<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".11" citation="COMAR 10.21.28.11" title_num="10" subtitle_num="21" chapter_num="28" heading="Discharge from Services.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Discharge Policy. The program director shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Maintain clearly written policies and procedures for:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The process for discharge;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>If the program's services are not appropriate for the individual, making recommendations for discontinuing services and referring the individual for alternative services, including the criteria for discontinuing services according to this paragraph; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Providing the individual with information about how to reaccess services when needed; and</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Notify the authorizing CSA of the determination under §A(1)(b) of this regulation.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Collaborative Discharge. When the employment specialist, in collaboration with the individual, determines that MHVP services are no longer appropriate, the employment specialist shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Prepare a discharge plan:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>In collaboration with:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>The individual; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>With proper consent, family or significant others designated by the individual and, if feasible, other treatment and service providers; and</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>That is based on an assessment of the individual's current vocational status, service needs, and mutually agreed-upon goals;</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>As necessary, make appropriate recommendations for treatment, rehabilitation, and community supports;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Complete a discharge summary in accordance with COMAR 10.21.17.07D(3); and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Notify the CSA of the discharge.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Individual's Discontinuation of Services. When an individual discontinues services before a planned, collaborative discharge as described in §B of this regulation, the employment specialist shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>If possible, give the individual information about appropriate alternative services;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>If authorized, provide outreach to encourage the individual to access appropriate services;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>With proper consent and if needed, provide notice of the discontinuation to the CSA or the Department's administrative services organization for referral for appropriate alternative services; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Complete a discharge summary in accordance with COMAR 10.21.17.07D(3).</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Program's Recommendation to Discontinue Services.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>If, in consultation with the program director, the employment specialist recommends discontinuing services for an individual for whom, because of the individual's actions, the program's services are not appropriate, the program director shall provide written notice of the intention to discontinue services and recommend referral for alternative services.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Except in the case of imminent danger, the program director shall provide the notice at least 30 days before discontinuing services.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The program director shall ensure that the notice is sent to the individual and, with proper consent, to the CSA or the Department's administrative services organization for referral for appropriate alternative services.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>The program director shall include in the notice:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The effective date of the action;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The reason for the action; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>If possible, a discharge plan.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>The program director shall ensure that staff complete a discharge summary in accordance with COMAR 10.21.17.07D(3).</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>