27A-15-38. Time limit to implement individualized treatment plan--Purpose of plan. Within ten days after the involuntary commitment of a minor, the administrator, facility director, or, if the minor is committed to a program other than inpatient treatment, the director of such program shall ensure that a written comprehensive individualized treatment plan has been developed and implemented as provided in § 27A-15-21, and has been explained to the minor and the minor's parent, guardian, or other legal custodian. If such a treatment plan has not been implemented within ten days, the minor shall be immediately released.

The treatment plan shall be based on a diagnostic evaluation that includes examination of the medical, psychological, social, behavioral, educational, and developmental aspects of the minor's situation and reflects the need for the involuntary treatment. The plan shall be designed to maximize the minor's development and acquisition of perceptual skills, social skills, self-direction, emotional stability, effective use of time, basic knowledge, vocational occupational skills, and social and economic values relevant to the community in which the minor lives and to achieve the minor's discharge from involuntary commitment at the earliest appropriate time. The plan shall include specific behavioral, emotional, and other treatment goals against which the success of treatment may be measured and shall prescribe an integrated program of therapies, activities, and experiences designed to meet the goals. No plan may consist solely of chemical therapy unless supported by sufficient psychiatric and medical opinion. If commitment is to an inpatient psychiatric facility, the plan shall include recreational and play opportunities in the open air. The minor shall be involved in the preparation of the plan to the maximum feasible extent consistent with the minor's ability to understand and participate, and the minor's family shall be involved to the maximum extent consistent with the minor's treatment needs. The plan shall include post-discharge plans for aftercare as provided in § 27A-15-44.

Source: SL 1991, ch 220, § 328; SL 2000, ch 129, § 25.