Sec. 10.21.19.04. Eligibility, Screening, and Admission

A. Eligibility. An individual is eligible for MTS if:

(1) Based on a screening assessment conducted according to the provisions of §B of this regulation, the individual would benefit from services that are:

(a) Directed at providing mental health treatment; and

(b) Available, by being delivered at a site that is accessible to an individual who:

(i) Is homeless;

(ii) Has been unable or unwilling to use, on a continuing basis, community-based mental health services that are prescribed for the individual; or

(iii) Is in an institution or inpatient facility and would be able to reside in a community setting if the individual received MTS and other appropriate support services; and

(2) The services are preauthorized by the Administration's administrative services organization (ASO), according to the provisions of COMAR 10.21.17.02-1A.

B. Screening Assessment.

(1) Within 10 working days of receipt of a referral for MTS, the MTS mental health professional who is assigned to conduct screenings shall:

(a) Conduct a face-to-face screening assessment with the individual referred to assess the individual's:

(i) Needs, strengths, and available resources; and

(ii) Willingness to participate in MTS;

(b) Meet with the individual in the individual's home or at a site that is most appropriate to the individual's needs and preferences;

(c) As appropriate and with proper consent, meet with the family members and significant others designated by the individual; and

(d) Unless the individual is referred to the Administration's ASO for alternative services under §B(2) of this regulation:

(i) Determine priority for enrollment based on acuity of the individual's need; and

(ii) Arrange an appointment for a psychiatric evaluation, as described under Regulation .05A of this chapter.

(2) If, following the screening assessment under §B(1) of this regulation, the program director determines that the program's services are not appropriate for an individual who has been referred, the program director shall, in writing, promptly:

(a) Inform the individual and, if the individual is a child, the parent or guardian, of the determination and the reason;

(b) With proper consent, notify the family or significant others designated by the individual of the determination and of any recommendations for other services; and

(c) Notify the CSA and the Administration's ASO for appropriate alternative referral.

C. Admission. An MTS program shall admit an individual if the services are authorized, as needed, by the Administration's ASO, according to the provisions of COMAR 10.21.17.02-1A.