Section R9-21-311. Alternative Services

A.       If the services identified in the ISP are not currently available, the clinical team shall develop an alternative plan for alterna- tive services, based upon the client’s strengths, needs, and preferences as set forth in the assessment conducted according to R9-21-305. The plan for alternative services shall be devel- oped after the preparation of the ISP.

B.       The plan for alternative services shall be developed according to the same procedures for the preparation of an ISP and may be developed at the same meeting with the ISP if the clinical team is aware that appropriate services are not currently avail- able. If at an ISP meeting the clinical team does not know whether the appropriate  services  are available, the  clinical team shall use diligent efforts to locate the identified services. If appropriate services are determined to be unavailable, the ISP meeting shall be reconvened to develop an ISP for alterna- tive services.

C.       The plan for alternative services shall identify those available mental health and generic services which are, to the maximum extent possible, adequate, appropriate, consistent with the cli- ent’s needs and least restrictive of the client’s freedom.

D.       The plan for alternative services shall contain a list of appro- priate but unavailable services and the projected date for the initiation of each service.

E.       If the clinical team determines that a recommended service is unavailable or does not exist, it shall forward a description of that service to the director of the regional authority. The direc- tor shall:

1.        Use best efforts to  locate  the  needed service through existing services or reallocated resources;

2.        Forward a description of the unmet service need to the deputy director of the Division, if the appropriate service cannot be located or developed through existing services or reallocated resources; and

3.        maintain a list of unmet service needs.

F.       The Division shall use information concerning unmet service needs to provide the appropriate service through existing ser- vices or reallocated resources or, if necessary, to plan for the development of the needed services.

G.      Nothing in this rule shall effect or modify any provision of Arizona law with respect to a client’s right to appropriate ser- vices.

Historical Note

Adopted under an exemption from A.R.S. Title 41, Chap- ter 6 pursuant to Laws 1992, Ch. 301, § 61, effective October 7, 1992; received in the Office of the Secretary of State October 14, 1992 (Supp. 92-4). Amended under an exemption from A.R.S. Title 41, Chapter 6 pursuant to Laws 1992, Ch. 301, § 61, effective September 30, 1993 (Supp. 93-3). Amended by exempt rulemaking at 9

A.A.R. 3296, effective June 30, 2003 (Supp. 03-2).