This rule governs admission criteria and capacity management for the forensic mental health facility at the Utah State Hospital (USH). It establishes that admission priority is based on psychiatric need, legal status, and court order date, with highest priority given to those legally required to be admitted under Utah law. When the forensic facility reaches capacity, USH must halt new admissions until a bed becomes available and coordinate with the court for resolution.
View official sourceR525. Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health, State Hospital. R525-8. Forensic Mental Health Facility. R525-8-1. Authority and Purpose. (1) Subsection 26B-1-202(2)(a) authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to adopt this rule. (2) This rule explains the criteria for admission to beds for the forensic mental health facility at the Utah State Hospital (USH). R525-8-2. Forensic Bed Admissions. People are identified for admission to the forensic mental health facility based on current psychiatric need, legal status, and the date of their court order into the Department of Health and Human Services custody. Highest priority shall be given to those cases which are specifically required to be admitted to the USH by Utah law. R525-8-3. No Admission Because of Capacity. When capacity in the forensic mental health facility has been met, the USH may not admit any persons to the forensic mental health facility until a bed becomes available. In such an event, the USH will work cooperatively with the court to find a resolution. KEY: forensic, mental health, facilities Date of Last Change: October 14, 2025 Notice of Continuation: March 25, 2026 Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 26B-1-202(2)(a); 26B-5-371(2); 26B-5-372, 77-16a-202; 77-16a-203; 77-16a-204; 77-18-106