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TITLE 25HEALTH SERVICES
PART 1DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES
CHAPTER 448STANDARD OF CARE
SUBCHAPTER ITREATMENT PROGRAM SERVICES
RULE §448.901Requirements Applicable to All Treatment Services

(a) Each client's treatment shall be based on a treatment plan developed from the client's comprehensive assessment.

(b) Group counseling sessions are limited to a maximum of 16 clients. Group education and life skills training sessions are limited to a maximum of 35 clients. This limit does not apply to multi-family educational groups, seminars, outside speakers, or other events designed for a large audience.

(c) Chemical dependency education and life skills training shall follow a written curriculum. All educational sessions shall include client participation and discussion of the material presented.

(d) The program shall provide education about Tuberculosis (TB), HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) based on the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Workplace and Education Guidelines for HIV and Other Communicable Diseases.

(e) The program shall provide education about the health risks of tobacco products and nicotine addiction.

(f) The program shall provide access to screening for TB and testing for HIV antibody, Hepatitis C, and STDs.

  (1) HIV antibody testing shall be carried out by an entity approved by the Texas Department of Health.

  (2) If a client tests positive, the program shall refer the client to an appropriate health care provider.

(g) The program shall facilitate access to physical health, mental health, and ancillary services if those services are not available through the program and are necessary to meet treatment goals and shall document these efforts.

(h) Individuals shall not be denied admission or discharged from treatment because they are taking prescribed medication.

(i) The facility shall maintain an adequate number of qualified staff to comply with licensure rules, provide appropriate and individualized treatment, and protect the health, safety, and welfare of clients.

(j) All personnel shall receive the training and supervision necessary to ensure compliance with Commission rules, provision of appropriate and individualized treatment, and protection of client health, safety and welfare.

(k) Direct care staff shall be awake and on site during all hours of program operation.

(l) Residential direct care staff included in staff-to-client ratios shall not have job duties that prevent ongoing and consistent client supervision.

(m) Residential programs shall have at least one counselor on duty at least eight hours a day, six days a week.

(n) Clients in residential programs shall have an opportunity for eight continuous hours of sleep each night. Staff shall conduct and document at least three checks while clients are sleeping.

(o) Individuals responsible for planning, directing, or supervising treatment programs shall be QCCs. The clinical program director must have at least two years of post-licensure experience providing chemical dependency treatment.

(p) Chemical dependency counseling must be provided by a qualified credentialed counselor (QCC), graduate, or counselor intern. Chemical dependency education and life skills training shall be provided by counselors or individuals who have the specialized education and expertise.

(q) All counselor interns shall work under the direct supervision of a QCC as required in 40 TEX. ADMIN. CODE ch. 150 of this title (relating to Counselor Licensure).


Source Note: The provisions of this §448.901 adopted to be effective September 1, 2004, 29 TexReg 2020; transferred effective September 1, 2004, as published in the Texas Register September 10, 2004, 29 TexReg 8842

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