of restraint or seclusion.

(iii) When a patient is removed from physical restraint with devices, nursing staff shall continue to monitor the progress of the patient and make at least one entry, including vital signs, within two hours in the patient's medical record concerning the patient's status. More frequent monitoring may be necessary if warranted by the patient's condition.

(c) All patients placed in restraint or seclusion shall be visited by a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse no less than every hour to assess the patient. These visits shall be documented in the patient's medical record. This contact may be modified by a physician's or licensed practitioner's order if the patient's need for reduced stimulus outweighs the need for continued medical assessment.

(d) A patient placed in restraint or seclusion shall be provided the opportunity for motion and exercise for at least ten minutes during each two hour period in which these devices are employed. This shall be documented in the patient's medical record.

(e) The patient's medical record shall include documentation of fluids being offered and monitoring for fluid intake and output. Monitoring may be modified by a physician's or licensed practitioner's order if the patient's condition warrants reduced monitoring. The physician's order shall include rationale for the reduction in monitoring of fluid intake and output.

(f) The rationale for each episode of seclusion or restraint shall be clearly documented in the patient's medical record by the physician or licensed practitioner who examined the patient.

(g) The physician or licensed practitioner shall specify criteria for discontinuation of seclusion and/or restraint.

(h) With the patient's consent, the patient's family is notified of the initiation of restraint or seclusion.

(7) Conduct debriefings after an incident. (See MHAS policy MED-19 "Proactive Positive Intervention Treatment and Safety").

(a) The goals of debriefing are to: (i) minimize the negative effects of the incident on all involved individuals; and (ii) identify alternatives strategies to prevent or minimize future occurrences.

(b) Each patient shall be given the opportunity to debrief each episode of seclusion or restraint, unless specifically contraindicated in the treatment plan for clear treatment reasons. As part of the debriefing, the patient shall be given the opportunity to identify techniques that would assist the patient to control his or her behavior. In addition, patient debriefing provides an opportunity to minimize trauma and reestablish the therapeutic staff-patient relationship. Families may also participate in the debriefings at the patient's request.

(c) Each RPH shall develop procedures to debrief staff after an episode of restraint. Conduct a staff debriefing when a physical intervention occurs to:

(i) Assess for any injury;

(ii) Plan next steps for the patient's care and protection for the remainder of the shift;

(iii) Determine how management of the situation could have been handled differently;

(iv) Provide information to patient's treatment team to assist in treatment plan revisions;

(v) The following are examples of questions that may be included in a staff debriefing:

(a) Were there alternative actions that could have been taken to prevent the incident?

(b) Could some intervention earlier have prevented the outcome?

(c) In the case of restraint, could seclusion have been an alternative?

(d) Would it be possible to achieve a better outcome if an assist team were called?

(e) Are we medicating optimally? Is the patient adherent? How do we respond to possible non-adherence?

(f) What environmental changes might minimize the risk of further dangerous behaviors (e.g., room changes, roommate changes, ambient noise, light, or congestion on the unit, access to exits, response to visitors, etc.)?

(8) Monitoring and quality improvement requirements

(a) Each unit shall be responsible for preparing a daily log indicating name of patient, patient number, living unit, time of day in, time of day out, for each episode of seclusion or restraint.

(b) The regional psychiatric hospital CCO or his/her designee and the director of nursing/nurse executive and/or his or her designee shall review, daily, all uses of seclusion or restraint.

(c) The quality improvement review of restraint and seclusion shall include, at a minimum, the following:

(i) A review of the aggregate monthly totals of the use of restraint or seclusion by type, ward, time of day, and other data required in paragraph (F) of this rule;

(ii) The review of any major incidents that resulted in the use of seclusion or restraint;

(iii) Within one business day, the treatment team shall conduct a review of any patient who required any seclusion or restraint. During this review the current treatment plan shall be assessed and revised as needed to contain specific elements that are aimed at reducing the use of seclusion or restraint. All prior interventions shall be reviewed. If successive treatment plan revisions are not successful in reducing the use of seclusion or physical restraint with devices in a clinically reasonable amount of time, consultation from outside the treatment team must be obtained. The department or regional psychiatric hospital behavior therapy committee, the CCO, other treatment teams, private consultants etc. may be sources utilized to conduct a consultation; and

(iv) The findings from the activities under paragraph (F) of this rule shall be reviewed monthly. This review shall identify any trends, increases, and problems. The need for additional training, consultations, or corrective action will be noted in the minutes of that review and forwarded to the CCO for possible action.

(v) The data collected in paragraph (F) of this rule and other related quality improvement review information shall be available to central office.

(d) Each patient, unless specifically contraindicated in the treatment plan for clear treatment reasons, shall be given the opportunity to debrief each episode of seclusion or restraint. As part of the debriefing, the patient shall be given the opportunity to identify techniques that would assist the patient to control his or her behavior. This shall be documented in the patient's medical record.

(e) Each regional psychiatric hospital shall develop procedures to debrief staff after an episode of restraint.

(G) Orientation and training

(1) Each chief executive officer shall be responsible for ensuring that orientation and training programs regarding the use of seclusion and restraint are provided. These programs shall be provided and conducted by appropriate personnel.

(2) Training shall emphasize the use of non-physical crisis intervention, behavioral and other treatment strategies to prevent exacerbation of aggression, and other techniques that will reduce the use of restraints. Special attention shall be placed on the humane use of any restraint technique.

(a) All personnel shall have appropriate training during employee orientation.

(b) All new and existing direct care personnel and regional psychiatric hospital security personnel shall receive training in behavioral and other techniques to reduce the use of seclusion or restraint, and the proper use of physical restraint, manual restraint, and seclusion. This training will be conducted at least annually or more often if indicated by quality improvement reviews.

(c) Upon successful completion of each orientation or training program, a record of this training shall be documented and maintained in each employee's personnel folder.

(H) Implementation

The chief executive officer of each RPH shall be responsible for implementation of this rule.

Last updated February 23, 2024 at 2:05 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 5122.33
Amplifies: 5122.33
Five Year Review Date: 12/3/2025
Prior Effective Dates: 4/24/1978, 7/15/2002
Rule 5122-2-18 | Use of mechanical supports in regional psychiatric hospitals.
 
This is an Internal Management (IM) rule governing the day-to-day staff procedures and operations within an agency.

(A) Purpose

(1) The purpose of this rule shall be to establish uniform procedures governing the safe, humane, and appropriate use of mechanical supports consistent with standards of quality treatment and respect for individual autonomy, dignity and rights of patients.

(2) The provisions of this rule shall be applicable to all regional psychiatric hospitals (RPHs) inpatient settings operated by the department of mental health. Community support network (CSN) programs shall meet the requirements established under rule 5122-26-16 of the Administrative Code.

(B) Definitions: The following definitions apply to this rule in addition to or in place of those appearing in rule 5122-1-01 of the Administrative Code.

(1) "Chief clinical officer (CCO)" means the medical director of an RPH as defined in division (K) of section 5122.01 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Mechanical supports" mean items used for the purpose of achieving or maintaining proper body alignment, position and balance. When used for these purposes, they shall not be considered restraints under rule 5122-2-17 of the Administrative Code.

(3) "Occupational therapist" means a person who is licensed or holds a limited permit to practice occupational therapy as defined in section 4755.04 of the Revised Code.

(4) "Occupational therapy assistant" means a person who is licensed or holds a limited permit to provide occupational therapy techniques under the general supervision of an occupational therapist.

(5) "Physical therapist" means a person who is licensed to practice physical therapy as defined in section 4755.40 of the Revised Code.

(C) Policy

(1) Mechanical supports are used infrequently in behavioral healthcare settings. Mechanical supports are not used for behavioral purposes. Mechanical supports are not considered restraints.

(2) Mechanical supports are used to achieve proper body position, balance, or alignment and are part of an established treatment plan to address a patient's physical impairment and increase mobility. Mechanical support use is voluntary. Mechanical support devices are generally removable by the patient. Examples of mechanical supports include the use of leg braces to assist a patient to walk or the use of a wedge or back brace to assist a patient to sit upright.

(3) Additionally, mechanical support devices may be used when medically necessary to maintain position, limit mobility, or temporarily immobilize a patient during medical, dental, diagnostic, or surgical procedures.

(4) To assure safe and appropriate use, mechanical support use is addressed in the treatment plan and ordered by a physician with physical therapy/occupational therapy consultation as needed. Mechanical support use is monitored by nursing staff. RPH leadership shall provide oversight to assure safety and quality in accordance with this rule and all applicable CMS and TJC standards.

(D) Procedure

(1) A physician may order mechanical support devices as part of a patient's treatment plan. The treatment plan should specify nursing monitoring instructions and timeframes. The order shall specify the condition(s) for their use.

(2) Each order for mechanical support shall be in force for no longer than thirty days. A physician shall review and substantiate the need for such items prior to renewing any order and document that review in the patient's medical record.

(3) Mechanical support use shall be reviewed in consultation with a physical therapist or occupational therapist as needed. The following are examples of devices used for mechanical support: prescribed orthopedic devices; protective helmets; bed rails, or devices used to protect a patient from falling out of bed where the bed rail can be easily lowered by the patient; geri chair and tray where the patient can easily remove the tray; waist or torso posey used to maintain posture that can be easily removed by the patient; devices used to permit a patient to participate in activities without the risk of physical harm; medically necessary positioning or securing devices to maintain position, limit mobility, or temporarily immobilize the patient during medical, dental, diagnostic or surgical procedures; hand mitts used to prevent self injury that do not restrict free movement of fingers, and use of hands and wrists.

(4) Because the current definition of restraint does not name each device and situation that can be used to immobilize or reduce the ability of the patient to move his or her arms, legs, body, or head freely, it promotes looking at each patient situation on a case-by-case basis to assure that a device is not being used as a restraint. The use of hand mitts, bed rails, geri chairs, and posey devices may all be considered restraints depending on the situation, purpose, and application of a device or method.

(5) Procedures for assessment and monitoring of the patient shall be detailed in the treatment plan and physician orders. Assessments must occur at least daily and more often if indicated. Patient assessment and monitoring may be done by a registered nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant. to assure proper positioning and body alignment. This assessment shall be documented in the patient's medical record.

(6) Training regarding the use of mechanical supports shall be part of employee orientation and repeated in accordance with RPH policy. The RPH shall maintain records of personnel completing training in these areas.

(7) Hospital leadership shall oversee the use of mechanical supports as part of the RPH quality assurance performance improvement program to ensure compliance with this rule and nationally recognized standards for safety and quality.

(8) The chief executive officer of each RPH shall be responsible for the development of guidelines for implementation of this rule.

Last updated February 23, 2024 at 2:05 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 5119.01, 5119.07, 5119.82, 5122.27, 5122.29
Amplifies: 5119.01, 5119.07, 5122.27, 5122.29
Five Year Review Date:
Rule 5122-2-25 | Morbidity and mortality events.
 

(A) Purpose: To improve treatment outcomes and patient, staff and community safety by defining and establishing criteria for review, reporting and follow-up of patient safety morbidity and mortality events.

(B) The following definitions apply to this rule:

(1) "Director" means the chief executive and administrative officer of the Ohio department of mental health and addiction services.

(2) Morbidity/mortality events ("M&Ms") mean events that result in death, permanent harm, severe temporary harm, or significant potential for any of these outcomes affecting either:

(a) Patients receiving services at an Ohio department of mental health and addiction services (department) regional psychiatric hospital (RPH) or community support network (CSN) program; or,

(b) RPH/CSN onsite staff, licensed independent practitioners (non-staff), vendors, or visitors.

(3) "Severe temporary harm" is a critical, potentially life-threatening condition lasting for a limited time with no permanent residual effect, but requires at least one of the following:

(a) Transfer to a higher level of care or monitoring for a prolonged period of time;

(b) Transfer to a higher level of care for a life-threatening condition; or,

(c) Major surgery, procedure, or treatment to resolve the condition.

(C) M&M events include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1) Suicide attempt or completed suicide by a current RPH/CSN patient or one who was discharged from the RPH/CSN care within the past thirty days. A suicide attempt is defined as deliberate action(s) taken by a patient which were intended to cause their death or actions that may have led to death regardless of the patients intent.

(2) Assault resulting in death, permanent or severe temporary harm of a patient currently receiving services at a RPH/CSN or of a staff member, licensed independent practitioner, vendor, or visitor.

(3) Alleged rape of a patient while being treated or on the premises of the RPH or CSN where one or more of the following circumstances apply:

(a) Staff-witnessed sexual contact;

(b) Sufficient clinical evidence obtained by the RPH to support allegations of nonconsensual sexual contact; or,

(c) Admission by the perpetrator that sexual contact occurred on the premises.

(4) Rape of a staff member, licensed independent practitioner, visitor or vendor while on site at a hospital or a CSN.

(5) Elopement of a patient from an RPH leading to death, permanent harm, or severe temporary harm to the patient and/or to person(s) in the community.

(6) All elopements of patients/clients under a forensic legal status and jail transfers under a civil legal status prior to completion of treatment and discharge from an inpatient unit or CSN

(7) Any death of a current RPH/CSN patient or one who was discharged from the RPH/CSN care within the past thirty days excluding deaths related to the natural course of the patients illness or underlying condition

(8) Any serious injury or illness resulting in permanent harm, severe temporary harm, or significant potential for either that resulted from clinical care or lack of clinical care.

(9) Abduction of a patient receiving care, treatment, and services at an RPH/CSN.

(D) Procedure for M&M review: (attachment A)

(1) Notification:

(a) Immediately following a M&M event, the RPH chief executive officer (CEO) or their designee shall report the event to the director, the medical director of the department, and the hospital services (HS) assistant director or their designees via phone or e-mail.

(b) The RPH shall attempt to report the event to the patient and guardian, and shall attempt to notify the patient's family, if the patient has provided consent.

(2) Initial review by RPH M&M committee:

(a) An initial review shall be completed on each M&M event by the RPH chief clinical officer (CCO) or their designee and at least two other RPH M&M committee members inclusive of treating practitioners.

(b) This review shall:

(i) Review the event and events/circumstance preceding the event.

(ii) Establish a plan for immediate action(s) to address the safety of the patient(s) involved in the event and minimize risk of recurrence.

(iii) Identify other patients who might be at similar risk and establish a plan for immediate action(s) to minimize risk of a similar event affecting them.

(iv) Determine what information is required to complete a full root cause analysis (RCA).

(v) Determine whether the morbidity or mortality event is a center for medicare and medicaid services (CMS) reportable event. If the event is a CMS reportable event, the RPH CEO and CCO shall initiate discussion with the assistant director of hospital services, the medical director and the chief legal counsel to determine course of action.

(vi) Submit the initial review utilizing the department initial review form (attachment B) to hospital services M&M committee (HS M&M) no later than five p.m. of the second day of business following the event or discovery of the event.

(3) Root cause analysis by RPH M&M committee:

(a) A RCA is a process or identifying the basic or causal factors that underlie variation in performance leading to the occurrence or possible occurrence of a serious adverse event. It focuses on systems and processes, not on individual performance, and progresses from special causes in clinical processes to common causes in organizational processes and systems. It identifies improvements in processes and/or systems that decrease the likelihood of such events occurring in the future.

(b) An RCA of the M&M event shall occur and be submitted to the HS M&M within thirty days of the event or discovery of the event using the department RCA report form (attachment C).

(c) The RPH M&M committee may designate subcommittees, which may include staff at all levels closest to the issue of a given case, individuals with specific expertise, and those with decision-making authority to provide the committee with specific information and/or recommendations. It is understood that the details of care provided outside of the RPH. (e.g. general hospital care, group home, own home, etc.) may not be accessible to the RPH for review.

(d) The RPH shall develop specific risk reduction strategies to reduce likelihood of a similar event occurring in the future, including target dates for implementation and a plan to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions as well as for sustainability.

(e) The RPH M&M committee, quality assurance and/or risk management committees shall review hospital M&M event reports and risk reduction strategies on a regular basis to evaluate the effectiveness of their interventions on patient and staff safety and further refine the interventions, as indicated.

(f) If the event is a death, a death certificate and coroner's report (if available) shall be reviewed, and its impact, if any, on the findings of the RPH M&M committee shall be noted on the department RCA form. If the coroner's report is not available at the time the RCA findings are reviewed by the HS M&M, a follow-up review of this information by the RPH M&M committee following the receipt of the coroner's report shall occur. An amended RCA form shall be completed and forwarded to the HS M&M within seven days of receipt of the coroners report.

(g) Progress on each identified risk reduction strategy shall be reported at each scheduled HS M&M meeting until all are complete.

(4) All reviews shall be reviewed and approved by the RPH CCO or designee prior to submission.

(5) Based upon findings of initial reviews and full reviews, the HS M&M or medical director may issue an alert to RPH CEOs, CCOs, clinical nurse managers, quality improvement directors, and chief operating officers (COOs) recommending safety actions to minimize risk to patients in all RPHs and CSNs.

(6) For all other serious events not meeting criteria for an M&M event as described in this rule, a criminal or administrative investigation shall occur in accordance with RPH internal policy (e.g., theft, fires, equipment failure, etc.), as appropriate.

(E) Hospital services M&M committee:

(1) Membership (a member may fulfill more than one role):

(a) Chair department medical director or their designee;

(b) Vice-chair: department assistant medical director;

(c) Director;

(d) Assistant director of HS or their designee;

(e) Deputy director of HS;

(f) Chief legal counsel or their designee;

(g) Department quality assurance/improvement director;

(h) Department medical director office mental health administrator for M&M;

(i) CCO or their designee from each RPH. Designees shall be physicians;

(j) Quality improvement director or their designee from each RPH.

(k) Other members:

(i) At least one RPH CEO

(ii) At least one RPH nurse executive

(iii) One pharmacist

(iv) One primary care physician

(v) One chief operating officer (COO)

(vi) One CSN representative

(vii) Others as appropriate

(l) All members shall be appointed annually by the director. The chair may appoint ad hoc members for specific cases/purposes.

(2) Committee operations:

(a) The HS M&M committee shall:

(i) Review all hospital morbidity/mortality events.

(ii) Evaluate individual reports for content, completeness and timeliness.

(iii) Be available to support RPHs in their M&M processes, as requested.

(iv) Evaluate M&Ms for trends that may require further assistance or resources to improve patient care and RPH safety in individual RPHs or throughout the system

(v) Prepare alerts on events or trends identified in M&Ms that may require immediate system response to improve safety.

(vi) Determine if a specialized review process or subcommittee should be established to review individual events or trends.

(vii) Develop, review, and revise as needed, the department administrative rule on morbidity and mortality events.

(viii) Develop an annual report regarding M&M events including trends or patterns of performance. This report shall be presented to the director annually.

(b) The committee shall meet at least quarterly.

(c) Meeting minutes and summary reports, as deemed appropriate, will be developed and maintained by the office of the medical director.

(F) Regional psychiatric hospital morbidity and mortality quality assurance committees (RPH M&M).

(1) Each RPH shall establish an M&M committee/subcommittee under the medical executive committee. The committee shall function as part of the hospital's performance improvement program. The hospital CCO or designee shall chair the committee.

(2) Membership:

(a) Chair - RPH CCO or their designee, who is a physician;

(b) RPH quality assurance/improvement (QA/QI) director;

(c) RPH risk manager/safety officer/patient safety coordinator/designee;

(d) RPH nurse executive or registered nurse designee;

(e) RPH CEO or designee from administration;

(f) For each M&M event the committee shall include RPH staff involved with the patient's treatment, such as:

(i) Physicians

(ii) Nurses

(iii) Therapeutic program workers

(iv) Staff/supervisors

(v) Pharmacists

(vi) CSN program administrator

(vii) Client rights officer

(viii) Others as relevant

(3) Committee operations:

(a) The RPH M&M committee shall review each morbidity or mortality event, as described above, and document the review on forms maintained securely by the hospital QA/QI director.

(b) Meetings shall be held at least quarterly, more frequently as needed. The meeting minutes of the RPH M&M committee shall be maintained securely by the hospital's QA/QI director. Names and titles of all staff present shall be indicated, as well as the date and time of the meeting. If a staff member is representing another staff person, this shall be indicated in the minutes. A copy of the minutes may be requested by the office of quality assurance/improvement in central office.

(G) All proceedings, records, information, data, reports, recommendations, evaluations, opinions, and findings of the hospital and central office morbidity and mortality events review committees are strictly confidential and are not subject to disclosure or discovery or introduction in evidence in any civil action, as specified in sections 1751.21, 2305.24, 2305.25, 2305.251, 2305.252, 2305.253, 2305.28, 5122.31, and 5122.32 of the Revised Code.

Last updated February 23, 2024 at 2:05 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 5119.10
Amplifies: 5119.10
Five Year Review Date: 9/30/2023
Prior Effective Dates: 1/1/1996, 3/15/2010