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9 CSR 30-7

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9 CSR 30-7 Chapter 7 - Crisis Services

Jurisdiction: MO Agency: Missouri Department of Mental Health
CRISIS_STABILIZATION (100%)
Plain-English summary

This Missouri regulation establishes certification standards for Behavioral Health Crisis Centers (BHCCs) and Urgent Care Behavioral Health Crisis Centers (U-BHCCs), which provide up to 23 hours of supervised crisis stabilization as a community-based alternative to emergency department visits or hospitalization. Operators must obtain certification as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Organization (CCBHO), achieve accreditation from CARF, TJC, or COA within three years, and comply with the 2020 SAMHSA National Guidelines for Behavioral Health Crisis Care. Requirements cover physical environment, staffing (including a licensed psychiatrist as medical director, a QMHP clinical director, nursing staff, and certified peer specialists), care criteria using a 'no wrong door' model, and written policies on intake, detoxification referrals, medication, and community partnerships.

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Regulation text
CODE OF STATE REGULATIONS 1
John R. Ashcroft (8/31/23)
Secretary of State
rules of
Department of Mental Health
Division 30—Certification Standards
Chapter 7—Crisis Services
 Title Page
9 CSR 30-7.010 Behavioral Health Crisis Centers ....................................... 3
9 CSR 30-7.020 Sobering Centers ..................................................... 6
 CODE OF STATE REGULATIONS 3
John R. Ashcroft (5/31/23)
Secretary of State
 
9 CSR 30-7—DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH DIVISION 30—CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
TITLE 9—DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH
Division 30—Certification Standards
Chapter 7—Crisis Services
9 CSR 30-7.010 Behavioral Health Crisis Centers
PURPOSE: This rule sets forth regulations for behavioral health 
crisis centers. 
PUBLISHER’S NOTE: The secretary of state has determined that 
publication of the entire text of the material that is incorporated by 
reference as a portion of this rule would be unduly cumbersome or 
expensive. This material as incorporated by reference in this rule 
shall be maintained by the agency at its headquarters and shall 
be made available to the public for inspection and copying at no 
more than the actual cost of reproduction. This note applies only 
to the reference material. The entire text of the rule is printed here.
(1) Definitions. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, 
the following terms as used in this rule mean—
(A) Behavioral Health Crisis Center (BHCC), unit which 
operates twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week 
and provides crisis services for individuals in severe distress 
with up to twenty-three (23) consecutive hours of supervised 
care to assist with deescalating the severity of their crisis;
(B) Crisis intervention, designed to interrupt and/or 
ameliorate a behavioral health crisis experience. The goal 
of crisis intervention is symptom reduction, observation, 
stabilization, and restoration to a previous level of functioning 
for the individual being served. Primary components include, 
but are not limited to—
1. Preliminary assessment of risk, mental status, substance 
use status, and medical stability;
2. Stabilization of immediate crisis;
3. Determination of the need for further evaluation and/or 
behavioral health services; and
4. Linkage to needed additional treatment services;
(C) Crisis stabilization, a direct service that assists with 
deescalating the severity of an individual’s level of distress and/
or need for urgent care associated with a behavioral health 
disorder; and
(D) Urgent Care Behavioral Health Crisis Center (U-BHCC), 
unit which operates less than twenty-four (24) hours per 
day, seven (7) days per week, and provides crisis services for 
individuals in severe distress with supervised care to assist 
with deescalating the severity of their crisis.
(2) Program Description. BHCCs and U-BHCCs are provided or 
arranged by an administrative agent or an affiliate. Services 
shall be provided in accordance with the 2020 edition of the 
National Guidelines for Behavioral Health Crisis Care, hereby 
incorporated by reference and made a part of this rule, and 
can be obtained from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health 
Services Administration (SAMHSA), 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, 
MD 20857, (877) 726-4727. This rule does not incorporate any 
subsequent amendments or additions to this publication. 
(A) Services shall be designed to serve as a community-based 
alternative to emergency department services, unnecessary 
hospitalization, and/or jail confinement by offering assessment, 
treatment, and short term stabilization for individuals with a 
mental health and/or substance use disorder. 
(B) As specified in best practice one (1) of the National 
Guidelines for Behavioral Health Crisis Care, as referenced in 
section (2) of this rule, centers shall function as a twenty-four 
(24) hour or less crisis receiving and stabilization facility.
(3) Certification/National Accreditation. At a minimum, 
organizations shall comply with 9 CSR 10-7.130 Procedures to 
Obtain Certification, to apply for certification/deemed status as 
a BHCC or U-BHCC and— 
(A) Be certified by the department as a Certified Community 
Behavioral Health Organization (CCBHO); 
(B) Obtain appropriate accreditation for crisis services within 
three (3) years of obtaining certification/deemed status (if 
not accredited for such at the time of initial application 
to the department) from the Commission on Accreditation 
of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International, The Joint 
Commission (TJC), or Council on Accreditation (COA); and 
(C) The CCBHO may arrange for BHCC or U-BHCC services to 
be provided through a designated collaborating organization 
(DCO). 
(4) Program Requirements. BHCCs and U-BHCCs shall provide 
prompt assessment, stabilization (with or without medication), 
and determination of an appropriate level of care for the 
individual’s continued behavioral health treatment in order to 
prevent unnecessary hospitalization, emergency department 
services, and/or jail confinement. 
(A) In accordance with minimum expectation three (3) of 
the National Guidelines for Behavioral Health Crisis Care, as 
referenced in section (2) of this rule, services shall be designed 
to address—
1. Behavioral/mental health crisis situations, including 
substance use; and
2. Varying clinical conditions to include individuals with 
co-occurring behavioral health and intellectual/developmental 
disabilities. 
(5) Target Populations. The target population includes 
individuals with a confirmed or suspected mental health and/
or substance use disorder diagnosis who are experiencing a 
behavioral crisis or are presenting for urgent behavioral health 
needs who are—
(A) Children and youth, individuals age five (5) to seventeen 
(17) years; and/or
(B) Individuals age eighteen (18) years and older. 
(6) Physical Environment and Safety. All BHCCs and U-BHCCs 
shall be in compliance with 9 CSR 10-7.120 Physical Environment 
and Safety, and applicable state and local building codes, fire 
codes, and ordinances to ensure the health, safety, and security 
of all individuals. 
(A) The physical environment shall—
1. Promote a sense of safety, calm, and deescalation for 
individuals and staff;
2. Have adequate space to ensure the comfort of individuals 
served; 
3. Have adequate space to ensure privacy and 
confidentiality for individuals served;
4. Have furnishing and fixtures that are constructed of 
durable materials not capable of breakage into pieces that 
could be used as a weapon, ligature risk, or for self-harm; and
5. Have interior finishes, lighting, and furnishings that 
suggest a non-institutional setting that conforms to applicable 
fire and safety codes.
(B) In accordance with best practice two (2) of the National 
Guidelines for Behavioral Health Crisis Care, as referenced in 
section (2) of this rule, policies and procedures shall ensure 
there are designated areas for individuals being transported 
to the center by law enforcement/first responders and those 
seeking services on a walk-in basis. 
1. Hours of operation shall be clearly communicated to law 
enforcement and other referral sources.
4 CODE OF STATE REGULATIONS 
(5/31/23) John R. Ashcroft
Secretary of State
 
DIVISION 30—CERTIFICATION STANDARDS 9 CSR 30-7—DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH 
(C) If the BHCC/U-BHCC has an open floor model, space for 
screening, evaluation, and treatment services must be separate 
for children/youth and adults, if both are served. 
(7) Care Criteria. Each BHCC and U-BHCC shall implement 
written screening and intake criteria for individuals who 
present for an evaluation. 
(A) A “no wrong door” access model shall be utilized. In 
accordance with minimum expectations one (1), six (6), and 
seven (7) of the National Guidelines for Behavioral Health Crisis 
Care, as referenced in section (2) of this rule, all individuals who 
present for an evaluation and/or stabilization shall be screened 
as specified in subsection (7)(C) of this rule, including walk-ins 
and those who are referred/transported by law enforcement. 
(B) If screening results in an individual not being offered 
services, documentation of the rationale for the denial of 
services and facilitated referral of the individual to other 
appropriate services must be maintained.
(C) Service criteria shall include but is not limited to—
1. Presence of a suspected and/or known mental illness 
diagnosis and/or substance-related disorder and the individual 
is expressing a need for behavioral health services; and
2. Presence of a severe situational crisis; and/or
3. Presence of risk of harm to self, others, and/or property 
(risk may range from mild to imminent).
(D) In accordance with minimum expectation two (2) of 
the National Guidelines for Behavioral Health Crisis Care, as 
referenced in section (2) of this rule, medical clearance is 
not required prior to provision of services, however, each 
individual served must be assessed for medical stability and 
receive necessary medical support while in the program.
1. In accordance with minimum expectation four (4) of 
the National Guidelines for Behavioral Health Crisis Care, as 
referenced in section (2) of this rule, physical health issues that 
can be appropriately managed by crisis center staff shall be 
addressed by qualified staff in accordance with policies and 
procedures.
2. If a physical health issue occurs requiring medical care 
that cannot be addressed while an individual is receiving 
services in the BHCC/U-BHCC, the treating center shall arrange 
for the individual to be appropriately transported to a medical 
facility to address the physical health issue.
(E) As appropriate, medications (including medication 
assisted treatment for a substance use disorder) shall be 
prescribed while connecting the individual with ongoing 
services. 
(8) Staff Qualifications. In accordance with minimum 
expectation five (5) of the National Guidelines for Behavioral 
Health Crisis Care, as referenced in section (2) of this rule, the 
BHCC/U-BHCC shall be adequately staffed to meet the treatment 
needs of individuals served and to ensure their safety and the 
safety of staff. 
(A) Each center shall have the staffing capacity to assess 
individuals’ physical health needs and deliver care for most 
minor physical health challenges, with established written 
protocols to transfer an individual to more medically staffed 
services, if needed. 
(B) The center shall be staffed by a multidisciplinary team 
who is able to respond to the needs of individuals experiencing 
all levels of crisis. Staff shall include but is not limited to—
1. Medical director—a licensed psychiatrist (available 
via telemedicine or audio-only). The medical director for the 
BHCC/U-BHCC can be the same individual who serves in this 
capacity for the CCBHO. 
A. Direct services shall be provided by a licensed 
physician (includes psychiatrist) or licensed psychiatric 
mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), advanced practice 
registered nurse (APRN), physician assistant, resident physician 
(includes psychiatrist), and/or assistant physician in a written 
collaborative practice arrangement with a physician and with 
experience treating the target population. Services may be 
provided via telemedicine. 
B. BHCCs and U-BHCCs shall have access to a practitioner 
to prescribe medications approved by the Food and Drug 
Administration to treat opioid use disorders (methadone must 
be provided by a certified opioid treatment program); 
2. Clinical program director—must be a qualified mental 
health professional (QMHP) to oversee program operations 
and clinical practice, with experience treating the target 
population;
3. Nurse—registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse 
(LPN); and 
4. Certified peer specialist. 
(9) Staff Coverage. Staff coverage shall ensure the continuous 
supervision and safety of individuals served. Staff coverage 
shall be determined by the agency. 
(A) Coverage at a minimum, shall include—
1. Two (2) behavioral health staff must be on-site during 
receiving hours; 
2. One (1) QMHP must be available during receiving hours 
(may be via telemedicine); 
3. One (1) RN or one (1) LPN must be available during 
receiving hours (may be via telemedicine); and 
4. A physician (includes psychiatrist), PMHNP , APRN, 
assistant physician, resident physician (includes psychiatrist), 
and/or physician assistant must be available during receiving 
hours and must immediately respond to calls from staff, delay 
not to exceed one (1) hour. 
(B) Qualified staff must be available to administer, screen, 
inventory, and store prescribed medications within their scope 
of duties, practice, training, and as authorized by statute. 
(C) Qualified staff, within their scope of duties, practice, 
and/ or training, shall be available to conduct an initial health 
assessment and utilize evidence-based tools to determine the 
individual’s medical stability, intoxication, substance use, and/
or level withdrawal/impairment.
(10) Policies and Procedures. The BHCC/U-BHCC shall maintain 
and implement written policies and procedures including, but 
not limited to—
(A) Intake screening, service, and clinical assessment 
protocols; 
(B) Community outreach and education strategies for crisis 
stabilization services, including access to and location of 
service site(s), hours, and days of operation for each site through 
written material and other means of communication, and how 
these components will be accomplished on an ongoing basis; 
(C) Detoxification/withdrawal management services as 
defined in 9 CSR 30-3.120. If the BHCC/U-BHCC does not provide 
this service, facilitated referrals to a local hospital or another 
qualified service provider shall be made for withdrawal 
management or other medical services, if determined 
necessary during an individual’s evaluation process;
(D) Safety and emergency protocols as specified in 9 CSR 
10-7.120 Physical Environment and Safety, as well as specific 
protocols for the population served;
(E) Prescription medication protocols, including storage of 
medications in accordance with 9 CSR 10-7.070;
(F) Screening for and accessing services for emergency 
medical conditions, including transport by emergency medical 
 CODE OF STATE REGULATIONS 5
John R. Ashcroft (8/31/23)
Secretary of State
 
9 CSR 30-7—DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH DIVISION 30—CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
service;
(G) Monitoring the physical and psychological well-being 
of individuals including but not limited to respiratory and 
circulatory status, skin integrity, vital signs, and any special 
requirements specified in the organization’s policies and 
procedures associated with evaluations;
(H) Linking individuals to housing services upon discharge, 
as needed;
(I) Linking individuals to transportation services upon 
discharge, as needed;
(J) Linking individuals to social services or community 
resources, as needed;
(K) Assessment and referral process for individuals with 
a suspected substance use disorder and/or mental health 
disorder; 
(L) Care coordination and continuity of care for individuals 
served including but not limited to referral process, follow-up, 
and transfer of records within five (5) days, in accordance with 
best practice five (5) of the National Guidelines for Behavioral 
Health Crisis Care, as referenced in section (2) of this rule;
(M) Infection prevention and control; and
(N) Use of physical and chemical restraints as specified in 9 
CSR 10-7.060 Emergency Safety Interventions.
(11) Community Partnerships. BHCCs and U-BHCCs shall 
have a referral relationship, collaborative agreement, and/
or memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the following 
community providers:
(A) Crisis response with law enforcement, dispatch, 
emergency medical services, and first responders;
(B) Local hospitals, primary care clinics, and Federally 
Qualified Health Centers (FQHC);
(C) Qualified providers of detoxification/withdrawal 
management services;
(D) Schools;
(E) Housing supports;
(F) Local Continuum(s) of Care; and
(G) Recovery support and recovery housing providers.
(12) Coordination and Continuity of Care. Service coordination 
and continuity of care efforts shall include but are not limited 
to—
(A) Identifying and linking individuals with available 
community resources necessary to stabilize the crisis and 
ensure transition to routine care;
(B) Referring individuals to behavioral health services if not 
currently receiving such services;
(C) Connecting and/or referring individuals to appropriate 
local resources including emergency room enhancement (ERE) 
staff, community behavioral health liaisons (CBHLs), and/or 
certified peer specialists, who shall conduct and document 
timely follow-up to determine the individual’s current status 
and need for any additional assistance or services; 
(D) Contacting and coordinating care with current service 
providers, when feasible and in accordance with state and 
federal confidentiality regulations;
(E) Connecting individuals to housing, food, or other 
resources; 
(F) Connecting individuals with recovery support and/or 
recovery housing providers; 
(G) Connecting individuals with community-based 
behavioral health providers in other geographic regions; and
(H) Incorporating some form of intensive support beds into 
a partner program (within the organization or with another 
local agency), if available, for individuals who need additional 
support beyond that of the BHCC/U-BHCC in accordance with 
best practice three (3) of the National Guidelines for Behavioral 
Health Crisis Care, as referenced in section (2) of this rule. 
(13) Documentation Requirements. Based on the individual’s 
ability to cooperate and communicate with staff due to their 
crisis situation, the following intake documentation shall be 
obtained:
(A) Presenting problem and referral source, if applicable;
(B) Rationale for denial of services and referral of the 
individual to other appropriate services, if necessary;
(C) Personal and identifying information; 
(D) Status as a current or former member of the U.S. Armed 
Forces;
(E) Current mental health and substance use symptoms;
(F) Current medications and any medications administered;
(G) Screening for suicide risk and completion of a 
comprehensive, standardized suicide risk assessment and 
planning, when clinically indicated, in accordance with 
minimum expectation eight (8) of the National Guidelines for 
Behavioral Health Crisis Care, as referenced in section (2) of this 
rule; 
(H) Screening for risk of violence and completion of a 
comprehensive, standardized violence risk assessment and 
planning, when clinically indicated, in accordance with 
minimum expectation nine (9) of the National Guidelines for 
Behavioral Health Crisis Care, as referenced in section (2) of this 
rule; 
(I) Current trauma-related symptoms and/or concerns for 
personal safety;
(J) Crisis intervention and prevention plan, when clinically 
indicated (a copy shall be provided to the individual served); 
and
(K) Discharge information including outcome of the crisis, 
services provided, treatment/recovery plan, care coordination 
efforts, follow-up, and referrals.
(14) Measuring Program Effectiveness. In accordance with 
best practice four (4) of the National Guidelines for Behavioral 
Health Crisis Care, as referenced in section (2) of this rule, BHCCs 
and U-BHCCs shall collect, enter, and submit data utilizing all 
reporting tools as directed by the department.
(15) Staff Training and Education. Staff are expected to comply 
with the training requirements specified in 9 CSR 10-7.110(2)
(F), Personnel. All staff of the BHCC/U-BHCC shall complete 
minimum training requirements as follows: 
(A) Screening, assessment, and planning for risk of suicide;
(B) Screening, assessment, and planning for risk of violence;
(C) Evidence-based and best practice interventions to prevent 
and address disruptive behaviors and behavioral crises; 
(D) Basic First Aid; 
(E) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR); and
(F) Administration of naloxone, as appropriate with staff 
qualifications.
(16) Trauma-Informed Care. Services shall be provided in 
accordance with 9 CSR 10-7.010(11), Essential Principle, Trauma-
Informed Care. 
AUTHORITY: section 630.050, RSMo 2016.* Original rule filed Nov. 
2, 2022, effective June 30, 2023.
*Original authority: 630.050, RSMo 1980, amended 1993, 1995, and 2008.
6 CODE OF STATE REGULATIONS 
(8/31/23) John R. Ashcroft
Secretary of State
 
DIVISION 30—CERTIFICATION STANDARDS 9 CSR 30-7—DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH 
9 CSR 30-7.020 Sobering Centers
PURPOSE: This rule sets forth requirements for operation of a 
sobering center. 
(1) Definitions. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, 
the following terms as used in this rule shall mean—
(A) Sobering center, short-term care facility designed to 
allow an individual who is intoxicated and nonviolent to safely 
recover from the immediately debilitating effects of alcohol 
and drugs. Sobering centers typically operate twenty-four (24) 
hours per day, seven (7) days per week and provide supervised 
care for individuals experiencing acute intoxication for up to 
twenty-three (23) consecutive hours; and
(B) Acute intoxication, a transient condition that follows the 
ingestion or consumption of alcohol or a psychoactive substance 
and results in disturbances in the level of consciousness, 
cognition, perception, judgment, affect or behavior, or other 
psychophysiological functions and responses.
(2) Program Description. Sobering centers are operated by a 
Certified Community Behavioral Health Organization (CCBHO). 
(A) Services shall be designed to serve as a community-based 
alternative to emergency department services, unnecessary 
hospitalization, and/or jail confinement, offering short-term 
stabilization for individuals experiencing acute intoxication.
(3) Certification. At a minimum, the organization shall comply 
with 9 CSR 10-7.130 Procedures to Obtain Certification, to apply 
for certification/deemed status as a sobering center by the de -
partment.
(4) Program Requirements. Sobering centers shall provide 
prompt assessment, stabilization (with or without medication), 
and determination of appropriate monitoring needed for the 
individual to return to a state of clinical sobriety. 
(A) Services shall be designed to address acute intoxication 
with the goal of symptom reduction as evidenced by—
1. Eating, drinking, and/or swallowing without difficulty;
2. Walking without ataxia or unsteady gait;
3. Baseline mental status representing unimpaired cogni -
tion; and
4. Cognitive status supporting reasonable decisions.
(B) Referrals to community resources and/or treatment and 
recovery services shall be made, as appropriate. 
(5) Target Population. The target population includes 
individuals age eighteen (18) years and older who are 
experiencing acute intoxication and have a high or imminent 
risk of law enforcement contact and/or emergency department 
intervention. 
(6) Physical Environment and Safety. All sobering centers shall 
be in compliance with 9 CSR 10-7.120 Physical Environment 
and Safety, and applicable state and local building codes, fire 
codes, and ordinances to ensure the health, safety, and security 
of all individuals. 
(A) The physical environment shall— 
1. Promote a sense of safety and calm for individuals and 
staff;
2. Have adequate space to ensure the comfort of individuals 
served; 
3. Have adequate space to ensure privacy and confidential-
ity for individuals served;
4. Have furnishing and fixtures that are constructed of 
durable materials not capable of breakage into pieces that 
could be used as a weapon, ligature risk, or for self-harm; and
5. Have interior finishes, lighting, and furnishings that 
suggest a non-institutional setting that conforms to applicable 
fire and safety codes.
(7) Care Criteria. Each sobering center shall implement 
written screening and intake criteria for individuals who 
present for services. 
(A) All individuals who present for services from a referral 
source shall be screened as specified in subsection (7)(C) of 
this rule, including those who are referred/transported by law 
enforcement. 
1. Hours of operation shall be clearly communicated to law 
enforcement and other referral sources.
(B) If in-person screening results in an individual not being 
offered services, documentation of the rationale for the denial 
of services and facilitated referral of the individual to other 
appropriate services must be maintained.
(C) Service criteria shall include, but is not limited to—
1. Presence of acute intoxication; and
2. Presence of high or imminent risk of law enforcement 
contact and/or emergency department intervention. 
(D) Medical clearance is not required prior to provision 
of services; however, each individual served must be able 
to ambulate with minimal assistance, including the use of 
assistive devices required for existing medical conditions. 
1. Individuals referred from a hospital must meet medical 
stability eligibility criteria. 
2. If a physical health issue requiring medical care occurs 
that cannot be addressed while an individual is receiving 
services in the sobering center, the treating center shall 
arrange for the individual to be appropriately transported to a 
medical facility to address the physical health issue.
(E) As appropriate, medications (including medication-
assisted treatment for a substance use disorder) shall be 
prescribed while coordinating ongoing services with the 
individual.
(8) Staff Qualifications. The sobering center shall be adequately 
staffed to meet the needs of individuals served to ensure their 
safety and the safety of staff. 
(A) Each center shall have the staffing capacity to monitor 
vital signs with established written protocols to transfer an 
individual to a medical facility, if needed.
(B) The center shall be staffed by a multidisciplinary team 
that is able to respond to the needs of individuals experiencing 
acute intoxication. Staff shall include, but is not limited to—
1. Medical director, a licensed physician. The medical 
director for the sobering center can be the same individual 
who serves as the medical director for the Certified Community 
Behavioral Health Organization (CCBHO).
A. Direct services shall be provided by a licensed 
physician (includes psychiatrist), resident physician (includes 
psychiatrist), physician assistant, assistant physician, licensed 
psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), and/or 
advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who is in a written 
collaborative practice arrangement with a physician and with 
experience treating the target population. Services may be 
provided via telemedicine; 
2. Qualified practitioner(s) to treat opioid use disorders 
with narcotic medications approved by the Food and Drug 
Administration (methadone must be provided by a certified 
opioid treatment program);
3. Clinical program director, a qualified mental health 
professional (QMHP) to oversee program operations and clinical 
 CODE OF STATE REGULATIONS 7
John R. Ashcroft (8/31/23)
Secretary of State
 
9 CSR 30-7—DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH DIVISION 30—CERTIFICATION STANDARDS
practice, with experience treating the target population;
4. Nurse, paramedic, or emergency medical technician 
(EMT); and
5. Certified peer specialist(s). 
(9) Staff Coverage. Staff coverage shall ensure the continuous 
supervision and safety of individuals served. Staff coverage 
shall be determined by the sobering center. 
(A) At a minimum, coverage shall include—
1. Two (2) behavioral health staff who are on-site during 
receiving hours;
2. One (1) QMHP who is available during receiving hours 
(may be via telemedicine);
3. One (1) nurse, paramedic, or EMT who is available during 
receiving hours (may be via telemedicine); and 
4. A physician or resident physician (including psychiatrist), 
assistant physician, physician assistant, PMHNP , and/or APRN, 
who is available during receiving hours and must immediately 
respond to calls from staff, delay not to exceed one (1) hour.
(B) Qualified staff must be available to administer, screen, 
inventory, and store prescribed medications within their scope 
of duties, practice, and/or training. 
(C) Qualified staff, within their scope of duties, practice, 
and/or training, shall be available to conduct an initial health 
assessment and utilize evidence-based tools to determine the 
individual’s medical stability, intoxication, substance use, and/
or level of withdrawal/impairment.
(10) Policies and Procedures. The sobering center shall maintain 
and implement written policies and procedures including but 
not limited to—
(A) Intake screening, service, and clinical assessment 
protocols; 
(B) Community outreach and education strategies for 
acute intoxication stabilization services including access to 
and location of service site(s), hours, and days of operation 
for each site through written material and other means 
of communication, and how these components will be 
accomplished on an ongoing basis; 
(C) Withdrawal management (detoxification) services as 
defined in 9 CSR 30-3.120. If the sobering center does not 
provide this service, facilitated referrals to a local hospital or 
another qualified service provider shall be made for withdrawal 
management or other medical services, if determined 
necessary during an individual’s evaluation process;
(D) Safety and emergency protocols as specified in 9 CSR 
10-7.120 Physical Environment and Safety, as well as specific 
protocols for the population served;
(E) Prescription medication protocols, including storage of 
medications in accordance with 9 CSR 10-7.070;
(F) Screening for and accessing services for emergency 
medical conditions, including transport by first responders/
emergency medical service;
(G) Monitoring the physical and psychological well-being 
of individuals including but not limited to respiratory and 
circulatory status, skin integrity, vital signs, and any special 
requirements specified in the organization’s policies and 
procedures associated with evaluations;
(H) Linking individuals to housing services upon discharge, 
as needed;
(I) Linking individuals to transportation services upon 
discharge, as needed;
(J) Linking individuals to social services or community 
resources, as needed; 
(K) Assessment and referral process for individuals with 
a suspected substance use disorder and/or mental health 
disorder; 
(L) Care coordination and continuity of care for individuals 
served including but not limited to referral process, follow-up, 
and transfer of records within five (5) days, as applicable;
(M) Infection prevention and control; and 
(N) Exclusion criteria and protocol when the sobering center 
is not able to provide services to an individual. 
(11) Referral Sources. At a minimum, the following are required 
referral sources for consideration for admission:
(A) Law enforcement; 
(B) Emergency medical services; 
(C) Other first responders;
(D) Engaging Patients in Care Coordination (EPICC) Coaches;
(E) Community-based organizations participating in depart-
ment supported outreach services; 
(F) Local hospitals, primary care clinics, urgent care clinics, 
and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC); 
(G) Community Behavioral Health Liaisons; and
(H) Mobile Crisis Response.
(12) Community Partnerships. At a minimum, sobering centers 
shall have a referral relationship, collaborative agreement, and/
or memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the following 
community providers/agencies:
(A) Qualified providers of withdrawal management services;
(B) Housing supports;
(C) Local hospitals, primary care clinics, and FQHCs;
(D) Local Continuum(s) of Care; and
(E) Recovery support and recovery housing providers.
(13) Coordination and Continuity of Care. Service coordination 
and continuity of care efforts shall include, but are not limited 
to:
(A) Identifying and linking individuals with available 
community resources necessary to ensure transition to routine 
care;
(B) Referring individuals to behavioral health services, if they 
are not already receiving those services;
(C) Connecting and/or referring individuals to appropriate 
local resources including emergency room enhancement 
(ERE) staff, community behavioral health liaisons (CBHL), and/
or certified peer specialists who shall conduct and document 
timely follow-up to determine the individual’s current status 
and need for additional assistance or services;
(D) Contacting and coordinating care with current service 
providers when feasible and in accordance with state and 
federal confidentiality regulations;
(E) Connecting individuals to housing, food, or other 
resources; 
(F) Connecting individuals with recovery support and/or 
recovery housing providers; 
(G) Connecting individuals with community-based 
behavioral health providers in other geographic regions; and 
(H) Incorporating intensive support beds into a partner 
program (within the organization or with another local 
agency), if available, for individuals who need additional 
support beyond that of the sobering center. 
(14) Documentation Requirements. Based on the individual’s 
ability to cooperate and communicate with staff due to their 
presenting condition, the following intake documentation 
shall be obtained: 
(A) Presenting problem and referral source, if applicable;
8 CODE OF STATE REGULATIONS 
(8/31/23) John R. Ashcroft
Secretary of State
 
DIVISION 30—CERTIFICATION STANDARDS 9 CSR 30-7—DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH 
(B) Rationale for denial of services and referral of the individ-
ual to other appropriate services, if necessary;
(C) Personal and identifying information;
(D) Status as a current or former member of the U.S. Armed 
Forces;
(E) Current mental health and substance use symptoms;
(F) Current medications and any medications administered;
(G) Screening for suicide risk and completion of a compre -
hensive, standardized suicide risk assessment and planning, 
when clinically indicated; 
(H) Screening for risk of violence and completion of a com -
prehensive, standardized violence risk assessment and plan -
ning, when clinically indicated; 
(I) Current concerns for personal safety; and
(J) Discharge information including services provided, care 
coordination efforts, follow-up, and referrals.
(15) Measuring Program Effectiveness. Sobering centers shall 
collect, enter, and submit data utilizing all reporting tools as 
directed by the department.
(16) Staff Training and Education. Staff shall comply with the 
training requirements specified in 9 CSR 10-7.110 Personnel, 
subsection (2)(F). All staff of the sobering center shall complete 
minimum training requirements as follows: 
(A) Screening, assessment, and planning for risk of suicide;
(B) Screening, assessment, and planning for risk of violence;
(C) Evidence-based and best practice interventions to prevent 
and address disruptive behaviors and behavioral crises;
(D) Basic First Aid; 
(E) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR); 
(F) Administration of naloxone; and 
(G) Trauma-informed care. 
AUTHORITY: section 630.050, RSMo 2016.* Original rule filed 
March 21, 2023, effective Sept. 30, 2023.
*Original authority: 630.050, RSMo 1980, amended 1993, 1995, and 2008.