Sec. 10.21.28.11. Discharge from Services

A. Discharge Policy. The program director shall:

(1) Maintain clearly written policies and procedures for:

(a) The process for discharge;

(b) 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

(c) Providing the individual with information about how to reaccess services when needed; and

(2) Notify the authorizing CSA of the determination under §A(1)(b) of this regulation.

B. Collaborative Discharge. When the employment specialist, in collaboration with the individual, determines that MHVP services are no longer appropriate, the employment specialist shall:

(1) Prepare a discharge plan:

(a) In collaboration with:

(i) The individual; and

(ii) With proper consent, family or significant others designated by the individual and, if feasible, other treatment and service providers; and

(b) That is based on an assessment of the individual's current vocational status, service needs, and mutually agreed-upon goals;

(2) As necessary, make appropriate recommendations for treatment, rehabilitation, and community supports;

(3) Complete a discharge summary in accordance with COMAR 10.21.17.07D(3); and

(4) Notify the CSA of the discharge.

C. 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:

(1) If possible, give the individual information about appropriate alternative services;

(2) If authorized, provide outreach to encourage the individual to access appropriate services;

(3) 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

(4) Complete a discharge summary in accordance with COMAR 10.21.17.07D(3).

D. Program's Recommendation to Discontinue Services.

(1) 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.

(2) Except in the case of imminent danger, the program director shall provide the notice at least 30 days before discontinuing services.

(3) 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.

(4) The program director shall include in the notice:

(a) The effective date of the action;

(b) The reason for the action; and

(c) If possible, a discharge plan.

(5) The program director shall ensure that staff complete a discharge summary in accordance with COMAR 10.21.17.07D(3).