This regulation governs group services provided by Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (PRS) agencies, either within a PRS facility or in the community. It sets requirements for group size (no more than five individuals in community settings), individual consent, staff-to-client ratios, confidentiality protections, and participant eligibility for community-based group services. PRS agencies must honor individual preferences regarding participation and ensure group discussions occur in confidential settings before and after community activities.
View official source55 Pa. Code § 5230.54 - Group services State Regulations Compare (a) A PRS agency shall provide group services in a PRS facility or in the community. (1) When a group service is provided in a PRS facility, group size may vary as long as the requirement under 5230.52 (c) (relating to general staffing requirements) is met. (2) When a group service is delivered in the community, one staff shall serve a group of no more than five individuals. Group size in the community may not exceed five individuals. (b) Group services delivered in the community shall be limited to individuals who have IRP goals that specify the need for services in the community. (c) A PRS agency shall consider personal preferences of an individual and shall inform an individual of the following: (1) The location where the group is to meet. (2) The purpose of providing service in a community setting. (3) The roles of individuals and PRS staff. (d) A PRS agency shall obtain individual consent to participate in group services in the community. (e) A PRS agency may not require an individual to participate in group services in the community. Individual preference for one to one (1:1) ratio service in the community shall be honored. (f) A PRS agency shall design group services to protect confidentiality. (f.1) Only staff of the PRS agency, individuals who are interning at the PRS agency and individuals who receive PRS from the PRS agency may be included in group services delivered in the community. (g) A PRS agency shall arrange for group discussion of the experience before and after service is conducted in the community. The group discussion shall occur in a setting that assures confidentiality. Notes 55 Pa. Code § 5230.54 Amended by Pennsylvania Bulletin, Vol. 55, No. 03, January 18, 2025 , effective 1/18/2025 State regulations are updated quarterly; we currently have two versions available. Below is a comparison between our most recent version and the prior quarterly release. More comparison features will be added as we have more versions to compare. No prior version found. State Regulations Toolbox