(a) For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:

(1) “Distinct part” means an identifiable unit accommodating beds or patient space, including, but not limited to, contiguous beds or patient space, a wing, floor, or building approved by the state department for a specific purpose.

(2) “Older children” means patients who are 18 to 21 years of age, inclusive.

(3) “Transitional Health Care Needs Optional Service Unit” or “optional service unit” means a functional unit of a pediatric day health and respite care facility that is organized, staffed, and equipped to provide care to individuals who are 22 years of age or older.

(A) Patients receiving care in the optional service unit shall be in age-appropriate groupings as provided for in the pediatric day health and respite care facility’s policies and procedures. Older children are not precluded from being cared for in the same optional service unit as the patients who are 22 years of age or older. If a pediatric day health and respite care facility proposes to provide care to older children in the optional service unit, the facility shall have policies, procedures, equipment, and supplies to meet the needs of those patients. Patients who are 15 to 17 years of age, inclusive, may also be considered for care in the optional service unit if the pediatric day health and respite care facility obtains an individual age waiver from the regional center, with the concurrence of the department. A pediatric day health and respite care facility is not required to operate an optional service unit.

(B) In order to continue receiving care in the pediatric day health and respite care facility, patients who are 22 years of age or older shall have a developmental age of 18 years of age or younger, as evidenced by the patient’s Individual Education Plan (IEP), Regional Center Assessment, physician’s assessment, or other assessment using a standardized assessment tool that is nationally recognized in the field. A patient who previously received services from a pediatric day health and respite care facility, who is 22 years of age or older, and who satisfies the requirements of this subparagraph may also receive services in an optional service unit.

(b) An optional service unit shall be subject to the approval of the state department. A pediatric day health and respite care facility desiring approval for an optional service unit shall file an application on forms furnished by the state department. The state department shall list on the facility license each optional service for which approval is granted.

(c) Except as provided in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (a), care for patients who are 22 years of age or older shall be provided in a distinct part of the pediatric day health and respite care facility or optional service unit, separate from the area where care is provided to patients who are 21 years of age or younger. The facility shall establish and implement policies and procedures for determining the age ranges of patients who are cared for in the optional service unit. These policies and procedures shall include, but not be limited to, consideration of the patient’s chronological age, developmental age, and size, and shall reflect the needs of individual patients through a comprehensive assessment.

(d) The pediatric day health and respite care facility shall ensure that its staffing and equipment are sufficient to provide services to patients who are 22 years of age or older.

(e) A Transitional Health Care Needs Optional Service Unit shall have written policies and procedures for the management of the service. The policies and procedures shall be established and implemented by the patient care policy committee described in Section 1760.4

(f) (1) The state department may review and approve the policies and procedures for an optional service unit.

(2) The State Department of Developmental Services and the regional centers may review the policies and procedures for an optional service unit.

(Added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 206, Sec. 13. (AB 1147) Effective August 13, 2015.)