26 Tex. Admin. Code § 306.174 - Admission Criteria for Waco Center for Youth

(a) An individual's admission to Waco Center for Youth may occur only if the individual:

(1) is an adolescent, whose age at admission allows adequate time for treatment programming before reaching 18 years of age;

(2) has an SED based on the version of the DSM currently recognized by HHSC;

(3) has a history of behavior adjustment concerns;

(4) needs a structured treatment program in a residential facility; and

(5) is currently receiving LMHA or LBHA services or inpatient services at a state hospital or CPB and has been referred for admission to Waco Center for Youth by:

(A) the LMHA, LBHA, or CRCG who confirms that:

(i) all appropriate community-based resources have been exhausted; and

(ii) Waco Center for Youth is the least restrictive and most appropriate environment needed; or

(B) a state hospital; or

(C) DFPS, as an adolescent under the agency's managing conservatorship in accordance with Texas Health and Safety Code § 554.0001.

(b) Waco Center for Youth must not admit:

(1) an individual who is younger than 13 years of age or an adolescent whose age at admission does not allow adequate time for treatment programming based on individual case review before reaching 18 years of age;

(2) an adolescent who has been found to have engaged in delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision under the Texas Family Code, Title 3;

(3) an adolescent who is acutely psychotic, suicidal, homicidal, or seriously violent; or

(4) an adolescent who is determined to have an ID.

(c) If Waco Center for Youth denies admission for services, Waco Center for Youth must provide the adolescent's LAR and LMHA or LBHA written notification within three business days stating:

(1) the reason for the denial of services; and

(2) that the LAR may appeal the denial by contacting the LMHA or LBHA.

(d) If an adolescent receiving services at Waco Center for Youth requires admission to a psychiatric hospital or another setting or program, the discharge planning process from the psychiatric hospital or another setting or program must include the written clinical appropriateness of readmission to Waco Center for Youth as jointly determined by the psychiatric hospital or another setting or program and Waco Center for Youth.

(e) With the agreement of the adolescent's treatment team, the Waco Center for Youth leadership, psychiatric hospital leadership, and the adolescent's LAR, Waco Center for Youth must prioritize the adolescent for readmission.

(f) If a denial occurs under subsection (c) of this section and the adolescent is not currently receiving services from the appropriate LMHA or LBHA, the LMHA or LBHA must assess the adolescent for eligible services and continuity of care based on the adolescent's clinical needs.

Notes

26 Tex. Admin. Code § 306.174

Adopted by Texas Register, Volume 45, Number 20, May 15, 2020, TexReg 3310, eff. 5/20/2020; Amended by Texas Register, Volume 50, Number 08, February 21, 2025, TexReg 1006, eff. 2/23/2025