55 Pa. Code § 5100.3 - Statement of policy

(a) The act establishes procedures for the treatment of mentally ill persons. The procedures are to be applied consistently with the principles of due process to make voluntary and involuntary treatment available where the need is great and where the absence of treatment could result in serious harm to the mentally ill person or to others. The act and the Mental Health and Mental Retardation Act of 1966, set forth the Commonwealth's policy and procedures regarding the provision of mental health services. This chapter implements and supplements the act and the Mental Health and Mental Retardation Act of 1966, and are to be read together with the applicable provisions of the act and the Mental Health and Mental Retardation Act of 1966.

(b) It is the policy of the Commonwealth to seek to assure that adequate treatment is available with the least restrictions necessary to meet each client's needs. While this policy remains a shared responsibility between State, county, and facility personnel, the accountability for recommending the transfer to the least restrictive alternatives available remains a responsibility of those directing treatment. Adequate treatment provided in an individual's own community or as close as possible to his own home shall be preferred.

(c) Persons who are mentally retarded, senile, alcoholic or drug dependent shall be afforded mental health examination or treatment if they are also diagnosed as mentally ill, or if there is a reasonable probability that upon examination such diagnosis will be established.

(d) Persons in treatment under the act shall be afforded necessary diagnostic or treatment procedures as defined in their treatment plan for conditions of mental retardation, senility, alcohol, or drug abuse when it is determined that the absence of such procedures will be detrimental to the progress of the person accomplishing the goals of treatment.

Notes

55 Pa. Code § 5100.3