DHS 35.16(1)(1)
The clinic shall establish written selection criteria for use when screening a consumer for possible admission. The criteria may include any of the following limitations as applicable:
DHS 35.16(1)(a)
(a) Sources from which referrals may be accepted by the clinic.
DHS 35.16(1)(b)
(b) Restrictions on acceptable sources of payment for services, or the ability of a consumer or a consumer's family to pay.
DHS 35.16(1)(c)
(c) The age range of consumers whom the clinic will serve based on the expertise of the clinic staff members.
DHS 35.16(1)(d)
(d) Diagnostic or behavioral requirements that the clinic will apply in deciding whether or not to admit a consumer for treatment.
DHS 35.16(1)(e)
(e) Any consumer characteristics for which the clinic has been specifically designed, including the nature or severity of disorders that can be managed on an outpatient basis by the clinic, and the expected length of time that services may be necessary.
DHS 35.16(2)
(2) A clinic shall refer any consumer not meeting the clinic's selection criteria for admission to appropriate services.
DHS 35.16(3)
(3) If a clinic establishes priorities for consumers to be served, a waiting list for consumers to be admitted, or a waiting list for consumers who have been admitted but resources to provide services to these consumers are not yet available, the priorities or the procedures for the operation of the waiting list shall be maintained in writing and applied fairly and uniformly.
DHS 35.16(4)
(4) Only a licensed treatment professional, or a recognized psychotherapy practitioner, may diagnose a mental illness of a consumer on behalf of a clinic. The licensed treatment professional, or recognized psychotherapy practitioner shall document, in the consumer file, the recommendation for psychotherapy specifying the diagnosis; the date of the recommendation for psychotherapy; the length of time of the recommendation; the services that are expected to be needed; and the name and signature of the person issuing the recommendation for psychotherapy.
DHS 35.16(5)
(5) If a clinic provides substance use services to a consumer, the clinic shall use a department approved placement criteria tool to determine if a consumer who has a co-occurring substance use disorder requires substance abuse treatment services. If the consumer is determined to need a level of substance use services that are above the level of substance use services that can be provided by the clinic, the consumer shall be referred to an appropriate department certified provider.
DHS 35.16 History
History: CR 06-080: cr.
Register May 2009 No. 641, eff. 6-1-09;
CR 14-066: renum. (4) (a) to (4), r. (4) (b)
Register August 2015 No. 716, eff. 9-1-15.
DHS 35.165(1)(1)
The clinic shall have and implement a written policy on how the clinic will provide or arrange for the provision of services to address a consumer's mental health emergency or crisis during hours when its offices are closed, or when staff members are not available to provide outpatient mental health services.
DHS 35.165 Note
Note: The phrase “available to provide outpatient mental health services" is defined under s.
DHS 35.03 (2).
DHS 35.165(2)
(2) The clinic shall include, in its written policies, the procedures for identifying risk of attempted suicide or risk of harm to self or others.
DHS 35.165 History
History: CR 06-080: cr.
Register May 2009 No. 641, eff. 6-1-09.
DHS 35.17(1)(a)
(a) A mental health professional, shall complete an initial assessment of a consumer before a second meeting with a staff member. The information collected during the initial assessment shall be sufficient to identify the consumer's need for outpatient mental health services.
DHS 35.17(1)(b)
(b) A comprehensive assessment shall be valid, accurately reflect the consumer's current needs, strengths and functioning, be completed before beginning treatment under the treatment plan established under s.
DHS 35.19 (1), and include all of the following:
DHS 35.17(1)(b)2.
2. A diagnosis, which shall be established from the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or for children up to age 4, the current Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood.
DHS 35.17 Note
Note: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is published by the American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 2013. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders may be ordered through
http://www.appi.org/Pages/DSM.aspx or other sources. Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood is published by the National Center for Clinical Infant Programs: Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood. Arlington, VA, National Center for Clinical Infant Programs, 1994. The Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood may be ordered
https://secure2.convio.net/zttcfn/site/Ecommerce?VIEW_PRODUCT=true&product_id=1681&store_id=1121 or other sources.
DHS 35.17(1)(b)4.
4. Information on the consumer's strengths, and current and past psychological, social, and physiological data; information related to school or vocational, medical, and cognitive functioning; past and present trauma; and substance abuse.
DHS 35.17(1)(b)5.
5. The consumer's unique perspective and own words about how the consumer views his or her recovery, experience, challenges, strengths, needs, recovery goals, priorities, preferences, values and lifestyle, areas of functional impairment, and family and community support.
DHS 35.17 Note
Note: Nothing in this chapter is intended to interfere with the right of providers under s.
51.61 (6), Stats., to use customary and usual treatment techniques and procedures in a reasonable and appropriate manner in the treatment of patients who are receiving services under the mental health system, for the purpose of ameliorating the conditions for which the patients were admitted to the system.
DHS 35.17(2)
(2) If a consumer is determined to have one or more co-occurring disorders, a licensed treatment professional, mental health practitioner, or a recognized psychotherapy practitioner, shall document the treatments and services concurrently received by the consumer through other providers; whether the clinic can serve the consumer's needs using qualified staff members or in collaboration with other providers; and any recommendations for additional services, if needed. If a clinic cannot serve a consumer's needs, independently, or in collaboration with other providers, the clinic shall refer the consumer, with the consumer's consent, to an appropriate provider.
DHS 35.17 History
History: CR 06-080: cr.
Register May 2009 No. 641, eff. 6-1-09.
DHS 35.18
DHS 35.18
Consent for outpatient mental health services. DHS 35.18(1)(1)
If a clinic determines that a consumer is appropriate for receiving outpatient mental health services through the clinic, the clinic shall inform the consumer or the consumer's legal representative of the results of the assessment. In addition, the clinic shall inform the consumer or the consumer's legal representative, orally and in writing, of all of the following:
DHS 35.18(1)(c)
(c) Possible outcomes and side effects of treatment recommended in the treatment plan.
DHS 35.18(1)(d)
(d) Treatment recommendations and benefits of the treatment recommendations.
DHS 35.18(1)(e)
(e) Approximate duration and desired outcome of treatment recommended in the treatment plan.
DHS 35.18(1)(f)
(f) The rights of a consumer receiving outpatient mental health services, including the consumer's rights and responsibilities in the development and implementation of an individual treatment plan.
DHS 35.18(1)(g)
(g) The outpatient mental health services that will be offered under the treatment plan.
DHS 35.18(1)(h)
(h) The fees that the consumer or responsible party will be expected to pay for the proposed services.
DHS 35.18 Note
Note: Consumers receiving Medicaid covered services may not be charged any amount in connection with services other than the applicable cost share, if any, specified by the Wisconsin Medicaid Program.
DHS 35.18(1)(j)
(j) The means by which a consumer may obtain emergency mental health services during periods outside the normal operating hours of the clinic.
DHS 35.18(1)(k)
(k) The clinic's discharge policy, including circumstances under which a patient may be involuntarily discharged for inability to pay or for behavior reasonably the result of mental health symptoms.
DHS 35.18(2)
(2) If a consumer wishes to receive services through the clinic, the consumer or the consumer's legal representative, where the consent of the
legal representative is required for treatment, shall sign a clinic form to indicate the consumer's informed consent to receive outpatient mental health services.
DHS 35.18(3)
(3) If a consumer is prescribed medication as part of the consumer's treatment plan developed under s.
DHS 35.19 (1), the clinic shall obtain a separate consent that indicates that the prescriber has explained to the consumer, or the consumer's legal representative, if the legal representative's consent is required, the nature, risks and benefits of the medication and that the consumer, or legal representative, understands the explanation and consents to the use of the medication.
DHS 35.18 Note
Note: The consent of the patient or legal representative is not required where treatment is ordered pursuant to a court order for involuntary commitment order.
DHS 35.18 History
History: CR 06-080: cr.
Register May 2009 No. 641, eff. 6-1-09.
DHS 35.19(1)(a)(a) A licensed treatment professional, mental health practitioner, or recognized psychotherapy practitioner, shall develop an initial treatment plan upon completion of the comprehensive assessment required under s.
DHS 35.17 (1) (b). The treatment plan shall be based upon the diagnosis and symptoms of the consumer and describe all of the following:
DHS 35.19(1)(a)1.
1. The consumer's strengths and how they will be used to develop the methods and expected measurable outcomes that will be accomplished.
DHS 35.19(1)(a)2.
2. The method to reduce or eliminate the symptoms causing the consumer's problems or inability to function in day to day living, and to increase the consumer's ability to function as independently as possible.
DHS 35.19(1)(a)3.
3. For a child or adolescent, a consideration of the child's or adolescent's development needs as well as the demands of the illness.
DHS 35.19(1)(a)4.
4. The schedules, frequency, and nature of services recommended to support the achievement of the consumer's recovery goals, irrespective of the availability of services and funding.
DHS 35.19 Note
Note: Nothing in this chapter is intended to interfere with the right of providers under s.
51.61 (6), Stats., to use customary and usual treatment techniques and procedures in a reasonable and appropriate manner in the treatment of patients who are receiving services under the mental health system, for the purpose of ameliorating the conditions for which the patients were admitted to the system.
DHS 35.19(1)(b)
(b) The treatment plan shall reflect the current needs and goals of the consumer as indicated by progress notes and by reviewing and updating the assessment as necessary.
DHS 35.19(2)
(2) Approval of the treatment plan. As treatment services are rendered, the consumer or the consumer's legal representative must approve and sign the treatment plan and agree with staff on a course of treatment. If the consumer does not approve of the schedules, frequency, and nature of the services recommended, then appropriate notations regarding the consumer's refusal shall be made in the consumer file. The treatment plan under this subsection shall include a written statement immediately preceding the consumer's or legal representative's signature that the consumer or legal representative had an opportunity to be informed of the services in the treatment plan, and to participate in the planning of treatment or care, as required by s.
51.61 (1) (fm), Stats.
DHS 35.19(3)(a)(a) Staff shall establish a process for a clinical review of the consumer's treatment plan and progress toward measurable outcomes. The review shall include the participation of the consumer and be an ongoing process. The results of each clinical review shall be clearly documented in the consumer file. Documentation shall address all of the following:
DHS 35.19(3)(a)2.
2. Any significant changes suggested or required in the treatment plan.
DHS 35.19(3)(a)3.
3. Whether any additional assessment or evaluation is recommended as a result of information received or observations made during the course of treatment.
DHS 35.19(3)(a)4.
4. The consumer's assessment of functional improvement toward meeting treatment goals and suggestions for modification.
DHS 35.19(3)(b)
(b) A mental health professional shall conduct a clinical review of the treatment plan with the consumer as described in par.
(a) at least every 90 days or 6 treatment sessions, whichever covers a longer period of time.
DHS 35.19(4)
(4) The clinic shall develop and implement written policies and procedures for referring consumers to other community service providers for services that the clinic does not or is unable to provide to meet the consumer's needs as identified in the comprehensive assessment required under s.
DHS 35.17 (1) (b). The policies shall identify community services providers to which the clinic reasonably determines it will be able to refer consumers for services the clinic does not or cannot provide.
DHS 35.19 History
History: CR 06-080: cr.
Register May 2009 No. 641, eff. 6-1-09.
DHS 35.20(1)(1)
A clinic may choose whether to provide medication management as part of its services.
DHS 35.20(2)
(2) Consumers receiving only medication management from a clinic shall be referred by the clinic's prescriber for psychotherapy when appropriate to the consumer's needs and recovery.
DHS 35.20 History
History: CR 06-080: cr.
Register May 2009 No. 641, eff. 6-1-09.
DHS 35.21
DHS 35.21
Treatment approaches and services. DHS 35.21(1)(1)
The clinic shall have and implement a written policy that identifies the selection of treatment approaches and the role of clinical supervision and clinical collaboration in treatment approaches. The treatment approaches shall be based on guidelines published by a professional organization or peer-reviewed journal. The final decision on the selection of treatment approaches for a specific consumer shall be made by the consumer's therapist in accordance with the clinic's written policy.
DHS 35.21(2)
(2) The clinic shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that each consumer receives the recommended interventions and services identified in the consumer's treatment plan or revision of the treatment plan that is created under s.
DHS 35.19 (1), that the consumer is willing to receive as communicated by an informed consent for treatment.
DHS 35.21 History
History: CR 06-080: cr.
Register May 2009 No. 641, eff. 6-1-09.
DHS 35.215
DHS 35.215 Group therapy. The maximum number of consumers receiving services in a single group therapy session is 16, and the minimum staff to consumer ratio in group therapy is one to 8. If different limits are justified based on guidelines published by a governmental entity, professional organization or peer-reviewed journal indicate, the clinic may request a variance of either the limit of group size or the minimum staff to consumer ratio.
DHS 35.215 History
History: CR 06-080: cr.
Register May 2009 No. 641, eff. 6-1-09.
DHS 35.22(1)(1)
Within 30 days after a consumer's date of discharge, the licensed treatment professional, mental health practitioner, or recognized psychotherapy practitioner who was primarily responsible for providing outpatient mental health services for the consumer shall prepare a discharge summary and enter it into the consumer file. The discharge summary shall include all of the following:
DHS 35.22(1)(b)
(b) A summary of the outpatient mental health services provided by the clinic, including any medications.
DHS 35.22(1)(c)
(c) A final evaluation of the consumer's progress toward the goals of the treatment plan.
DHS 35.22(1)(d)
(d) Any remaining consumer needs at the time of discharge and the recommendations for meeting those needs, which may include the names and addresses of any facilities, persons or programs to which the consumer was referred for additional services following discharge.
DHS 35.22(2)
(2) The discharge summary shall be signed and dated by the licensed treatment professional, mental health practitioner, or recognized psychotherapy practitioner who was primarily responsible for providing services to the consumer.
DHS 35.22 History
History: CR 06-080: cr.
Register May 2009 No. 641, eff. 6-1-09.
DHS 35.23(1)(a)(a) The clinic shall maintain a consumer file for each consumer who receives outpatient mental health services. Each consumer file shall be arranged in a format that provides for consistent recordkeeping that facilitates accurate and efficient retrieval of record information. All entries in the consumer file shall be factual, accurate, legible, permanently recorded, dated, and authenticated with the signature and license or title of the person making the entry. Treatment records contained in a consumer file are confidential to the extent required under s.
51.30, Stats. An electronic representation of a person's signature may be used only by the person who makes the entry. The clinic shall possess a statement signed by the person, which certifies that only that person shall use the electronic representation via use of a personal password. Each consumer file shall include accurate documentation of all outpatient mental health services received including all of the following:
