SUD treatment providers in DC must not refuse services to clients with co-occurring mental illnesses and must screen every client for both SUD and mental illness during the initial or comprehensive diagnostic assessment. If a client screens positive for a co-occurring mental illness, the provider must either offer integrated mental health treatment (if certified) or refer the client to an appropriate mental health provider. A Clinical Care Coordinator must coordinate the Plan of Care with any external mental health provider serving the client.
View official source6302 SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH CO-OCCURRING MENTAL ILLNESSES A provider shall not decline to provide SUD services because of a person’s co-occurring mental illness. All SUD treatment providers shall screen each client for SUD and mental illness during the Initial or Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment. If a client screens positive for a co-occurring mental illness, the SUD treatment provider shall take the following steps in addition to providing SUD treatment: If certified to provide mental health services, offer the client mental health treatment in addition to SUD treatment with the provider. If the client declines, the provider shall make the appropriate referrals for the client to receive mental health treatment at another qualified provider. If the provider is not certified to provide mental health services, the provider shall ensure the client is referred to an appropriate mental health provider. If a client that screens positive for a co-occurring mental illness receives mental health treatment at another provider, the Clinical Care Coordinator shall ensure the Plan of Care and subsequent care and treatment of the client is coordinated with the mental health provider. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 62 DCR 12056 (September 4, 2015); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 67 DCR 011585 (October 9, 2020). District of Columbia Municipal Regulations Mental Health 22-A DCMR § 6302