SECTION 340:100-3-9. Unscheduled client absence

  Local Administrators implement policy and procedures which assure that the unscheduled absence of a client from a residential or service area does not present a risk to his/her health or welfare.

(1)   Activities tracking the location of clients are no more intrusive than dictated by client needs.

(2)   The implementation of procedures requiring intrusive measures such as the notification of law enforcement officials to locate a client on more than three occasions during a six month interval prompts the interdisciplinary development of a behavior enhancement program as provided by DDSD behavior management policy team to develop an appropriate action/service plan (e.g., a behavior treatment plan).

(3)   Adult clients who have not been determined legally incapacitated cannot be forced to return to a facility unless ordered by an appropriate legal authority.