§ 5200.12. Linkages with mental health service system.

 (a)  A psychiatric clinic requires a close relationship with an acute psychiatric inpatient service. A written statement describing the accessibility and availability of the services to patients is required and shall be maintained on file at the clinic.

 (b)  A psychiatric clinic shall maintain linkages with other appropriate treatment and rehabilitative services including emergency services, partial hospitalization programs, vocational and social rehabilitation programs, and community residential programs and State psychiatric hospitals. A written statement documenting the linkages shall be maintained on file at the clinic.

 (c)  When the clinic serves children, linkages with the appropriate educational and social services agencies shall also be maintained. A written statement documenting the linkages shall be maintained on file at the clinic.

 (d)  A psychiatric clinic shall participate in the overall system of care as defined in the County Mental Health/Mental Retardation (MH/MR) plan. A clinic shall have an agreement regarding continuity of care and information exchange with the County MH/MR authority. A copy of an agreement shall be included in the application package. Psychiatric clinics shall document the need for their services in their application for a certificate of compliance.

 (e)  New psychiatric clinics or new sites of existing clinics established after the effective date of this chapter shall document the need in the proposed service area for the expansion of outpatient services. County MH/MR authorities shall review this documentation and make recommendation to the Department. The Department may deny approval of the expansion where inadequate justification is provided.