Referral to the Broughton Hospital State-wide Deaf Specialty Service

Broughton Hospital is home to the state-wide inpatient service for adult deaf persons who have psychiatric and/or substance abuse problems. This service, which is part of Broughton’s Specialty Services Division, can accommodate fourteen (14) patients. It is located in the Harper Building on the Broughton campus.

Referral of persons from throughout the state are based on the following process:

  I.

Inpatient Treatment of a Psychiatric Illness for a Person who is Deaf and is Eligible for Referral from the Central or Eastern Region to the Broughton Hospital State-Wide Deaf Specialty Service

A.

If a deaf individual is admitted to a Central or Eastern Region state psychiatric hospital, within twenty-four (24) hours the appropriate Regional Adult Coordinator of Mental Health Services for the Deaf is notified. This individual conducts an assessment for possible referral to the Broughton state-wide Deaf Specialty Service

1.

A voluntarily admitted deaf patient who has been determined by his or her treatment team to require a hospital stay of fifteen days or more, is eligible for referral to the Broughton Hospital Deaf Service (BHDS) at the time of such determination. 

2.

An involuntarily admitted deaf patient who, at the initial court hearing, is committed, is eligible for transfer to the BHDS after the initial court hearing. 

B.

The Broughton Clinical Services Director and the BHDS Program Manager may refuse to accept a transfer if the patient is determined to be inappropriate for transfer.

1.

In such an instance, the BHDS Program Manager consults with the State Coordinator for Mental Health Services for the Deaf and with the Regional Coordinator. 

2.

Such refusal of transfer is documented by both facilities involved, in order to provide background information should a review of the decision be requested.

C.

If transfer is deemed appropriate, the Admitting Services Director at Broughton Hospital, the BHDS Program Manager, and the responsible professional at the sending facility mutually determine the date of transfer

D.

Upon transferring a patient to the BHDS, the responsible professional at the sending facility:

1.

Complies with transfer requirements set forth in G.S. 122C-206 and 10A NCAC 28F.0200.

2.

Explains and ensures that the process for transfer is interpreted for the patient by a licensed interpreter. 

E.

The Broughton Hospital Admitting Service:

1.

Completes a new Identification/Face Sheet upon receiving a transferred patient.

2.

Incorporates into the medical record information generated by the BHDS.

F.

The BHDS treatment team and the appropriate LME are responsible for discharge planning, and ensure that:

1.

All transferred patients are directly discharged from the BHDS to the community (rather than being transferred back to the original sending facility).

2.

A copy of the preliminary discharge summary/aftercare plan is sent to the appropriate Regional Coordinator upon consent of the patient or legally responsible person, as well as to the original sending hospital.

3.

Transportation for discharged patients is provided in accordance with Broughton Hospital Administrative Policy, APM 2-23 – Patient Discharge, Timely Availability for Transportation. 

II.

Rehabilitation-Stage Substance Abuse Treatment for a Person who is Deaf and Seeking Admission to the Broughton Hospital State-Wide Deaf Specialty Service

A.

Prior to consideration for admission, the appropriate Regional Substance Abuse Coordinator and/or Regional Adult Coordinator of Mental Health Services for the Deaf in collaboration with the appropriate Local Management Entity (LME) staff and the Broughton Hospital Deaf Service (BHDS) Program Manager ensure that the individual meets the admission criteria (i.e., American Society of Addictive Medicine (ASAM) criteria for level III.7 placement for substance abuse treatment in at least two (2) ASAM dimensions), that the individual is not in need of active detox treatment, and that the BHDS is the most appropriate site for substance abuse treatment.

B.

If admission criteria appear to be met, the Regional Coordinator/LME has contact with the BHDS Program Manager or Social Worker for the purpose of discussing arrangements for an appointment for on-site screening and evaluation. During this contact, the Regional Coordinator/LME indicates whether documentation is in the mail or will be carried to the BHDS on the day of the appointment.  This documentation includes a social history, written evaluation of the patient, a plan of care, and a copy of any current court order. 

C.

When it has been determined that all pre-admission requirements have been met, the BHDS Program Manager sets an appointment date and time for evaluation for admission.

1.

Hours for admission evaluation for substance abuse treatment at the BHDS are 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily, except weekends and holidays.  However, in order to complete the admission process (which includes screening and evaluation), prospective patients must arrive at the BHDS prior to 2:00 PM, unless special arrangements have been made in advance.  

2.

The prospective patient presents at Broughton Hospital Admitting Services. If applicable, transporter of the prospective patient is asked to remain until completion of screening by the BHDS Program Manager or designee.

3.

Admitting Services notifies the BHDS of the prospective patient’s arrival and an interpreter goes to assist with communication.

D.

If admission is deemed appropriate, the admitting physician makes a final determination regarding admission and writes necessary orders for such. 

E.

If admitted, Admitting Services staff process the individual for admission, after which ward staff escort the patient to the BHDS