The proposed changes in the crisis intervention regs may eliminate the availability of Crisis Intervention services for people who may be hospitalized due to the lack of these less restrictive services. . The additional and unnecessary workload presented by completing weekly treatment plans and intakes creates a staffing demand that is unable to be met by many local agencies.

The completion of a full bio/psycho/social/legal assessment, such as the SSPI, every 7 days is unnecessary & it discourages individuals in crisis from continuing in services. During crisis intervention services, a clinician is meeting regularly and frequently with the individual in crisis. The questions are lengthy & repetitive & interfere with issues that brought the person into crisis. The existing 30-day period for crisis intervention services is appropriate for the treatment of individuals experiencing crises that may escalate to the point of hospitalization without this type of intervention. In 30 days, the crisis can be identified, triggers/barriers can be addressed, medications evaluated and adjusted, referrals can be made and completed, and treatment plans can be put in place. A shortening of this authorization period does disservice to the individuals in the most immediate need.