Greetings Thank you for the information regarding the proposed changes to mental health manual. I would like to comment specifically on some of the changes in community stabilization services, especially the proposed reduction of services to 3 days and 48 units.
In our experience, 3 days and 48 units would not be enough time to conduct the "warm handoff" spoken of during the presentation. From our understanding, part of the intent of the service is to ensure the that a member moves as seamless as possible from a higher crisis service to a community service or some lower level service. Individuals coming out of these high-level services often times aren't in the mental capacity to receive much less intensive services and support within 3 days. In most instances, the ability for individuals to do this is between 5-7 days. This proposed change does not appear to keep in mind the physiological effects that can be caused by crisis, and instead seeks to rush a person through treatment and support.
Also, the proposed authorization change of qualified members must be transitioning from another crisis service not only presents a barrier to the member, but alters the service definition. The current service definition states that:
"Community Stabilization services are short-term and designed to support an individual and their natural support system following contact with an initial crisis response service or as a diversion to a higher level of care."
It goes on to state:
The goal of Community Stabilization services is to stabilize the individual within their community and support the individual and/or support system during the periods 1) between an initial Mobile Crisis Response and entry in to an established follow-up service at the appropriate level of care 2) as a transitional step-down from a higher level of care if the next level of care service is identified but not immediately available for access or 3) as a diversion to a higher level of care.
The verbiage used "diversion to" itself is confusing, but if what is implied is that Community Stabilization services is in place to prevent a higher level of care, then the proposed change obviously presents a contradiction.
Please consider the impact these changes have on the community they are intended to serve.