Sec. 10.21.17.11. Human Services Development

A. Supervision. The program director shall:

(1) Establish a system to ensure ongoing supervision of staff; and

(2) Determine the need for staff supervision on the basis of:

(a) Credentials, competencies, experience, education, and training;

(b) Performance standards and outcome measures identified by the quality management process;

(c) Size of caseload; and

(d) Severity of illness of individuals enrolled in the program.

B. Orientation. The program director shall assure that staff:

(1) Within the first week of employment, receive an orientation regarding the:

(a) Mission of the program;

(b) Fundamental rights of the individuals the program serves, including grievance, complaint, and confidentiality procedures of the program;

(c) Psychiatric and medical emergency procedures of the program, including crisis management and suicide prevention; and

(d) If the program provides services in a facility, emergency evacuation procedures; and

(2) Within 2 months, receive orientation including, but not limited to, the following:

(a) Program policies and procedures;

(b) Personnel policies and procedures; and

(c) Overview of the public mental health services delivery system.

C. Continuing Education. The program director shall assure that staff who provide direct services to individuals participate in at least 8 hours of annual educational activities related to the provision of the program's services.

D. CPR and First Aid. The program director shall ensure that at least one staff member with certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and standard first aid is on-site during the hours the program is open.

E. Students. A program may use students to provide services to individuals only if the students:

(1) Are pursuing degrees at accredited colleges or universities toward state licensure as mental health professionals;

(2) Deliver services as part of formal fieldwork placements through accredited colleges and universities;

(3) Comply with their respective professional licensing laws, including supervision requirements, as outlined in Health Occupations Article, Annotated Code of Maryland; and

(4) Are appropriately screened, oriented to the program's policies and procedures, and supervised.

F. Volunteers.

(1) A program may use volunteers to assist with program activities only if the:

(a) Volunteers are at least 16 years old, and with proper consent, if applicable;

(b) Volunteers are appropriately screened, oriented to the program's policies and procedures, and supervised; and

(c) Program has a written policy regarding the scope of the volunteers' duties.

(2) A volunteer may not substitute for required program staff.