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Protocol for the Admission of Children to Psychiatric Treatment Facilities

PSYCHIATRIST

 

1. The initial evaluation of the child is conducted by the psychiatrist, or if

necessary, by another appropriate clinician. The interview includes the family

and separate interviews with the child and parents if possible. The psychiatrist

interviews the child as soon as possible and within 24 hours if the psychiatrist

is unable to conduct the initial evaluation.

2. The initial evaluation includes the criteria for inpatient psychiatric hospitalization

described in the "American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Guidelines." These guidelines include but are not limited to:

a) The psychiatric disorder must be of such severity as to cause significant impairment of daily functioning and at least two important areas of the child or adolescent's life such as school performance, social interactions, or family relationships;

b) Other less restrictive treatment resources must have been considered and determined to be not available or not appropriate to the patient's needs or have been attempted and proved unsuccessful. Examples of these restrictive treatment resources include, but are not limited to, residential treatment, day treatment or intensive outpatient care;

c) The treatment proposed must be relevant to the problems diagnosed and adjudged likely to benefit the patient. Unless there are compelling clinical reasons to the contrary, or serious limitations and availability, child and adolescents younger than 16 years of age should be admitted only to programs that are designed for children and adolescents and physically distinct from programs for adult psychiatric patient.

3. The goals of the treatment plan and the length of time expected to achieve these

goals is discussed with the parents. They should understand that hospitalization

is one phase in the treatment process and their active involvement in the

treatment is expected to continue.

4. It is the psychiatrist's responsibility that these standards are met either

personally or at his/her direction.

5. For the purpose of this protocol, a qualified psychiatrist is defined as set forth

in Chapter 4 (CORE Guidelines. A. 8.,page 38, revised Feb. 1989).

Responsible physician will be Qualified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist as defined in Sections A. or B., immediately below:

a) A licensed physician who has completed successfully an approved "Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Training Program."

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