I am writing this due to the recent changes and in hope of reconsideration.  I have a lot of concerns due to working in the mental health field for over 7 years.  I have seen the ways that our clients have benefited from the services over the years and feel that based on the new regulations that clients have to be hospitalized will cause several things to happen.  The first thing that over the years, we worked with clients to decrease hospitalizations, and to help them stabilize.  I am concerned for the client we will not be able to provide support to any more due to not having a hospitalization, who still need the service.  Most of the clients that I can think of are stubborn or fearful to go through with a hospitalization.  I believe what will happen, is that it will leave a lot of previous and potential clients we could have served under the old regulations feeling hopeless without support, and bring them to make decisions that aren't sound as they would have if they had proper support from a provider. 

Another concern that I have is not being able to provide service to clients under the age of 21 years old if they are not in an independent living situation or transitioning into one within 6 months.  The problem with this is that there are many adults who still live with their parents due to their mental health issues.  Why are we not allowing these clients to receive services?  I can think of many situations why people continue to live with their parents, due to financial issues, being close with family members, mental instability and so many other reasons.  I think pushing clients out of their parents' home will cause instability. 

Lastly, I do not think as providers we were given ample time to be able to enforce the new regulations, which causes more harm to our clients.  As you may know, clients who suffer from mental health, have difficulties with change and not giving them the time to process out of services appropriately causes harm. 

Please let us provide a service that helps clients with their best interest in mind.