Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Grantee will be responsible for and agree to the following as part of receiving a grant: Implement all components of the EmPATH model for full fidelity including, but not limited to, the following: Located on the contiguous hospital campus grounds and linked to the emergency department for initial intake/referral Ligature safe—bathrooms, door handles, etc. Large, open milieu with fold-flat recliner chairs with a minimum of 80 sq. ft. total per client, including 40 sq. ft. around each chair Open nursing station with intermingling of staff and clients to facilitate socialization, discussion, interaction, and therapy Voluntary calming rooms with elimination of locked seclusion rooms or restraints Rapid evaluation and comprehensive treatment planning by a psychiatrist or psychiatric prescribing provider Constant observation and re-evaluation Multidisciplinary team consisting of diverse professionals including, but not limited to, board-certified psychiatrists/psychiatric providers, Registered Nurses, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Psychiatric Assistants, Licensed Vocational Nurses/Licensed Psychiatric Technicians, and peer support specialists Provide all services onsite at a licensed 24-hour health care facility, as part of a hospital-based outpatient program, certified by the State as a Crisis Stabilization Unit Comply with all contact, site, and staffing requirements for Crisis Stabilization Units described in California Code of Regulations Title 9, Sections 1840.338 and 1840.348, and Title 22 for “Crisis Stabilization – Emergency Room” Comply with the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act Adopt the recommendations outlined in the Facility Guidelines Institute’s June 2022 white paper, Design of Behavioral Health Crisis Units Note – Tribally operated hospitals that are exempt from State licensing and/or requirements must describe the basis for their exemption and their plan for meeting the programmatic requirements of the EmPATH model. Participate in model fidelity monitoring and improvement processes. Collaboratively work with and take direction from the Technical Assistance contractor. Engage the local community in the planning process, including peers with lived experience accessing behavioral health care. Collaborate with local entities such as pediatricians, primary care physicians, law enforcement agencies, community-based organizations, and other community programs to ensure appropriate linkage to services and operate the EmPATH unit within the local community’s continuum of crisis care. Collaborate with “stepdown” community mental health crisis care and diversion options in the local community such as peer respite programs, substance use disorder treatment facilities, social services, and related assistance for disposition planning after clients are stabilized in the EmPATH unit to reduce recidivism. Use the matching funds listed in the grant application that are committed to support the EmPATH unit and commit additional funds to continue operating the EmPATH unit after the grant funding is expended. Participate in a technical assistance and evaluation learning collaborative with the Commission, Technical Assistance contractor, other Grantees, and interested entities who are currently operating, or are interested in operating, EmPATH units to share best practices, lessons learned, and sustainability strategies.
