This regulation establishes resident status reporting and tracking procedures for Mental Health Community Residence Facilities (MHCRFs) licensed by DC's Department of Behavioral Health. Operators must provide resident rosters to DBH upon admissions and at license renewal, maintain a day-night book documenting emergencies and behavioral concerns, and notify DBH of resident departures, absences, or occupancy changes. In the event of a resident death, specific notification and non-disturbance protocols must be followed, including alerting law enforcement, the Medical Examiner (when applicable), and the resident's care team.
View official source3849 RESIDENT STATUS PROCEDURES 3849.1 Each MHCRF shall provide a resident roster to DBH as admissions occur after initial licensure until at full capacity, whenever there is a new admission or change in residents within the facility, and at the time of application for annual licensure renewal. 3849.2 Each MHCRF shall maintain a “day-night book” in which emergencies and other unusual occurrences are recorded by the responsible staff person on duty. Staff on duty shall observe and assess the behavior and well-being of each resident prior to the end or his or her work day and shall record any emergencies, unusual occurrences or significant behavioral or health concerns in the day-night book, and also alert incoming staff. 3849.3 Each MHCRF shall inform the Department whenever a resident moves from the facility, is missing for twenty-four (24) hours or more, or left the facility to visit friends or relatives and has not returned within the expected time frame. This information shall also be recorded in the day and night book. 3849.4 Each MHCRF shall notify the Department of an increase in the occupancy level at the MHCRF. 3849.5 If a resident dies, the Owner, Residence Director, and staff on duty shall: (a) Not disturb the body; (b) Promptly notify the resident’s attending physician, next-of-kin, legal guardian, if any, the Department, the resident’s CSA treatment team or other mental health care provider, the District’s Metropolitan Police and the LTCO; (c) If the circumstances of the death are suspicious, the death is sudden, unexpected or unexplained, or the death is violent including accidental, homicidal or suicidal, promptly notify the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner; and (d) Abide by the District laws governing the investigation and reporting of deaths under the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 65 DCR 1633 (February 16, 2018). District of Columbia Municipal Regulations Mental Health 22-A DCMR § 3849