Providers must establish, maintain, and obtain Department approval for a Client Choice Policy that informs clients and their families of all available provider options and how to access services. The policy must comply with applicable federal and District laws, be made available to consumers and families, and include a documentation system confirming receipt. For SUD services specifically, providers must inform clients requesting services that they may choose any other certified provider offering the appropriate level of care.
View official sourceCLIENT CHOICE Each provider shall establish and adhere to policies and procedures governing the means by which clients shall be informed of the full choices of providers and how to access these services (“Client Choice Policy”). The Department shall review and approve each provider’s Client Choice Policy during the certification process. The Client Choice Policy shall comply with applicable Federal and District laws and regulations. Each provider shall: Make its Client Choice Policy available to consumers and their families; and Establish and adhere to a system for documenting that clients and families receive the Client Choice Policy. Each providers’ Client Choice Policy shall ensure that each client requesting SUD services directly from the provider is informed that the client may choose to have SUD services provided by any of the other certified providers that offer the appropriate LOC for that client. 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 § 6321