Section 22-A302. INDEPENDENT PEER ADVOCACY PROGRAMS

 

302.1DMH shall facilitate and provide funding to establish one or more peer advocacy programs independent of all MH providers to assist consumers throughout the grievance process, including filing a grievance, accompanying consumers to meetings, helping consumers gather relevant information, and presenting the information in any subsequent proceedings. A peer advocacy program may provide services to consumers in addition to assistance with grievances.

 

302.2The responsibilities of a peer advocacy program established under § 302.1 shall include:

 

(a)Recruit and collaborate with DMH to train independent peer advocates;

 

(b)Ensure that independent peer advocates abide by all federal and local requirements for the confidentiality of consumer information;

 

(c)Ensure that each independent peer advocate continues to provide services in a satisfactory manner;

 

(d)Provide an intake function that permits consumers to submit requests for assistance twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week; and

 

(e)Ensure that an independent peer advocate is available for individual consultation no later than twenty-four (24) hours after a consumer has submitted a request for assistance pursuant to § 302.2 (d) above.

 

302.3An independent peer advocate shall not assist a consumer with a grievance against a MH provider from which the peer advocate is currently receiving mental health services or supports, unless the consumer consents in writing to such assistance.

 

302.4The existence of an independent peer advocacy program is not intended to replace or discourage the use of any consumer advocacy programs a MH provider may offer.

 

source

Final Rulemaking published at 50 DCR 8480 (October 10, 2003).