Section R9-10-235. Administrative Separation

A.      In addition to the definitions in A.R.S. § 36-401, R9-10-101, and R9-10-201, the following definition applies in this Sec- tion: “Administrative separation” means the temporary isola- tion of a patient for the purpose of preserving the integrity of evidence during the course of a criminal investigation or for a situation where not isolating the patient presents a risk of seri- ous harm to other individuals or a serious risk to the safety or security of a hospital.

B.       Only a hospital established according to A.R.S. § 36-202 may use administrative separation.

C.      An administrator appointed according to A.R.S. § 36-205 shall ensure that:

1.        Administrative separation:

a.         Is only used for a patient admitted to the hospital pursuant to a criminal court order; and

b.        Is not used:

i.         In conjunction with a restraint,

ii.        As a method to manage behaviors, or

iii.      If prohibited by law; and

2.        Policies and procedures are established, documented, and implemented for administrative separation that:

a.         Include the process and criteria for requesting an administrative separation;

b.        Include the process and deadlines for approving a request for an administrative separation;

c.         Cover patient notification of the right to appeal the administrative separation and to file a complaint;

d.        Include the process for providing a patient access to:

i.         Incoming mail, and

ii.        An advocate or legal representative;

e.         Include  the  process  for  providing   treatment  to  a patient while in administrative separation;

f.         Include  the  process   for  establishing   investigative goals; and

g.        Include the process for determining when adminis- trative separation will no longer be used for a patient.

Historical Note

New Section R9-10-235 made by exempt rulemaking at 20 A.A.R. 1409, pursuant to Laws 2013, Ch. 10, § 13;

effective July 1, 2014 (Supp. 14-2).