Section R9-21-511. Use of Psychotropic Medication

A.       Psychotropic medications may only be ordered for individuals undergoing court-ordered evaluation according to R9-21-204 or R9-21-207.

B.       Psychotropic medications may not be ordered for and adminis- tered to individuals undergoing court-ordered treatment, except as follows:

1.        In an emergency involving the safety of the individual or another, as documented in the individual’s medical record;

2.        If the individual or guardian gives an informed consent to use the medication;

3.        If provision for use of the medications shall be contained in the individual’s treatment plan or ISP. At a minimum, the plan shall specify:

a.        A description of the circumstances under which the medication may be used.

b.        A description of the objectives that are expected to be achieved by use of the medication. This descrip- tion must indicate how the individual’s condition would be improved by using the medication and indicate what result would be expected if the medi- cation were not used; or

4.     According to R9-21-204 or R9-21-207.

C.       The agency shall have the capability to detect drug side effects or toxic reactions that may result from the medications used.

D.       The agency shall have written policies and procedures govern- ing the use of psychotropic medication. These policies and procedures shall specify:

1.        Protective measures that will ensure the individual’s safety and promote the avoidance or mitigation of short and long-term deleterious effects on the individual.

2.        Periodic individual care monitoring, i.e., evaluating and updating the treatment plan and reviewing problem areas such as failure of the individual to achieve treatment plan objectives.

3.        Recordkeeping requirements.

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). Former Section R9-21-511 renumbered to R9-21-510; new Section R9- 21-511 renumbered from R9-21-512 and amended by exempt rulemaking at 9 A.A.R. 3296, effective June 30,

2003 (Supp. 03-2).