Discharge Criteria

• Extenuating circumstances occur that prohibit participation including:
  • b. The individual becomes incarcerated or hospitalized for 31 calendar days or more.

Recommend amending this as formerly written in the ACT regulations. The draft version is in conflict with VA code that allows 1 year: 12VAC35-105-1370

Consideration for discharge after a period of 31 days or more is potentially detrimental for clients as continued follow-up to ensure coordination of care for the transition back into the community upon release or discharge is greatly needed for this population. For example, many low level criminal charges carry longer sentences than 31 days, resulting in potential discontinuation of benefits needed to maintain community tenure. Continued contact with officers, jail personnel, physicians, social services agencies, and social workers is needed to coordinate client care in reference to medication management, case management, psychiatric follow up care, and other essential tasks needed to effectively transition back into the community from jail and/or hospitals. Remaining open to services is of paramount importance when working with this client population.