He-M 301-312

CHAPTER He-M 300 RIGHTS

PART He-M 301 CLIENT RIGHTS IN COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND COMMUNITY RESIDENCES - RESERVED

Source. #2014, eff 5-14-82; ss by #2799, eff 8-3-84; rpld by #4410, eff 4-27-88

PART He-M 302 CLIENT RIGHTS PROTECTION PROCEDURES - RESERVED

Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for He-M 202); rpld by #5832, eff 5-26-94

PART He-M 303 EMERGENCY TREATMENT - EXPIRED

Source. #2420, eff 7-12-83, EXPIRED: 7-12-89

PART He-M 304 CLIENT RIGHTS IN STATE FACILITIES - RESERVED

Source. #1504, eff 1-1-80; ss by #2785, eff 7-31-84; rpld by #4411, eff 4-27-88

PART He-M 305 PERSONAL SAFETY EMERGENCIES

Statutory Authority: RSA 135-C:57, V; RSA 135-C:61 XI, XII

He-M 305.01 Purpose. The purpose of these rules is to define the circumstances in which, and mechanisms by which, involuntary emergency treatment, seclusion, or restraint can be provided in facilities serving adults and children with mental illness. These emergency interventions are designed to be effective, safe, and time-limited and utilized only after all less restrictive options have been exhausted.

Source. #3095, eff 8-19-85; EXPIRED: 8-19-93

New. #5204, eff 8-22-91, EXPIRED: 8-22-97

New. #7183, eff 12-24-99, EXPIRED: 12-24-07

New. #9120, eff 4-3-08, EXPIRED: 4-3-16

New. #11102, INTERIM, eff 5-25-16, EXPIRED: 11-21-16

New. #12077, eff 12-28-16

He-M 305.02 Definitions.

(a) “Advance practice registered nurse (APRN)” means “advanced practice registered nurse” as defined in RSA 135-C:2, II-a, namely, “an advanced practice registered nurse licensed by the board of nursing who is certified as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner by a board-recognized national certifying body.”

(b) “CMS regional office” means the office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Branch Chief, Survey and Enforcement Branch, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Room 2275, John F. Kennedy Federal Building, Boston, Massachusetts 02203.

(d) “Department” means the department of health and human services.

(e) “Facility” means New Hampshire hospital, Glencliff home for the elderly, Hampstead hospital and residential treatment facility, or any other treatment program designated under RSA 135-C:26

(f) “Individual” means a person receiving services from a facility.

(g) “Informed decision” means “informed decision” as defined in RSA 135-C: IX namely, “ a choice made by a client or person seeking to be admitted who has the ability to make such a choice and who makes it voluntarily after all relevant information necessary to making the decision has been provided, and who understands that he is free to choose or refuse any available alternative, and who clearly indicates or expresses his choice. The choice shall be free from all coercion”. The term also includes such decision of an individual, as defined in He-M 311.02(l), and the individual’s legal guardian, where appropriate, based on the same factors as an informed decision by an individual or person seeking to be admitted.

(h) “Nursing staff” means a registered or licensed practical nurse or other care provider working under the direct supervision of a registered nurse.

(i) “Personal safety emergency” means a physical status or a mental status and an act or pattern of behavior of an individual which, if not treated immediately, will result in serious physical harm to the individual or others.

(j) “Physician” means “physician” as defined in RSA 135-C:2, XII namely, “a medical doctor licensed to practice in New Hampshire”.

(k) “Restraint” means:

(1) Any drug or medication when it:

a. Is used as a restriction to manage an individual’s behavior or restrict the individual’s freedom of movement; and

b. Is not a standard treatment or dosage for the individual’s condition, in that its overall effect reduces an individual’s ability to effectively or appropriately interact;

(2) Any manual method, physical or mechanical device, material, or equipment that immobilizes an individual or reduces the ability of an individual to move their arms, legs,

head, or other body parts freely but does not include devices, such as orthopedically prescribed devices, surgical dressings or bandages, protective helmets, or other methods that involve the physical holding of an individual, if necessary, for the purpose of:

a. Conducting routine physical examinations or tests;

b. Protecting the individual from falling out of bed; or

c. Permitting the individual to participate in activities without the risk of physical harm; or

(3) The term restraint means “restraint” as defined in RSA 126-U:1, IV as applied to a person who has not reached 18 years of age, or who is otherwise a child as defined by RSA 126-U:1, I.

(l) “Seclusion” means the involuntary confinement of an individual who:

(1) With regard to a person who is 18 or older:

a. Is placed alone in a room or area from which the individual is physically prevented, by lock or person, from leaving; and

b. Cannot or will not make an informed decision to agree to such confinement; or

(2) The term “seclusion” as defined in RSA 126-U:1, V-a as applied to a person who has not reached 18 years of age, or who is otherwise a child as defined by RSA 126-U:1, I.

(m) “Training” means provision of education to staff, based on the specific needs of the individual population, resulting in demonstrated knowledge and documented competency.

(n) “Treatment” means medical or psychiatric care, excluding seclusion or restraint, provided by a physician, or a person acting under the direction of a physician, in accordance with generally accepted clinical and professional standards.

Source. #3095, eff 8-19-85; EXPIRED: 8-19-93

New. #5204, eff 8-22-91, EXPIRED: 8-22-97

New. #7183, eff 12-24-99, EXPIRED: 12-24-07

New. #9120, eff 4-3-08, EXPIRED: 4-3-16

New. #11102, INTERIM, eff 5-25-16, EXPIRED: 11-21-16

New. #12077, eff 12-28-16; ss by #14033-B, eff 7-30-24

He-M 305.03 Emergency Response.

(a) As soon as possible after an admission, the treatment staff of the facility and the individual shall develop a crisis plan to:

(1) Identify the individual’s preferred response to a psychiatric emergency situation in order to avoid more restrictive interventions;

(2) Identify the individual’s history of physical, sexual, or emotional trauma, if any;

(3) Minimize the possibility of involuntary emergency measures; and

(4) If the individual is a child, the plan shall meet the requirements of RSA 126-U:3.

(b) Involuntary emergency treatment, seclusion, or restraint in a facility shall not be implemented unless a physician determines that a personal safety emergency exists.

(c) A physician shall authorize involuntary emergency treatment, seclusion, or restraint without consent of the individual or his or her guardian only following personal examination or observation, except as provided in He-M 305.04 or He-M 305.05 (b).

(d) No involuntary emergency treatment shall be administered pursuant to He-M 305 unless it is to take effect within 24 hours and is expected to alleviate or ameliorate the status or condition which has caused the emergency.

(e) The emergency response that is administered pursuant to He-M 305 shall be an intervention that:

(1) Is expected to be effective;

(2) Considers whether any of the following factors regarding the individual’s condition would require special accommodation to ensure necessary communication and the individual’s safety:

a. Medical factors;

b. Psychological factors; and

c. Physical factors, including:

1. Blindness or other limitations of sight;

2. Deafness or other limitations of hearing; and

3. Any other physical limitation that would require special accommodation;

(3) Is the least restrictive of the individual’s freedom of movement; and

(4) Gives consideration to the individual’s preferred response to a psychiatric emergency situation.

(f) Involuntary emergency treatment, seclusion, or restraint ordered following a personal safety emergency shall be authorized for no more than is necessary, but in no case for more than 24 hours in accordance with He-M 305.04(k).

(g) If the individual is a child, and the emergency response and involuntary emergency treatment set forth in (c) through (e) above includes the use of restraint or seclusion, that use shall be made in accordance with RSA 126-U:5, RSA 126 U:5-a, and RSA 126 U:5-b and shall not include techniques listed in RSA 126-U:4.

(h) If the individual is a child, notification of the use of restraint or seclusion as part of an emergency response in (a)–(g) above shall be made to the child’s parent or guardian pursuant to RSA 126-U:7.

Source. #3095, eff 8-19-85; EXPIRED: 8-19-93

New. #5204, eff 8-22-91, EXPIRED: 8-22-97

New. #7183, eff 12-24-99, EXPIRED: 12-24-07

New. #9120, eff 4-3-08, EXPIRED: 4-3-16

New. #11102, INTERIM, eff 5-25-16, EXPIRED: 11-21-16

New. #12077, eff 12-28-16

He-M 305.04 Seclusion or Restraint.

(a) An emergency response may include use of restraint or seclusion.

(b) Restraint or seclusion shall:

(1) Not be imposed longer than is necessary to resolve a personal safety emergency regardless of the length of the time identified in the order;

(2) Not exceed 15 minutes unless there is documented authorization by a physician; and

(3) Only be used with a child according to the requirements of RSA 126-U:5, and RSA 126-U:5-a, 5-b and shall not include techniques listed in RSA 126-U:4.

(c) Before seclusion or restraint is employed, an individual who can make an informed decision to be voluntarily placed in an unlocked room shall be offered that alternative, if feasible.

(d) Restraint or seclusion shall be used only as a last resort when no other intervention in an emergency situation is feasible to protect the immediate safety of the individual or others.

(e) Seclusion or restraint shall never be used explicitly or implicitly as punishment for the behavior of the individual.

(f) Individuals in seclusion or restraint shall be afforded privacy through practices including:

(1) The use of a single room;

(2) Minimizing external stimuli such as noise, nearby movement, and approaches by other individuals;

(3) Continuous staff observation to assure the conditions in (2) above are met; and

(4) If the individual in seclusion or restraint is a child, the conditions of seclusion shall be pursuant to RSA 126-U:5-a, RSA126-U:5-b, and RSA 126-U:11, and shall not include the techniques listed in RSA 126-U:4.

(g) Authorization for the use of seclusion or restraint shall be as follows:

(1) A physician may write an order for the use of seclusion or restraint; or

(2) A physician may authorize the use of seclusion or restraint via telephone when the order:

a. Follows deliberate and comprehensive consultation between the physician and a trained advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) or registered nurse (RN) who has personally evaluated the individual by reviewing:

1. The assessments of the individual that have been performed;

2. The safety issues involved; and

3. The potential antecedents to the seclusion or restraint;

b. Is for a period not to exceed one hour; and

c. Is countersigned by the ordering physician within 24 hours of the time such treatment was ordered and;

(3) If authorization is for the use of seclusion or restraint with a child, the authorization shall be given pursuant to a written policy consistent with RSA 126-U:2 and authorization and monitoring pursuant to RSA 126-U:11.

(h) A physician may authorize in writing, on the physician order sheet, or verbally, by telephone, the extension of an order of seclusion or restraint if he or she, or a trained APRN or RN, has personally examined, observed, and assessed the individual for whom the seclusion or restraint is ordered.

(i) Following an examination and assessment as required by (g) above, a physician may issue an order to extend seclusion or restraint if the order is for:

(1) Not more than 4 hours if the individual is at least 18 years old;

(2) Not more than 2 hours if the individual is at least 9 but not more than 17 years old; or

(3) Not more than one hour if the individual is less than 9 years old.

(j) If the individual is a child, then any order to extend seclusion or restraint in (i) above shall be subject to the limitations of RSA 126-U:11, III and IV.

(k) A physician who authorizes seclusion or restraint shall, in collaboration with the attending registered nurse, establish release criteria for the termination of the seclusion or restraint.

(l) If the condition of the individual does not improve to meet the criteria for termination, the physician may renew the order as specified in (h) above for up to the time limits established in (i) above, provided that no individual shall remain in seclusion or restraint for more than 24 hours from the time such procedure was initiated unless a physician personally examines, observes and assesses the individual and renews the order in writing.

(m) Nursing staff trained pursuant to He-M 305.07 shall continually monitor the individual during periods of seclusion or restraint to ensure that:

(1) In the judgment of the nursing staff, all reasonable measures are in place to ensure that the individual’s health and safety is protected during the period of seclusion or restraint;

(2) The individual receives meals and regular opportunities to move and to utilize the bathroom;

(3) All other basic physiological needs are identified and met; and

(4) The seclusion or restraint is discontinued as soon as the emergency is resolved, regardless of the length of time identified in the order.

(n) Individuals in seclusion or restraint shall have the right to:

(1) Wear their own clothes, unless clinically contraindicated; and

(2) Meet with an attorney.

(o) No procedure or device for seclusion or restraint shall be utilized without the authorization of the clinical managers of the facility.

Source. #3095, eff 8-19-85; EXPIRED: 8-19-93

New. #5204, eff 8-22-91, EXPIRED: 8-22-97

New. #7183, eff 12-24-99, EXPIRED: 12-24-07

New. #9120, eff 4-3-08, EXPIRED: 4-3-16

New. #11102, INTERIM, eff 5-25-16, EXPIRED: 11-21-16

New. #12077, eff 12-28-16

He-M 305.05 Emergency Medication and Other Emergency Treatment.

(a) A physician or APRN in a facility shall prescribe medication as a form of emergency treatment, to be administered without the individual’s consent, only after personally examining or observing the individual for whom the medication is ordered, except as provided in (b) below.

(b) A physician or APRN may authorize involuntary administration of a previously prescribed medication by telephone order at the time a personal safety emergency is declared. Such authorization shall be countersigned by the ordering physician or APRN within 24 hours of the order for involuntary administration of the medication.

(c) When emergency medication is ordered, the individual shall be offered, whenever feasible, a choice of taking the medication orally or by injection.

(d) Psychosurgery, electroconvulsive therapy, sterilization, or experimental treatment of any kind shall not be used as involuntary emergency treatment.

(e) If a physician or APRN prescribes medication for a child as stated in He-M 305.02(k)(1)a. and b., the administration shall be considered a “medication restraint” as defined in RSA 126-U:1, IV(a), and shall be administered pursuant to the requirements of RSA 126-U.

Source. #3095, eff 8-19-85; EXPIRED: 8-19-93

New. #5204, eff 8-22-91, EXPIRED: 8-22-97

New. #7183, eff 12-24-99, EXPIRED: 12-24-07

New. #9120, eff 4-3-08, EXPIRED: 4-3-16

New. #11102, INTERIM, eff 5-25-16, EXPIRED: 11-21-16

New. #12077, eff 12-28-16; ss by #12929, eff 11-26-19

He-M 305.06 Review and Documentation of Emergency Response.

(a) At the time that any emergency treatment, seclusion, or restraint is administered in a facility pursuant to He-M 305, the physician administering or directing such treatment, or a person acting under his or her direction, shall promptly record the circumstances pertaining to the personal safety emergency.

(b) The person completing a record pursuant to (a) above shall include the following:

(1) The individual’s name;

(2) The date and time when the report is completed;

(3) The physician’s name;

(4) A description of the individual’s physical or mental status and the act or pattern of behavior which constitutes the emergency;

(5) The names of any witnesses other than the individual;

(6) A description of any alternatives attempted or considered prior to declaring a personal safety emergency;

(7) Any treatment limitations;

(8) A description of the specific emergency treatment, seclusion, or restraint ordered; and

(9) The physician’s signature.

(c) As soon as possible following an involuntary emergency treatment, seclusion, or restraint, facility medical or nursing staff, or both shall advise the individual’s treating physician regarding the emergency intervention if such intervention was not ordered by the treating physician.

(d) As soon as possible following the resolution of the emergency situation, nursing staff shall:

(1) Address any physical injuries or trauma that might have occurred as a result of the episode;

(2) Hold and document a discussion with the individual to:

a. Review the circumstances that led up to the emergency with the individual involved;

b. Ascertain the individual’s willingness or desire to involve family or other caregivers in a debriefing to discuss and clarify their perceptions about the episode and to identify additional alternatives or treatment plan modifications;

c. Hear and document the individual’s perspective on the episode;

d. Discuss and clarify any possible misperceptions the individual or staff might have concerning the incident;

e. Identify with the individual any environmental changes or alternative interventions to reduce the potential for additional episodes; and

f. Ascertain whether the individual’s rights and physical well-being were addressed during the episode and advise the individual of the process to address perceived rights grievances; and

(3) Support the individual’s re-entry into the treatment setting.

(e) Within one business day, nursing staff shall, after discussion with the individual, modify the treatment plan as needed through a treatment team review including areas noted in (d)(1)-(3) above and seek an informed decision on that plan by the individual.

(f) An executive review of the clinical appropriateness of the use of seclusion or restraint shall be conducted:

(1) As authorized by the facility’s chief executive officer;

(2) On the next business day following a personal safety emergency;

(3) To assess compliance with the requirements of He-M 305;

(4) To consider and take any action needed to prevent the recurrence of the same or similar personal safety emergencies; and

(5) To include:

a. A member of the individual’s treatment team;

b. A member of nursing management; and

c. The medical director or designee.

(g) If the individual subject to seclusion or restraint is a child, information shall be collected and notification made pursuant to RSA 126-U:7 and 126-U:10.

Source. #3095, eff 8-19-85; EXPIRED: 8-19-93

New. #5204, eff 8-22-91, EXPIRED: 8-22-97

New. #7183, eff 12-24-99, EXPIRED: 12-24-07

New. #9120, eff 4-3-08, EXPIRED: 4-3-16

New. #11102, INTERIM, eff 5-25-16, EXPIRED: 11-21-16

New. #12077, eff 12-28-16

He-M 305.07 Training.

(a) Facilities shall provide training for leadership in strategies toward the elimination of seclusion and restraint.

(b) At a minimum, facilities shall provide training at the following intervals to all staff who will be involved in the use of any type of restraint or seclusion:

(1) During initial orientation; and

(2) During annual competency evaluation.

(c) Staff shall not perform any action relative to restraint or seclusion without having been trained in the use of such methods, in accordance with (d) below.

(d) Training in the use of restraint or seclusion shall address at least the following:

(1) Techniques to identify behaviors, events, and environmental factors regarding individuals and staff that might trigger circumstances that require restraint or seclusion;

(2) Use of non-physical interventions;

(3) How to identify and choose positive behavioral supports and the least restrictive intervention based on an individualized assessment of the individual’s medical or behavioral status or condition;

(4) How to ensure that the individual and staff are able to communicate effectively;

(5) Safe application and use of all types of restraint or seclusion, including mitigating positional risks that can result in asphyxia or airway obstruction, in accordance with individual needs;

(6) How to monitor the physical and psychological well-being of the individual who is restrained or secluded;

(7) How to recognize and respond to signs of physical and psychological distress;

(8) How to identify clinical changes that indicate that restraint or seclusion is no longer necessary;

(9) How to monitor respiratory and circulatory status, skin integrity, and vital signs during restraint; and

(10) Training in first aid techniques and certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), including CPR recertification every two years.

(e) Training shall be given by a person who:

(1) As defined in writing by the facility, possesses the requisite qualifications based upon education, training, experience, and certification to teach the assessment of, and response to, an individual’s medical or behavioral status or condition;

(2) Is certified by a nationally recognized program, such as the American Heart Association, as an instructor in CPR; and

(3) Is trained in crisis prevention utilizing a nationally recognized program or comparable curriculum.

Source. #9120, eff 4-3-08, EXPIRED: 4-3-16

New. #11102, INTERIM, eff 5-25-16, EXPIRED: 11-21-16

New. #12077, eff 12-28-16

He-M 305.08 Notice and Right of Appeal.

(a) On the business day following administration of emergency treatment, seclusion, or restraint under He-M 305, the individual’s case manager or another staff member designated by the program or facility shall forward the following to the individual or his or her guardian:

(1) A copy of the record completed pursuant to He-M 305.06(a);

(2) The specific rules that support, or the federal or state law that requires, the action;

(3) Notice of the individual’s right to complain against and appeal the administration of emergency treatment as a client rights violation in accordance with the emergency procedures contained in He-M 204 and He-C 200, rules of practice and procedure;

(4) Notice of the right to have representation in an appeal by:

a. Legal counsel;

b. A relative;

c. A friend; or

d. Another spokesperson;

(5) Notice that neither the facility nor the bureau is responsible for the cost of representation; and

(6) Notice of organizations with their addresses and phone numbers that might be available to provide legal assistance and advocacy, including the Disabilities Rights Center and pro bono or reduced fee assistance.

(b) Appeals of the final decision under He-M 204 shall be forwarded, in writing, to the director of the bureau of behavioral health in care of the department’s office of client and legal services. An exception shall be that appeals may be filed verbally if the individual is unable to convey the appeal in writing.

(c) The director shall immediately forward the appeal to the department’s administrative appeals unit for action in accordance with He-C 200. The burden shall be as provided by He-C 203.14. A proposed decision shall be issued in accordance with He-M 204.

Source. #9120, eff 4-3-08, EXPIRED: 4-3-16

New. #11102, INTERIM, eff 5-25-16, EXPIRED: 11-21-16

New. #12077, eff 12-28-16

He-M 305.09 Reporting of Death.

(a) In accordance with Patient Rights 42 CFR 482.13(g)(1)i and the Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Individuals Act (PAIMI Act), 42 U.S.C. § 10801-10851, facility staff shall make a telephone report to the CMS regional office, no later than the close of the next business day and to the state protection and advocacy agency within 7 days following knowledge of an individual’s death that:

(1) Occurs while an individual is in restraint or in seclusion at the facility;

(2) Occurs within 24 hours after the individual has been removed from restraint or seclusion; and

(3) Occurs within one week after restraint or seclusion where it is reasonable to assume that the use of restraint or placement in seclusion contributed directly or indirectly to the individual’s death including, at a minimum:

a. Death related to restrictions of movement for prolonged periods of time; and

b. Death related to chest compression, restriction of breathing, or asphyxiation.

(b) Staff shall document in the individual’s medical record the date and time the death was reported.

(c) If the individual subject to seclusion or restraint as part of emergency treatment suffers injury or death, and the individual is a child as defined in RSA 126-U:1, I, the facility staff shall provide notification pursuant to RSA 126-U:7 and RSA 126-U:10.

Source. #9120, eff 4-3-08, EXPIRED: 4-3-16

New. #11102, INTERIM, eff 5-25-16, EXPIRED: 11-21-16

New. #12077, eff 12-28-16

PART He-M 306 MEDICAL AND PSYCHIATRIC EMERGENCIES

Statutory Authority: RSA 135-C:57, III, V; 61, XI

He-M 306.01 Purpose. The purpose of these rules is to establish procedures by which an individual involuntarily admitted to New Hampshire hospital has emergency treatment authorized when he or she has been determined to lack the capacity to make an informed treatment decision.

Source. #3096, eff 8-19-85; EXPIRED: 8-19-91

New. #4708, eff 12-1-89, EXPIRED: 12-1-95

New. #7133, eff 11-23-99; ss by #7559, eff 9-25-01; ss by #9520, eff 8-4-09, EXPIRED: 89-4-18

New. #13035, EMERGENCY, eff 4-14-20, EXPIRES: 10-11-20; ss by #13108, eff 9-22-20

He-M 306.02 Definitions.

(a) "Administrator" means the chief executive officer of New Hampshire hospital or, in the absence of the administrator, the executive person in charge of the facility.

(b) “Advance practice registered nurse (APRN)” means “advanced practice registered nurse” as defined in RSA 135-C:2, II-a, namely “an advanced practice registered nurse licensed by the board of nursing who is certified as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner by a board-recognized national certifying body.”

(d) "Lack of capacity" means the inability of a person, after efforts have been made to explain the nature, effects, and risks of the proposed treatment and alternatives to the proposed treatment, to engage in a rational decision-making process regarding the proposed treatment as evidenced by his or her inability to weigh the nature, purpose, risks, and benefits of the proposed treatment and any available alternatives and the likely consequences of refusing treatment.

(e) "Medical emergency" means a physical condition of a patient which, if not treated, will result in an immediate, substantial, and progressive deterioration of a serious physical illness.

(f) “Patient” means a person involuntarily admitted to New Hampshire hospital by order of a probate court pursuant to RSA 135-C:34-54.

(g) “Presiding officer” means an individual who has been delegated authority by the commissioner of the department of health and human services, in accordance with RSA 126-A:5, III, to render decisions on appeals under RSA 126-A:5, VIII.

(h) "Psychiatric emergency" means a mental condition of a patient, resulting from mental illness, which, if not treated promptly, likely will result in either:

(1) Imminent danger of harm to the patient or others as evidenced by:

a. Symptoms that in the past have immediately preceded acts of harm to self or others; or

b. A recent overt act including, but not limited to, an assault, or self-injurious behavior when the likelihood of preventing such harm would be substantially diminished if treatment is delayed;

(2) Deterioration of the patient's mental status from his or her usual mental status as manifested by exacerbation of psychiatric symptoms that potentially endanger self or others, or lead to severe self-neglect, or lead to a failure to function in a less restrictive environment when the likelihood of stabilizing and reversing such deterioration would be substantially diminished if treatment is delayed; or

(3) Continued decompensation of the patient’s mental status from his or her usual mental status as manifested by persistent psychiatric symptoms that potentially endanger self or others, or lead to severe self-neglect, or lead to a failure to function in a less restrictive environment when there is a reasonable likelihood that such symptoms could be alleviated if treatment could be administered to the patient.

(i) "Treatment" means a form of medical or psychiatric care that:

(1) Is provided by a physician, or a person acting under the direction of a physician;

(2) Is provided in accordance with generally accepted clinical and professional standards; and

(3) Does not include:

a. Psychosurgery;

b. Electroconvulsive therapy;

c. Sterilization; or

d. Experimental treatment of any kind.

Source. #3096, eff 8-19-85; EXPIRED: 8-19-91

New. #4708, eff 12-1-89, EXPIRED: 12-1-95

New. #7133, eff 11-23-99; ss by #7559, eff 9-25-01; ss by #9520, eff 8-4-09; amd by #10641, eff 7-18-14 paras (a), and (c) – (i) EXPIRED: 8-4-18

New. #13035, EMERGENCY, eff 4-14-20, EXPIRES: 10-11-20; ss by #13108, eff 9-22-20

He-M 306.03 Emergency Treatment Authorized. A physician, or a person acting under the direction of a physician, shall administer treatment to a patient, without the consent of the patient, when authorization is granted by the presiding officer pursuant to the provisions set forth below.

Source. #3096, eff 8-19-85; EXPIRED: 8-19-91

New. #4708, eff 12-1-89, EXPIRED: 12-1-95

New. #7133, eff 11-23-99; ss by #7559, eff 9-25-01; ss by #9520, eff 8-4-09, EXPIRED: 8-4-18

New. #13035, EMERGENCY, eff 4-14-20, EXPIRES: 10-11-20; ss by #13108, eff 9-22-20

He-M 306.04 Criteria for Emergency Treatment.

(a) A treating physician or APRN shall submit a written request for treatment authorization to the department’s administrative appeals unit, the administrator, and the patient if he or she determines that:

(1) The involuntarily admitted patient cannot make a decision regarding his or her treatment due to lack of capacity;

(2) A medical or psychiatric emergency exists;

(3) The patient does not have a guardian authorized to make medical decisions; and

(4) A reasonable person would consent to the administration of emergency treatment.

(b) A physician’s or APRN’s request for treatment authorization submitted pursuant to (a) above shall contain the following information:

(1) A description of the efforts that have been made to inform the patient of the nature, effects, and risks of the proposed treatment, and facts demonstrating that, despite this effort, the patient lacks the capacity to make an informed decision with respect to the medical or psychiatric treatment offered;

(2) A statement of facts which indicate that a medical or psychiatric emergency exists;

(3) A description of the proposed treatment, including:

a. Its anticipated therapeutic benefit;

b. Its potentially significant risks; and

c. The nature and severity of possible side effects;

(4) A statement indicating the supports or treatment, if any, that the patient has agreed to accept and why provision of such treatment would not ameliorate the medical or psychiatric emergency; and

(5) The reasons why a delay in treatment would:

a. In the case of a medical emergency, likely result in an immediate, substantial, and progressive deterioration of a serious physical illness; or

b. In the case of a psychiatric emergency:

1. Substantially diminish the likelihood of preventing imminent harm to the patient or others;

2. Substantially diminish the likelihood of stabilizing or reversing the patient's deteriorating mental status; or

3. Result in continued decompensation of the patient’s mental status from his or her usual mental status as manifested by persistent psychiatric symptoms when there is a

reasonable likelihood that such symptoms could be alleviated if treatment could be administered to the patient.

Source. #3096, eff 8-19-85; EXPIRED: 8-19-91

New. #4708, eff 12-1-89, EXPIRED: 12-1-95

New. #7133, eff 11-23-99; ss by #7559, eff 9-25-01; ss by #9520, eff 8-4-09; ss by #10641, eff 7-18-14

He-M 306.05 Hearing. Upon receipt of the physician’s or APRN’s written request for treatment authorization, the presiding officer shall:

(a) Schedule a hearing to be held as soon as reasonably possible and, in any event, within 3 working days of the date of receipt of the written request for treatment authorization;

(b) Notify the legal staff of New Hampshire hospital of the patient’s need for legal counsel; and

Source. #3096, eff 8-19-85; EXPIRED: 8-19-91

New. #4708, eff 12-1-89, EXPIRED: 12-1-95

New. #7133, eff 11-23-99; ss by #7559, eff 9-25-01; ss by #9520, eff 8-4-09; ss by #10641, eff 7-18-14

He-M 306.06 Decision.

(a) Within 2 working days of the hearing, the presiding officer shall issue a written decision.

(b) The presiding officer shall authorize the proposed treatment if the presiding officer determines that the state has demonstrated, by clear and convincing evidence, that each of the following criteria is met:

(l) The patient lacks the capacity to make an informed decision with respect to the proposed treatment;

(2) A medical or psychiatric emergency exists that would:

a. In the case of a medical emergency, likely result in an immediate, substantial, and progressive deterioration of a serious physical illness; or

b. In the case of a psychiatric emergency:

1. Substantially diminish the likelihood of preventing imminent harm to the patient or others;

2. Substantially diminish the likelihood of stabilizing or reversing the patient's deteriorating mental status; or

3. Result in continued decompensation of the patient’s mental status from his or her usual mental status as manifested by persistent psychiatric symptoms when there is a reasonable likelihood that such symptoms could be alleviated if treatment could be administered to the patient;

(3) The proposed treatment is the least restrictive appropriate alternative available;

(4) The patient does not have a guardian authorized to make treatment decisions; and

(5) A reasonable person would consent to the administration of emergency treatment.

Source. #3096, eff 8-19-85; EXPIRED: 8-19-91

New. #4708, eff 12-1-89, EXPIRED: 12-1-95

New. #7133, eff 11-23-99; ss by #7559, eff 9-25-01; ss by #9520, eff 8-4-09, EXPIRED: 8-4-18

New. #13035, EMERGENCY, eff 4-14-20, EXPIRES: 10-11-20; ss by #13108, eff 9-22-20

He-M 306.07 Guardianship. During the course of the authorized treatment period, New Hampshire hospital staff shall assess the patient's need for the appointment of a guardian and take actions consistent with RSA 135-C:60.

Source. #3096, eff 8-19-85; EXPIRED: 8-19-91

New. #4708, eff 12-1-89, EXPIRED: 12-1-95

New. #7133, eff 11-23-99; ss by #7559, eff 9-25-01; ss by #9520, eff 8-4-09, EXPIRED: 8-4-18

New. #13035, EMERGENCY, eff 4-14-20, EXPIRES: 10-11-20; ss by #13108, eff 9-22-20

He-M 306.08 Treatment Limitations.

(a) No involuntary treatment shall be imposed pursuant to a request for authority to administer emergency treatment prior to a decision being rendered by the presiding officer in accordance with He-M 306.06 except in accordance with He-M 305, personal safety emergencies.

(b) Treatment shall not be administered to a voluntarily admitted individual who refuses to accept it.

(c) The chief medical officer of New Hampshire hospital shall monitor treatment provided pursuant to He-M 306.03 at least every 7 days through review with the attending physician or APRN and order discontinuation of the treatment authorization upon determination that the criteria for treatment authorization no longer exist. The chief medical officer may delegate these functions to the associate medical director or to another New Hampshire hospital psychiatrist who is a board-certified physician and not the attending physician for the patient.

(d) No more than 2 authorizations for emergency treatment shall be granted during each single involuntary admission.

(e) Authorizations shall not exceed 4 during the total period of the involuntary admission order.

(f) “Single involuntary admission” means:

(1) The period of initial involuntary admission following the order of the probate court pursuant to RSA 135 C-34-54; or

(2) Any subsequent period of involuntary admission following an absolute revocation of conditional discharge.

(g) The authorization to provide emergency treatment to the patient shall immediately expire if a guardian over the person of the patient with authority to make treatment decisions is appointed during the period of emergency treatment authorized by the presiding officer.

Source. #3096, eff 8-19-85; EXPIRED: 8-19-91

New. #4708, eff 12-1-89, EXPIRED: 12-1-95

New. #7133, eff 11-23-99; ss by #7559, eff 9-25-01; ss by #9520, eff 8-4-09; amd by #10641, eff 7-18-14; paras (a), (b), and (d)-(g) expired: 8-4-18,

New. #13035, EMERGENCY, eff 4-14-20, EXPIRES: 10-11-20; ss by #13108, eff 9-22-20

PART He-M 307 - RESERVED

PART He-M 308 FAIR HEARINGS ON APPEALS RELATED TO MEDICAID-FUNDED MENTAL HEALTH/DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY SERVICES - RESERVED

Source. #4312, eff 9-25-87, EXPIRED: 9-25-93 (See Revision Note at part heading for He-M 204)

PART He-M 309 RIGHTS OF PERSONS RECEIVING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN THE COMMUNITY

Statutory Authority: RSA 135-C:5, I, (b), C:13; C:18; C:61, VI & XI

He-M 309.01 Purpose. The purpose of these rules is to define the rights of individuals applying for services or individuals who have been found eligible for services under RSA 135-C:12 and who are receiving services in the community. Individuals might have additional rights under RSA 151:21, patients' bill of rights, for residents of health care facilities.

Source. #4412, eff 4-27-88; ss by #5093, eff 3-15-91, EXPIRED: 3-15-97

New. #6757, eff 5-27-98; ss by #8639, INTERIM, eff
5-27-06, EXPIRES: 11-23-06, ss by #8757, eff 11-17-06; ss by #10706, INTERIM, eff 11-15-14, EXPIRES: 5-14-15; ss by #10819, eff 4-23-15, EXPIRED: 4-23-25

New. #14352, INTERIM, eff 8-26-25, EXPIRES: 2-22-26

He-M 309.02 Definitions.

(a) “Abuse” means an act or omission by an employee, consultant or volunteer of a program which is not accidental and harms or threatens to harm an individual’s physical, mental, or emotional health, or safety and includes emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse.

(b) “Attorney” means a member of the New Hampshire Bar Association who is retained, employed, or appointed by a court to represent an individual.

(d) “Client” means “individual” as defined in (l) below.

(e) “Community” means a non-facility or non-institutional service setting that is integrated as much as possible into the service network available to all citizens in the geographic area served by the program.

(f) “Community residence” means a residence, exclusive of any independent living arrangement, that:

(1) Provides residential services in accordance with He-M 426 for at least one individual with a mental illness;

(2) Provides services based on the needs identified in a resident’s individual service plan (ISP);

(3) Is operated:

a. Directly by a community mental health center (CMHC);

b. By contract or agreement between a CMHC and another entity, or

c. Directly by an entity under contract with the department;

(4) Serves individuals whose services are funded by the department; and

(5) Is certified pursuant to He-M 1002.

(g) “Department” means the department of health and human services.

(h) “Direct care” means services provided to individuals including, but not limited to: assistance with medication, accompanying an individual to a treatment team or other clinical meeting, and providing ongoing direct and active support.

(i) “Emotional abuse” means the misuse of power, authority, or both, verbal harassment, or unreasonable confinement which results or could result in mental anguish or emotional distress of an individual.

(j) “Exploitation” means the use of an individual’s person or property for another's profit or advantage or breach of a fiduciary relationship through improper use of an individual’s person or property including situations where a person obtains money, property, or services from an individual through undue influence, harassment, deception, or fraud.

(k) “Guardian” means a person, appointed under RSA 463 or RSA 464-A, or the parent of an individual under the age of 18 whose parental rights have not been terminated or limited by law in such a way as to remove the person’s right to make health care decisions on behalf of the individual.

(l) “Individual” means ..A person who is receiving or applying for a service from a program or community residence. The term includes “client.”

(m) “Informed decision” means “informed decision” as defined in RSA 135-C:2, IX, namely, “a choice made by a client or person seeking to be admitted who has the ability to make such a choice and who makes it voluntarily after all relevant information necessary to making the decision has been provided, and who understands that he or she is free to choose or refuse any available alternative, and who clearly indicates or expresses his or her choice. The choice shall be free from all coercion.” The term includes such decision of an individual, as defined in He-M 309.02(l) above, and the individual’s legal guardian, where appropriate, based on the same factors as an informed decision made by a client or person seeking to be admitted.

(n) “Intellectual disability” means “intellectual disability” as defined in RSA 171-A:2, XI-a, namely, “significantly subaverage general intellectual functioning existing concurrently with deficits in adaptive behavior, and manifested during the developmental period. A person with an intellectual disability may be considered mentally ill provided that no person with an intellectual disability shall be considered mentally ill solely by virtue of his or her intellectual disability.”

(o) “Mental illness” means “mental illness” as defined in RSA 135-C:2 X, namely, "a substantial impairment of emotional processes, or of the ability to exercise conscious control of one's actions, or of the ability to perceive reality or to reason, when the impairment is manifested by instances of extremely abnormal behavior or extremely faulty perceptions. It does not include impairment primarily caused by: (a) epilepsy; (b) intellectual disability; (c) continuous or noncontinuous periods of intoxication caused by substances such as alcohol or drugs; or (d) dependence upon or addiction to any substance such as alcohol or drugs."

(p) “Neglect” means an act or omission which results or could result in the deprivation of essential services or supports necessary to maintain the minimum mental, emotional, or physical health of an incapacitated adult. The term includes neglect toward an individual.

(q) “Program” means any public or private corporation, person or organization which provides services to individuals with a mental illness or intellectual disability when such services are funded in whole or in part or are operated, monitored or regulated by the bureau.

(r) “Physical abuse” means the use of physical force which results or could result in physical injury to an individual.

(s) “Service” means any evaluation, training, counseling, therapy, habilitation, case management, or other type of assistance, medical care, or treatment provided by a program.

(t) “Service delivery system” means those facilities and programs funded, in whole or in part, operated, monitored, or regulated by the bureau.

(u) “Sexual abuse” means contact or interaction of a sexual nature between an individual and an employee of or a consultant or volunteer for a program.

(v) “Treatment” means “treatment” as defined in RSA 135-C:2, XVI, namely, “examination, diagnosis, training, rehabilitation therapy, pharmaceuticals, and other services provided to clients in the mental health services system. Treatment shall not include examination or diagnosis for the purpose of determining the need for involuntary emergency admissions pursuant to RSA 135-C:27-33 or involuntary admissions pursuant to RSA 135-C:34-54.” The term includes treatment provided to individuals in the mental health services system.

Source. #4412, eff 4-27-88; ss by #5093, eff 3-15-91, EXPIRED: 3-15-97

New. #6757, eff 5-27-98; ss by #8639, INTERIM, eff
5-27-06, EXPIRES: 11-23-06; ss by #8757, eff 11-17-06; ss by #10706, INTERIM, eff 11-15-14, EXPIRES: 5-14-15; ss by #10819, eff 4-23-15, EXPIRED: 4-23-25

New. #14352, INTERIM, eff 8-26-25, EXPIRES: 2-22-26

He-M 309.03 Notice of Individual and Applicant Rights.

(a) Programs shall inform individuals or their guardians of the individual’s rights under RSA 135-C and these rules in clearly understandable language and form, both verbally and in writing.

(b) The notification of rights required under (a) above shall include, at a minimum, the following measures:

(1) Individuals applying for services shall be informed of the rights in (a) above relating to evaluations and access to treatment;

(2) Programs shall provide meaningful and understandable information about individual rights described in (a) above to individuals who are minors or who have been adjudicated incapacitated as well as to their parents, guardians, or attorneys;

(3) Individuals shall be advised of their rights upon initial participation in any program, and at least once a year after initial participation;

(4) Every program within the service delivery system shall post notice of the rights set forth in these rules, as follows:

a. The notice shall be posted continuously and conspicuously; and

b. The notice shall be presented in clearly understandable language and form; and

(5) Each program and community residence shall have on the premises complete copies of He-M 309 available for individual and staff review.

(d) Any person shall have the right to complain or bring a grievance on behalf of an individual or a group of individuals pursuant to He-M 204.

Source. #4412, eff 4-27-88; ss by #5093, eff 3-15-91, EXPIRED: 3-15-97

New. #14352, INTERIM, eff 8-26-25, EXPIRES: 2-22-26

He-M 309.04 Fundamental Rights.

(a) Any individual receiving treatment for mental illness shall be entitled to any legal right to which all citizens are entitled regardless of that individual's admission to the mental health services system.

(b) The legal rights protected shall include, at a minimum:

(1) The right to freedom of religious preference and practice, the right to be free from engaging in any religious activity, and the right to receive reasonable assistance in attending places of worship;

(2) The right to register to vote, if eligible, in public elections and to receive assistance in registering to vote and in voting;

(3) The following civil rights, unless a court has determined that an individual is legally incapacitated pursuant to RSA 464-A, and a guardian has been appointed to make certain decisions, or an emergency exists under He-M 305, personal safety emergencies:

a. The right to manage affairs;

b. The right to contract;

c. The right to hold professional, occupational, or motor vehicle driver's licenses;

d. The right to marry or to obtain a divorce;

e. The right to make a will; and

f. The right to exercise any other civil right;

(4) The right to not be discriminated against in any manner because of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, or degree of disability as provided in state and federal laws, title VII of the civil rights act of 1964, section 504 of the rehabilitation act of 1973, the age discrimination act of 1975, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the provisions of certain block grants, including:

a. Access to auxiliary aids needed by persons with disabilities;

b. Services which are accessible to persons of limited English proficiency; and

c. Service locations that are physically accessible; and

(5) The right to legal remedies, including the right to petition for and receive the benefits of a writ of habeas corpus, and to seek any other remedy provided by law.

Source. #4412, eff 4-27-88; ss by #5093, eff 3-15-91, EXPIRED: 3-15-97

New. #6757, eff 5-27-98; ss by #8639, INTERIM, eff
5-27-06, EXPIRES: 11-23-06; ss by #8757, eff 11-17-06; ss by #10706, INTERIM, eff 11-15-14, EXPIRES: 5-14-15 ss by #10819, eff 4-23-15, EXPIRED: 4-23-25

New. #14352, INTERIM, eff 8-26-25, EXPIRES: 2-22-26

He-M 309.05 Personal Rights.

(a) Individuals who are applying for services or individuals in the service delivery system shall be treated with dignity and respect at all times.

(b) Individuals shall be free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation including, at a minimum, the following:

(1) Freedom from any emotional, physical, or sexual abuse or neglect;

(2) Freedom from the intentional use of physical force, except the minimum force necessary to prevent harm to the individual or others, to prevent substantial damage to real property, or to impose emergency treatment under He-M 305, personal safety emergencies or RSA 135:21-b; and

(3) Freedom from personal or financial exploitation.

(d) Individuals who are applying for services, or who are currently, or were previously in the service delivery system shall have the right to confidentiality of all information and records.

(e) At a minimum, programs shall adhere to the following confidentiality requirements:

(1) Material safeguarded shall include any information with respect to an individual or through which an individual can be identified such as:

a. Names;

b. Addresses;

c. Diagnoses and evaluative data;

d. Medical and clinical records;

e. Individual service plans; and

f. Whether an individual is using or has used a program’s services;

(2) The individual or his or her guardian shall be informed that clinical information may be released to the third party payor to the extent necessary to substantiate charges for care and treatment;

(3) If the individual or his or her guardian wishes to bear the cost of services privately rather than allow the release of information to third party payors, the individual or his or her guardian shall be personally responsible for the full cost of care and treatment;

(4) All program staff shall be informed so as to know and understand confidentiality and comply with confidentiality statutes and rules;

(5) Separate, individual records shall be maintained when group treatment methods are employed and joint records of treatment activity shall not be maintained;

(6) No program shall photograph, fingerprint, or record any individual by audio or visual equipment unless the individual or his or her guardian has consented following an informed decision, nor allow any third party to photograph, fingerprint, or record any individual by audio or visual equipment unless the individual or his or her guardian has consented following an informed decision;

(7) These rules shall not affect the obligation of programs to release information as required by:

a. RSA 161-F:42-57, protective services to adults;

b. RSA 169-C:29, report of child abuse;

c. RSA 631:6, report of injury caused by criminal act; or

d. Other law; and

(8) In accordance with RSA 329:26, RSA 330-A:32, RSA 329-B:26 and RSA 326-B:35, statements made by individuals to physicians licensed pursuant to RSA 329, psychologists licensed pursuant to RSA 329-B, persons licensed pursuant to RSA 330-A, advanced practice registered nurses licensed pursuant to RSA 326-B, or to those who work under their supervision, may be disclosed for the purpose of commitment hearings conducted pursuant to RSA 135-C:27-54 or RSA 464-A.

(f) Access to an individual’s records shall be as follows:

(1) Information pertaining to an individual shall be released to the individual or his or her guardian upon request including all information provided by third parties except that information which was provided by someone other than a health care provider under an agreement that the information would not be disclosed and disclosure would be reasonably likely to reveal the source of the information. When information is not released, the individual or his or her guardian shall be provided with a written denial stating the basis for the denial, a description of how a complaint may be filed, the name, title and address of the contact person to receive the complaint; and the process for filing a complaint pursuant to 45 C.F.R. 160.306;

(2) A clinical staff member shall be present at a record review if:

a. There is a reasonable concern that an individual will experience a harmful effect as a result of reviewing his or her record, or reasonable concern that the security of the record is at risk; and

b. The determination that (2)a. above applies has been made on a case by case basis, and the reasons for the determination have been documented in writing;

(3) Information shall be released to any person or organization that has obtained the written consent of the individual or his or her guardian;

(4) Information shall be released to the department and funding, licensing, and accrediting agencies by programs within the service delivery system as necessary for:

a. Determining eligibility for funding;

b. Assisting in accrediting or licensing decisions;

c. Monitoring and evaluating service delivery;

d. Assuring the delivery of appropriate services to individuals; and

e. Planning future service delivery;

(5) Programs shall not include or release confidential information in an individual’s record which pertains to other individuals;

(6) Programs shall include within the records of an individual any supplemental information provided by the individual or his or her guardian either clarifying or rebutting information deemed by the individual to be inaccurate;

(7) An attorney appointed by a court to represent an individual shall have access to all records and information pertaining to that individual;

(8) Legal counsel for the department shall have access to all relevant records and information pertaining to an individual when such records and information are necessary because the individual:

a. Is the subject of an involuntary commitment hearing;

b. Is the subject of a guardianship proceeding; or

c. Has instituted legal action against the state in regard to care and treatment provided by the mental health service delivery system;

(9) In cases where an individual, his or her guardian, an attorney or other advocate representing the individual, after review of the record, requests copies of the record, such copies in paper format, shall be made available free of charge for the first 25 pages and not more than 25 cents per page thereafter; or, if available, copies of records electronically stored and produced, shall be made available free of charge for the first 25 pages and at actual cost per page thereafter. The individual, his or her guardian, attorney or other advocate representing the individual may choose whether to receive the record in paper form, or if available in electronic form;

(10) Information regarding the medical treatment of an individual shall be released to law enforcement officials or health facility personnel if necessary to address an emergency situation involving danger to the individual's health or safety, but only specific information necessary to the relief of the emergency may be released without the individual or his or her guardian’s consent;

(11) In accordance with RSA 329:31, RSA 330-A:35, RSA 329-B:29, and RSA 326-B:33, any of the following persons licensed in New Hampshire shall make reasonable efforts to disclose to a third party or law enforcement when an individual has made a serious threat of physical violence against a clearly identified or reasonably identifiable victim or victims, or a serious threat of substantial damage to real property:

a. A physician;

b. A psychologist;

c. An advance practice registered nurse;

d. Any person licensed pursuant to RSA 330-A; or

e. Any person who works under the supervision of any of the above;

(12) In accordance with RSA 135-C:19-a, I, a community mental health center may disclose to a family member or other person, if such family member or other person lives with the individual or provides direct care to the individual information regarding:

a. Diagnosis;

b. Admission to or discharge from a treatment facility;

c. Functional assessment;

d. The name of the medicine prescribed;

e. The side effects of any medication prescribed;

f. Behavioral or physical manifestations which would result from failure of the individual to take such prescribed medication;

g. Treatment plans and goals; and

h. Behavioral management strategies;

(13) Information shall not be released pursuant to (12) above unless the program first:

a. Provides written notice to the individual or his or her guardian specifying the information requested, the reason for the request, and the person making the request;

b. Requests the individual or his or her guardian’s consent to release the information; and

c. If consent cannot be obtained, the individual shall be notified in writing prior to the disclosure of:

1. The reason for the intended disclosure;

2. The name of the person(s) to whom the information will be released; and

3. The specific information intended to be released;

(14) A community mental health center shall receive or accept communications from family members, friends, or other persons with information pertaining to the health and safety of the individual, and shall document such communications in the individual’s record;

(15) In accordance with RSA 135-C:19-a, II, when the medical director or designee determines that obtaining information is essential to the care or treatment of an individual admitted pursuant to RSA 135-C:27-54, a designated receiving facility may request, and any health care provider which previously provided services to any individual involuntarily admitted to the facility may provide, information about such individual limited to medications prescribed, known medication allergies or other information essential to the medical or psychiatric care of the individual admitted;

(16) Information shall not be released pursuant to (15) above unless the program first:

a. Provides written notice to the individual or his or her guardian specifying the information requested, the reason for the request, and the person making the request;

b. Requests, the individual or his or her guardian's consent to release the information; and

c. If consent cannot be obtained, the facility shall notify the individual in writing prior to the disclosure of:

1. The name of the care provider who have been asked to provide information;

2. The reason for the disclosure;

3. The name of the person(s) to whom the information will be released; and

4. The specific information which will be released;

(17) In accordance with RSA 135-C:19-a, II-a, when the medical director, or designee, determines that obtaining information is essential to the care and treatment of an individual admitted pursuant to RSA 135-C: 27-54 and the consent of the individual or his or her guardian admitted cannot be obtained, the designated receiving facility may request and any community mental health program which has previously provided services to such individual shall immediately provide information about the individual including medications prescribed, known medication allergies, services provided and other information essential to the medical and psychiatric care of the individual admitted. The facility may disclose information necessary to identify the individual and the facility which is requesting the information; and

(18) In accordance with RSA 135-C:19-a, III, a community mental health program or state facility may disclose to an interdisciplinary committee designated by the governor to review child fatalities, information which is relevant to a case of suicide or traumatic fatal injury under review by such committee. Information to be disclosed to such committee shall be limited to the diagnosis and course of treatment of the child or the person who caused the fatality. Information disclosed pursuant to this subparagraph shall remain confidential and shall not be subject to discovery, subpoena, or admission into evidence in any judicial or administrative proceeding.

(g) Individuals or their guardians shall have the right to complain about any alleged violation of a right afforded by these rules or by any state or federal law or rule or any other matter.

Source. #4412, eff 4-27-88; ss by #5093, eff 3-15-91, EXPIRED: 3-15-97

New. #14352, INTERIM, eff 8-26-25, EXPIRES: 2-22-26

He-M 309.06 Treatment Rights.

(a) Individuals shall have the right to adequate and humane treatment, including:

(1) The right of access to treatment including:

a. For those individuals applying for services the right to evaluation to determine the individual’s need for services and to determine which programs are most suited to provide the services needed;

b. The right to receive necessary services when those services are available, subject to the admission and eligibility policies and standards of each program; and

c. The right to receive services without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, severity of disability, sexual orientation or inability to pay except in accordance with He-M 401.14;

(2) The right to quality treatment including:

a. Treatment and services provided in accordance with licensing requirements and applicable rules adopted by the department in He-M 200-1300 and applicable rules of other state agencies; and

b. Services provided in keeping with generally accepted clinical and professional standards applicable to the persons and programs providing the treatment and to the conditions for which the individual is being treated;

(3) The right to receive services in such a manner as to promote the individual's full participation in his or her community;

(4) The right to receive all services or treatment in accordance with the time frame set forth in the individual service plan;

(5) The right to an individual service plan developed, reviewed, and revised in accordance with He-M 401 which addresses the individual’s own goals;

(6) The right to receive treatment and services contained in individual service plans designed to provide opportunities for the individual to participate in meaningful activities in the communities in which they live and work;

(7) The right to service and treatment in the least restrictive alternative or environment necessary to achieve the intended purposes of treatment including programs which least restrict freedom of movement, informed decision-making, and participation in the community while providing the level of security and support needed by the individual;

(8) The right to be served, whenever possible, in generic, integrated settings rather than specialized programs for persons with mental illness, except that programs may restrict access by individuals to various areas to:

a. Ensure the privacy or safety of the individuals;

b. Achieve other necessary objectives contained in the individual service plan; or

c. Comply with provisions of law or orders of court;

(9) The right for the individual or his or her guardian to be informed of all significant risks, benefits, side effects and alternative treatment and services and to give consent to any treatment, placement, or referral following an informed decision except actions taken under He-M 305 or where otherwise provided by law, such that:

a. Whenever possible, the consent shall be given in writing; and

b. In all other cases, evidence of consent shall be documented by the program and be witnessed by at least one person;

(10) The right to refuse to participate in any form of experimental treatment or research;

(11) The right to be fully informed of one's own diagnosis and prognosis;

(12) The right to voluntary placement unless RSA 135-C:27-33, 135-C:34-48, or 135-C:51 apply, including the right to:

a. Seek changes in placement, services, or treatment at any time; and

b. Withdraw from any form of voluntary treatment or from the service delivery system;

(13) The right to services which promote independence including services which shall be directed toward:

a. Eliminating, or reducing as much as possible, the individual’s needs for continued services and treatment; and

b. Promoting the ability of the individuals to function at their highest capacity and as independently as possible;

(14) The right to refuse medication and treatment except emergency treatment provided under the terms and conditions of RSA 135:21-b;

(15) The right to referral for medical care and treatment including:

a. Assistance in finding such care and treatment in a prompt and timely manner; and

b. Access to such medical services as is required in accordance with He-M 401;

(16) The right to consultation and second opinion including:

a. At the individual's own expense, the consultative services of:

1. Private physicians;

2. Psychologists;

3. Dentists; and

4. Other health practitioners;

b. Granting to such health practitioners reasonable access to the individual in programs; and

c. Allowing such health practitioners to make recommendations to programs regarding the services and treatment provided by the programs;

(17) The right, upon request, to have one or more of the following present at any treatment meeting requiring the individual’s participation and informed decision-making:

a. Guardian;

b. Representative;

c. Attorney;

d. Family member;

e. Friend;

f. Advocate;

g. Consultant; or

h. Peer;

(18) The right to freedom from restraint including the right to be free from seclusion and physical, mechanical or pharmacological restraint; and

(19) If the individual meets the definition of a “child” in RSA 126-U:1, the right to freedom from restraint and seclusion, as defined in RSA 126-U:1, IV and V-a, respectively, except as allowed by RSA 126-U.

(b) These rules shall not require any behavioral health care professional to administer treatment contrary to such professional's clinical judgment.

(d) For individuals who have a guardian, the following provisions shall apply:

(1) The program shall ensure that, the guardian and all persons involved in the provision of service are made aware of the individual’s needs, views, preferences and aspirations;

(2) The program shall comply with the decisions made by the guardian within the legitimate scope of his or her authority;

(3) A guardian is only allowed to make decisions that are within the scope of his or her powers pursuant to RSA 464-A:25, RSA 463 and as modified by the court, or as otherwise allowed by law;

(4) The program shall request a copy of the guardianship order from the guardian and keep the order in the individual’s record at the program;

(5) If any issues arise relative to the provision of services and supports which are outside the scope of the guardian’s decision-making authority as set forth in the guardianship order, the individual’s choice and preference relative to those issues shall prevail unless the guardian’s authority is expanded by the court to include those issues;

(6) A program shall take such steps as are necessary to prevent a guardian from exceeding the decision-making authority granted by the court or acting in a manner that does not further the best interests of the individual, including:

a. Reviewing with the guardian the limits on his or her decision-making authority; and

b. If necessary, bringing the matter to the attention of the court that appointed the guardian; and

(7) In the event that there is a dispute between the program and the guardian, the program shall inform the guardian of his or her right to take either or both of the following actions:

a. Appeal the matter pursuant to He-M 204 and He-C 200; or

b. Bring the dispute to the attention of the probate court that appointed the guardian.

Source. #4412, eff 4-27-88; ss by #5093, eff 3-15-91, EXPIRED: 3-15-97

New. #14352, INTERIM, eff 8-26-25, EXPIRES: 2-22-26

He-M 309.07 Termination of Services. Termination of services shall be done only pursuant to He-M 401.14.

Source. #4412, eff 4-27-88; ss by #5093, eff 3-15-91, EXPIRED: 3-15-97

New. #14352, INTERIM, eff 8-26-25, EXPIRES: 2-22-26

He-M 309.08 Suspension of Services. Suspension of services shall be done only pursuant to He-M 401.14.

Source. #4412, eff 4-27-88; ss by #5093, eff 3-15-91, EXPIRED: 3-15-97

New. #14352, INTERIM, eff 8-26-25, EXPIRES: 2-22-26

He-M 309.09 Individual Rights in Community Residences.

(a) In addition to the foregoing rights, individuals in community residences shall also have the following rights:

(1) The right to a safe, sanitary and humane living environment;

(2) The right to freely and privately communicate with others, including:

a. The right to send and receive unopened and uncensored written and electronic correspondence;

b. The right to have reasonable access to telephones and to be allowed to make and to receive reasonable numbers of telephone calls except that community residences may require an individual to reimburse them for the cost of any long distance calls made by the individual;

c. The right to receive and to refuse to receive visitors except that community residences may impose reasonable restrictions on the number and time of visits in order to ensure effective provision of services; and

d. The right to engage in social, recreational, and religious activities including the provision of regular opportunities for individuals to engage in such activities;

(3) The right to privacy, including the following:

a. The right to courtesies such as knocking on closed doors before entering and ensuring privacy for telephone calls, electronic communications, and visits;

b. The right to opportunities for personal interaction in a private setting except that any conduct or activity which is illegal shall be prohibited; and

c. The right to be free from searches of their persons and possessions except in accordance with applicable constitutional and legal standards;

(4) The right to personal choice, including the following:

a. The right to keep and wear their own clothes;

b. The right to reasonable space for personal possessions;

c. The right to keep and to read materials of his or her own choosing;

d. The right to keep and spend their own money; and

e. The right to be compensated for any work performed and the right not to work, except that:

1. Individuals may be required to perform personal housekeeping tasks within the individual's own immediate living area and equitably shared housekeeping tasks within the common areas of the community residence, without compensation; and

2. Individuals may perform vocational learning tasks or work required for the operation or maintenance of a community residence, if the work is consistent with their individual service plans and the individual is compensated for work performed according to laws, rules, and regulations set by the state and federal governments; and

(5) The right to be reimbursed for the loss of any money held in safekeeping by the community residence.

(b) Nothing in He-M 309.09 shall require a community residence to have policies governing the behavior of the residents.

(c) Individuals and guardians shall have the right to be informed of any house policies prior to admission to the community residence.

(d) Residents shall have the right to participate in the development and modification of any house policies. Residents shall formally review the house policies at least annually.

(e) House policies shall be posted by community residences.

(f) House policies shall be in conformity with He-M 309.

(g) House policies shall be periodically reviewed for compliance with He-M 309 in connection with community mental health program and department site visits.

Source. #4412, eff 4-27-88; ss by #5093, eff 3-15-91, EXPIRED: 3-15-97

New. #14352, INTERIM, eff 8-26-25, EXPIRES: 2-22-26

PART He-M 310 RIGHTS OF PERSONS RECEIVING DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES OR ACQUIRED BRAIN DISORDER SERVICES IN THE COMMUNITY

Statutory Authority: RSA 171-A:3; RSA 171-A:14, V; RSA 126-A:16, III; RSA 137-K:3, IV

He-M 310.01 Purpose. The purpose of these rules is to define the rights of applicants for service or persons who have been found eligible for services under He-M 503.03 or He-M 522.03 and who are being served in the community or in a state-operated designated receiving facility. Individuals might have additional rights under RSA 151:21, patients' bill of rights for residents of health care facilities.

Source. #4413, eff 4-27-88; ss by #5094, eff 3-15-91; ss by #6212, INTERIM, eff 3-30-96, EXPIRES: 12-31-98; ss by #6758, eff 5-27-98; ss by #8640, INTERIM, eff 5-27-06, EXPIRES: 11-23-06; ss by #8701, eff 8-4-06; ss by #10821, eff 4-25-15; ss by #13676, eff 6-24-23

He-M 310.02 Definitions. The words and phrases used in this part shall have the following meanings:

(a) “Abuse” means an act or omission by an employee, consultant, or volunteer of a provider agency which is not accidental and harms or threatens to harm an individual's physical, mental or emotional health, or safety and includes emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse;

(b) “Acquired brain disorder” means a disruption in brain functioning that:

(1) Is not congenital or caused by birth trauma;

(2) Presents a severe and life-long disabling condition which significantly impairs a person's ability to function in society;

(3) Occurs prior to age 60;

(4) Is attributable to one or more of the following reasons:

a. External trauma to the brain as a result of:

1. A motor vehicle incident;

2. A fall;

3. An assault; or

4. Another related traumatic incident or occurrence;

b. Anoxic or hypoxic injury to the brain such as from:

1. Cardiopulmonary arrest;

2. Carbon monoxide poisoning;

3. Airway obstruction;

4. Hemorrhage; or

5. Near drowning;

c. Infectious diseases such as encephalitis and meningitis;

d. Brain tumor;

e. Intracranial surgery;

f. Cerebrovascular disruption such as a stroke;

g. Toxic exposure; or

h. Other neurological disorders such as Huntington's disease or multiple sclerosis which predominantly affect the central nervous system; and

(5) Is manifested by one or more of the following:

a. Significant decline in cognitive functioning and ability; or

b. Deterioration in:

1. Personality;

2. Impulse control;

3. Judgment;

4. Modulation of mood; or

5. Awareness of deficits;

(d) “Area agency” means “area agency” as defined in RSA 171-A:2, I-b;

(e) “Attorney” means a member of the New Hampshire bar association retained, employed, or appointed by a court to represent an individual;

(f) “Coercion” means an act by an employee, contractor, consultant, or volunteer of a provider agency which is designed to compel an individual to act in clear opposition to the preference of the individual, excluding requirements otherwise prescribed by law or rule;

(g) “Community residence” means either an agency residence as defined in He-M 1001.02 (b) or family residence as defined in He-M 1001.02 (p) exclusive of any independent living arrangement that:

(1) Provides residential services for at least one person with a developmental disability, in accordance with He-M 503, or acquired brain disorder in accordance with He-M 522;

(2) Provides services and supervision for an individual on a daily and ongoing basis, both in the home and in the community, unless the individual’s service agreement states that the individual may be without supervision for specified periods of time;

(3) Serves individuals whose services are funded by the department; and

(4) Is certified pursuant to He-M 1001;

(h) “Designated receiving facility (DRF)” means a residential treatment program designated by the commissioner pursuant to RSA 171-A:20 and He-M 526 to provide care, custody, and treatment to persons involuntarily admitted to the state developmental services system;

(i) “Developmental disability” means “developmental disability” as defined in RSA 171-A:2, V, namely, “a disability:

a. Which is attributable to an intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, or a specific learning disability, or any other condition of an individual found to be closely related to an intellectual disability as it refers to general intellectual functioning or impairment in adaptive behavior or requires treatment similar to that required for persons with an intellectual disability; and

b Which originates before such individual attains age 22, has continued or can be expected to continue indefinitely, and constitutes a severe disability to such individual's ability to function normally in society.";

(j) “Emotional abuse” means:

(1) The misuse of power, authority or both;

(2) Verbal harassment; or

(3) Unreasonable confinement which results or could result in the mental anguish or emotional distress of an individual;

(k) “Exploitation” means the use of an individual’s person or property for another’s profit or advantage or breach of a fiduciary relationship through improper use of an individual's person or property including situations where a person obtains money, property, or services from an individual through undue influence, harassment, deception, or fraud;

(l) “Guardian” means a person appointed under RSA 463 or RSA 464-A or who is a parent of an individual under the age of 18 whose parental rights have not been terminated or limited by law in such a way as to remove the person’s right to make decisions pursuant to RSA 171-A on behalf of the individual;

(m) “Habilitation” means “habilitation” as defined in RSA 171-A:2, IX, namely, “the process by which program personnel assist clients to acquire and maintain those life skills which enable them to cope more effectively with the demands of their own persons and of their environment, to be economically self-sufficient and to raise the level of their physical, mental and social efficiency. Habilitation includes but is not limited to programs of formal, structured education and treatment.”;

(n) “Individual” means a person who has a developmental disability as defined in (i) above or an acquired brain disorder as defined in (b) above;

(o) “Individual treatment plan” means, for an individual receiving treatment pursuant to RSA 171-B:12, a plan developed by the individual's treatment team to address the individual’s clinical needs and the behavior or condition which creates a potential danger for others;

(p) “Informed decision” means a choice made voluntarily by an individual receiving services or an applicant for services or, where appropriate, such person's legal guardian or representative, after all relevant information necessary to making the choice has been provided, when:

(1) The person understands that he or she is free to choose or refuse any available alternative;

(2) The person clearly indicates or expresses his or her choice; and

(3) The choice is free from all coercion;

(q) “Intellectual disability” means “intellectual disability” as defined in RSA 171-A:2, XI-a, namely, “significantly subaverage general intellectual functioning existing concurrently with deficits in adaptive behavior, and manifested during the developmental period. A person with an intellectual disability may be considered mentally ill provided that no person with an intellectual disability shall be considered mentally ill solely by virtue of his or her intellectual disability.”;

(r) “Neglect" means an act or omission which results or could result in the deprivation of essential services necessary to maintain the minimum mental, emotional, or physical health of an individual;

(s) “Parent” means the father or mother of an individual under the age of 18 whose parental rights have not been terminated or limited by law;

(t) “Physical abuse” means the use of physical force which results or could result in physical injury to an individual;

(u) “Prescribing practitioner” means a licensed professional with prescriptive authority, including the following:

(1) Physician;

(2) Advance practice registered nurse (APRN);

(3) Dentist;

(4) Physician's assistant;

(5) Optometrist; and

(6) Podiatrist;

(v) “Provider agency” means an entity that is providing services to individuals;

(w) “Resident” means an individual who lives in a community residence;

(x) “Restraint” means:

(1) Any manual method, physical or mechanical device, material, or equipment that immobilizes an individual or reduces the ability of an individual to move his or her arms, legs, head, or other body parts freely but does not include devices, such as orthopedically prescribed devices, or other methods that involve the physical holding of an individual, if necessary, for the purpose of:

a. Protecting the individual from falling out of bed; or

b. Permitting the individual to participate in activities without the risk of physical harm; or

(2) Any drug or medication when it:

a. Is used as a restriction to manage an individual’s behavior or restrict the individual’s freedom of movement; and

b. Is not a standard treatment or dosage for the individual’s diagnosis, in that its overall effect reduces an individual’s ability to effectively or appropriately interact; or

(3) “Restraint” as defined in RSA 126-U:1, IV as applied to a person who has not reached 18 years of age, or who is otherwise a child as defined by RSA 126-U:1, I;

(y) “Representative” means:

(1) The parent or guardian of an individual under the age of 18;

(2) The legal guardian of an individual 18 or over; or

(3) A person who has power of attorney for the individual;

(z) “Seclusion” means

(1) For an individual who is 18 or older:

a. Is placed alone in a room or area from which the individual is physically prevented, by lock or person, from leaving; and

b. Cannot or will not make an informed decision to agree to such confinement; or

(2) “Seclusion” as defined in RSA 126-U:1, V-a as applied to a person who has not reached 18 years of age, or who is otherwise a child as defined by RSA 126-U:1, I;

(aa) “Service” means any evaluation, training, counseling, therapy, habilitation, service coordination, or other type of assistance provided by a provider agency;

(ab) “Sexual abuse” means contact or interaction of a sexual nature between an individual and an employee of or a consultant or volunteer for a provider agency;

(ac) “Service agreement” means a written agreement between the individual, guardian, or representative and provider(s) that is prepared as a result of the person-centered planning process and describes the services that an individual will receive and constitutes an individual service agreement as defined in RSA 171-A:2, X; and

(ad) “Treatment” means medical care provided by a prescribing practitioner.

He-M 310.03 Notice of Rights of Individuals and Applicants.

(a) Provider agencies shall inform individuals and applicants of their rights under these rules in clearly understandable language and form, both verbally and in writing, on an annual basis.

(b) The notification of rights required pursuant to (a) above shall include, at a minimum, the following measures:

(1) Provider agencies shall inform applicants for services of their rights to evaluations and access to treatment and other services;

(2) Provider agencies shall provide meaningful and understandable information about rights to individuals who are minors or who have been adjudicated incapacitated as well as to their parents, guardians, representatives, or attorneys;

(3) Provider agencies shall provide information outlining the process of how to file a complaint pursuant to He-M 202;

(4) Provider agencies shall advise individuals and their guardians or representatives of individuals’ rights upon initial participation in any service, upon any change in provider agency or community residence, and at least once a year after initial participation;

(5) Every provider agency shall post a notice of the rights set forth in these rules, as follows:

a. The notice shall be posted continuously and conspicuously; and

b. The notice shall be presented in clearly understandable language and form; and

(6) Each provider agency and community residence shall have on the premises complete copies of rules pertaining to rights of individuals which are available for individuals, guardians, representatives, and staff to review.

(c) Each provider agency shall document, as indicated by signature of the individual or his or her parent, guardian, or representative, notifications of rights in individuals’ records.

He-M 310.04 Fundamental Rights.

(a) Any person receiving services for a developmental disability or acquired brain disorder shall be entitled to any legal right to which all citizens are entitled regardless of that person's admission to the developmental services system, except as provided by RSA 171-B.

(b) The legal rights protected shall include, at a minimum:

(2) The right to register to vote, if eligible, in public elections and, as provided in 42 U.S.C. § 1973aa-6, the right to receive assistance from the person of his or her choice in registering to vote and in voting;

(3) The following civil rights, unless a court has determined that an individual is legally incapacitated pursuant to RSA 464-A and a guardian or representative has been appointed to make certain decisions or a behavior change program, as described in He-M 310.11, exists that limits an individual’s rights and is approved by a human rights committee pursuant to RSA 171-A:17, II(c):

a. The right to manage affairs;

b. The right to contract;

c. The right to hold professional, occupational, or motor vehicle driver’s licenses;

d. The right to marry or to obtain a divorce;

e. The right to make a will; and

f. The right to exercise any other civil right;

(4) The right to not be discriminated against in any manner because of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or degree of disability as provided in state and federal laws, title VII of the civil rights act of 1964, section 504 of the rehabilitation act of 1973, the age discrimination act of 1975, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the provisions of certain block grants, including:

a. Access to auxiliary aids needed by the individual;

b. Services which are accessible to individuals of limited English proficiency; and

c. Service locations that are accessible and meet the individuals physical, sensory, intellectual, or emotional needs; and

(5) The right to legal remedies including the right to petition for and receive the benefits of a writ of habeas corpus and to seek any other remedy provided by law.

(c) The legal rights of a person involuntarily admitted in accordance with RSA 171-B may be limited to the extent necessary to prevent harm to the individual or others, unless the individual is committed to the secure psychiatric unit of the New Hampshire state prison.

He-M 310.05 Personal Rights.

(a) Persons who are applicants for services or individuals who are receiving services from provider agencies shall be treated with dignity and respect at all times.

(b) Individuals shall be free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation including, at a minimum, the following:

(1) Freedom from any emotional, physical, or sexual abuse or neglect;

(2) Freedom from the intentional use of physical force except the minimum force necessary to prevent harm to the individual or others or substantial damage to property or when a behavior change program exists that limits an individual’s rights and is approved by a human rights committee pursuant to RSA 171-A:17, II(c); and

(3) Freedom from personal or financial exploitation.

(d) Individuals shall have the right to be free from coercion.

(e) Any individual who uses or has used provider agency services shall have the right to confidentiality of all information and records.

(f) At a minimum, provider agencies shall adhere to the following confidentiality requirements:

(1) Material safeguarded shall include any information with respect to an individual or through which an individual can be identified such as:

a. Names;

b. Photographic and video images;

c. Addresses;

d. Diagnoses and evaluative data;

e. Medical and clinical records;

f. Service agreements; and

g. Whether a person is using or has used a provider agency’s services;

(2) Provider agency staff may disclose to the chief of police in the community in which the individual resides, or any law enforcement officer, as safety and security of the individual and others require, or the individual’s legal counsel that an individual is served by a provider agency if that individual is a victim of a crime, has been charged with a misdemeanor or felony, or is involuntarily admitted in accordance with RSA 171-B;

(3) The individual and guardian or representative shall be informed that clinical information shall be released to the third party payor to the extent necessary to substantiate charges for services;

(4) If the individual, guardian, or representative wishes to bear the cost of services privately rather than allow the release of information to third party payors, the individual shall be personally responsible for the full cost of such services;

(5) All employees, consultants, and volunteers of provider agencies shall be informed so as to know and understand confidentiality and comply with confidentiality statutes and rules;

(6) Separate, individual records shall be maintained when group treatment methods are employed and joint records of treatment activity that identify participants shall not be maintained;

(7) No provider agency shall photograph, fingerprint, or record any individual by audio or visual equipment unless the individual, guardian, or representative has consented following an informed decision, nor allow any third party to photograph, fingerprint, or record any individual by audio or visual equipment unless the individual, guardian, or representative has consented following an informed decision, except if such monitoring or recording is part of a treatment program for a person committed in accordance with RSA 171-B;

(8) These rules shall not affect the obligation of provider agencies to release information as required by:

a. RSA 161-F:56, protective services to adults;

b. RSA 169-C:29, report of child abuse;

c. RSA 631:6, report of injury caused by criminal act;

d. He-M 202.07 (j); or

e. Other law; and

(9) Statements made by individuals to physicians licensed pursuant to RSA 329, psychologists licensed pursuant to RSA 329-B, or persons licensed pursuant to RSA 330-A or to those who work under their supervision, may be disclosed for the purpose of commitment hearings.

(g) Access to records shall be as follows:

(1) Information pertaining to an individual shall be released to the individual and guardian or representative upon request including all information provided by third parties except that which was provided prior to May 1982, under an agreement that the information would not be disclosed;

(2) A provider agency service coordinator or nurse shall be present at a record review if:

a. There is a reasonable concern that an individual will experience a harmful effect as a result of reviewing his or her record, or reasonable concern that the security of the record is at risk; and

b. The determination that a. above applies has been made on an individual, case-by-case basis and the reasons for the determination have been documented in writing;

(3) Information shall be released to any person or organization that has obtained the written consent of the individual, guardian, or representative;

(4) Information shall be released to the department and funding, licensing, and accrediting agencies by provider agencies under RSA 171-A as necessary for:

a. Determining eligibility for funding;

b. Assisting in accrediting or licensing decisions;

c. Delivering appropriate services to individuals;

d. Monitoring and evaluating service delivery; and

e. Planning future service delivery;

(5) Provider agencies shall not include or release confidential information in an individual's record which pertains to other individuals;

(6) Provider agencies shall include within the records of an individual any supplemental information provided by the individual, guardian, or representative either clarifying or rebutting information deemed by the individual to be inaccurate;

(7) An attorney appointed by a court to represent an individual shall have access to all records and information pertaining to that individual;

(8) Legal counsel for the department shall have access to all relevant records and information pertaining to an individual when such records and information are necessary because the individual:

a. Is the subject of an involuntary commitment hearing;

b. Is the subject of a guardianship proceeding; or

c. Has instituted legal action against the state in regard to services provided by the developmental services system;

(9) In cases where an individual, or an attorney or other advocate who represents the individual, after review of the record, requests copies of the record, such copies shall be made available free of charge for the first 25 pages and for not more than 25 cents per page thereafter;

(11) In accordance with RSA 329:31, RSA 329-B:29, and RSA 330-A:35, when an individual has made a serious threat of physical violence against a clearly identified or reasonably identifiable victim or victims, or a serious threat of substantial damage to real property, the following shall be obligated to make reasonable efforts to disclose the threat to the third party or law enforcement officials:

a. Physicians licensed pursuant to RSA 329;

b. Psychologists licensed pursuant to RSA 329-B; and

c. Persons licensed pursuant to RSA 330-A and those who work under their supervision.

(h) Individuals and guardians or representatives shall have the right to complain about any alleged violation of a right afforded by these rules or by any state or federal law or rule or the unreasonable restriction of a legal, personal, or treatment right of a person involuntarily admitted in accordance with RSA 171-B, or any other matter.

(i) Any person shall have the right to complain or bring a grievance on behalf of an individual or a group of individuals. The rules governing procedures for protection of rights of individuals, He-M 202, shall apply to such complaints and grievances.

(j) An individual shall have the right to a hearing pursuant to RSA 171-A and He-C 200 when a recommendation is made to provide service for that individual in any residential setting that restricts in any way the liberty or informed decisions of the individual. The individual shall have a right to representation by legal counsel, except that persons involuntarily admitted pursuant to RSA 171-B may only challenge that admission in accordance with procedures set forth in RSA 171-B.

(k) The personal rights of a person involuntarily admitted in accordance with RSA 171-B shall be restricted where safety or security requires such limitation.

Source. #4413, eff 4-27-88; ss by #5094, eff 3-15-91; ss by 6212, INTERIM, eff 3-30-96, EXPIRES: 12-31-98; ss by #6758, eff 5-27-98; ss by #8640, INTERIM, eff 5-27-06, EXPIRES: 11-23-06; ss by #8701, eff 8-4-06; ss by #10821, eff 4-25-15; ss by #13676, eff 6-24-23

He-M 310.06 Service Rights.

(a) Individuals shall have the right to adequate and humane service and treatment, including:

(1) The right of access to services including:

a. The right to evaluation to determine the type of services needed and which provider agencies are most suited to provide those services;

b. The right to receive necessary services when those services are available, subject to the admission and eligibility policies and standards of each provider agency; and

c. The right to receive services without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, severity of disability, sexual orientation, or inability to pay;

(2) The right to quality services including services provided in accordance with licensing requirements and rules adopted by the department in He-M 200-1300 and other applicable rules of state agencies and services provided in keeping with generally accepted clinical and professional standards applicable to the individuals’ disabilities and services;

(3) The right to receive services in his or her community:

a. To the same degree of access as persons not receiving services;

b. That will promote the individual’s full community participation; and

c. Except as limited by individual treatment plans for individuals involuntarily admitted in accordance with RSA 171-B;

(4) The right to a person-centered planning process that:

a. Is directed by the individual or representative, if applicable;

b. Is intended to identify the strengths, capacities, preferences, needs, and desired outcomes of the individual;

c. Includes participants freely chosen by the individual as important contributors;

d. Provides information and support to assist the individual to direct the process and to make informed choices and decisions;

e. Reflects cultural considerations of the individual and is conducted in clearly understandable language and form;

f. Occurs at times and location of convenience to the individual;

g. Includes strategies for solving conflict or disagreement within the process;

h. Offers informed choices to the individual or representative, if applicable, regarding services and supports;

i. Involves the family or other participants in enabling and assisting the individual to identify and access a personalized mix of paid and non-paid services and supports that will assist him or her to achieve personally defined outcomes in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of the individual;

j. Includes identification of the individual’s planning goals to achieve personal outcomes in collaboration with those whom the individual has identified;

k. Results in a service agreement that identifies personally defined outcomes and training supports, therapies, treatments, and other services the individual is to receive to achieve those outcomes;

l. Includes a method for the individual to request amendments to the agreement; and

m. Records the alternative home and community based settings that were considered by the individual;

(5) The right to a service agreement developed, reviewed, and revised in accordance with He-M 503;

(6) The right to services in accordance with the time frame set in the service agreement;

(7) The right to services in a setting that is:

a. Based on the individual’s needs and preferences;

b. Chosen by the individual or his or her representative from among options that are identified in the service agreement and include non-disability specific settings; and

c. Integrated in, and supportive of full access of individuals to, the greater community, including opportunities to:

1. Seek employment and work in competitive integrated settings;

2. Engage in community life;

3. Control schedules and activities;

4. Control personal resources;

5. Receive services in the community to the same degree of access as the general population; and

6. Live in a private unit in a residential setting, based on the resources available for room and board;

(8) The right to be informed of all significant risks, benefits, side effects, and alternative treatment and services and to give consent to any treatment, behavior change program, service, or referral following an informed decision, except when action is necessary to prevent harm to the individual or others or prevent substantial damage to property or where otherwise provided by law, such that:

a. Whenever it is possible, the consent shall be given in writing; and

b. In all other cases, evidence of consent shall be documented by the provider agency and shall be witnessed by at least one person;

(9) The right to refuse to participate in any form of experimental treatment or in any research or have one’s representative refuse on the individual’s behalf;

(10) The right to be fully informed of one's own diagnosis and prognosis;

(11) The right to voluntary participation in services, as decided by the individual or his or her representative, including the right to seek changes in services or provider agency at any time or to withdraw from any form of service or from a provider agency, unless the person is involuntarily admitted in accordance with RSA 171-B;

(12) The right to services which promote independence including services which shall be directed toward:

a. Eliminating or reducing the individual's need for continued services; and

b. Promoting the ability of the individuals to function at their highest capacity and as independently as possible;

(13) The right to receive medical care and treatment, including ensuring medications are refilled in a timely manner and avoid expiration;

(14) The right to refuse medications and treatment, except emergency treatment that is:

a. Necessary to prevent harm to the individual or others or prevent substantial damage to property; or

b. In accordance with a behavior change program that limits an individual’s rights and is approved by a human rights committee;

(15) The right to consultation and second opinion, including;

a. At the individual's own expense, the consultative services of:

1. Private physicians;

2. Psychologists;

3. Dentists; and

4. Other health practitioners;

b. Granting such health practitioners reasonable access to the individual by provider agencies; and

c. Allowing such health practitioners to make recommendations to provider agencies regarding the services and treatment provided;

(16) The right to choose, or have one’s representative choose, one or more of the following persons to be present at any person-centered planning meeting or other service planning meeting requiring the individual’s participation and informed decision-making:

a. Guardian;

b. Representative;

c. Attorney;

d. Family member;

e. Friend;

f. Direct support staff;

g. Advocate;

h. Consultant; or

i. Other person the individual requests;

(17) The right to freedom from restraint including:

a. For individuals under the age of 18, the right to limitations on the use of restraint and seclusion pursuant to RSA 126-U; and

b. The right to be free from seclusion and physical, mechanical, or pharmacological restraint except that in cases of emergency such as the occurrence or serious threat of extreme violence, personal injury, or attempted suicide where no less restrictive alternative would be effective:

1. Such means of restraint as are authorized by a prescribing practitioner and approved by a human rights committee pursuant to RSA 171-A:17, II(c), may be used as part of a treatment plan to which the individual or individual’s guardian or representative, if any, has consented, having made an informed decision to do so; and

2. The minimum necessary degree of restraint may also be used:

(i) In an emergency to prevent harm to the individual or others or prevent substantial damage to property;

(ii) As part of a behavior change program that limits an individual’s rights and is approved by a human rights committee pursuant to RSA 171-A:17, II, (c); or

(iii) When the person is involuntarily admitted in accordance with RSA 171-B; and

(18) The right to choose with whom to interact.

(b) Applicants shall have the right to evaluation to determine an applicant’s eligibility for services and the type of services needed and to determine which provider agencies are most suited to provide the services needed.

(d) Whenever possible, individuals shall be served in generic, integrated settings rather than specialized programs for persons with developmental disabilities or acquired brain disorders.

(e) Provider agencies may restrict access by individuals to various locations to:

(1) Ensure the privacy or safety of the individuals;

(2) Achieve other necessary objectives contained in the service agreement; or

(3) Comply with provisions of law and orders of court.

(f) These rules shall not require any licensed professional to administer treatment contrary to such professional's clinical judgment.

(g) The service rights of a person involuntarily admitted in accordance with RSA 171-B may be restricted where safety or security requires such limitation.

(h) For individuals who have a guardian or representative, the following provisions shall apply:

(1) The provider agency shall ensure that the guardian or representative and all persons involved in the provision of services are made aware of the individual’s needs, views, preferences, and aspirations;

(2) The provider agency shall comply with decisions made by the guardian or representative within the legitimate scope of his or her authority;

(3) A guardian or representative is only allowed to make decisions that are within the scope of his or her powers pursuant to RSA 464-A:25, RSA 463:12, or RSA 137-J:5 and as modified by the court, or as otherwise allowed by law;

(4) The area agency and provider agencies shall obtain a copy of the guardianship order or power of attorney from the guardian or representative and keep the order in the individual’s record;

(5) If any issues arise relative to the provision of services and supports which are outside the scope of the guardian’s or representative’s decision-making authority as set forth in the guardianship order or power of attorney, the individual’s choice and preference relative to those issues shall prevail unless the guardian’s or representative’s authority is expanded by the court to include those issues;

(6) A provider agency shall take such steps as are necessary to prevent a guardian or representative from exceeding the decision-making authority granted by the court or acting in a manner that does not further the best interests of the individual, including:

a. Reviewing with the guardian or representative the limits on his or her decision-making authority; and

b. If necessary, bringing the matter to the attention of the court that appointed the guardian; and

(7) In the event that there is a dispute between the provider agency and the guardian or representative, the provider agency shall inform the guardian or representative of his or her right to take either or both of the following actions:

a. Appeal the matter pursuant to He-M 202 and He-C 200; or

b. Bring the dispute to the attention of the probate court that appointed the guardian.

He-M 310.07 Termination of Services.

(a) Except as provided in (g) below, an individual’s services shall not be terminated unless:

(1) Such termination is deemed in the best interest of the individual;

(2) The individual can function independently without such service;

(3) The individual has received optimal benefit from the service;

(4) The individual or representative refuses to pay for the services that he or she is receiving despite having the financial resources to do so; or

(5) The individual or representative refuses to apply for benefits that could cover the cost of the services that he or she is receiving despite the fact that the individual is or might be eligible for such benefits.

(b) Provider agencies shall only terminate services to individuals in accordance with RSA 171-A:8.

(d) The notice shall:

(1) Be in writing;

(2) Contain the reasons for the termination;

(3) Contain the effective date of the termination; and

(4) Explain that the individual, guardian, or representative has the right to appeal the termination in accordance with He-M 202 and He-C 200.

(e) Services shall be continued while an administrative appeal under He-M 202 or He-C 200 is pending.

(f) In every instance of termination, the area agency shall recommend appropriate services or be responsible for contacting the individual in accordance with RSA 171-A:8, II.

(g) Services to persons involuntarily admitted in accordance with RSA 171-B shall not be terminated except as provided in RSA 171-A:8, V.

He-M 310.08 Suspension of Services.

(a) A provider agency shall not suspend services to an individual unless the individual and guardian or representative have prior written notice of the specific behaviors and conduct for which suspension is imposed.

(b) Prior written notice shall be given through the service agreement process or through written provider agency policies which are explained to the individual and guardian or representative upon admission.

(c) Upon suspension, the provider agency shall give the individual and guardian or representative written notice containing the following:

(1) The reason for the suspension;

(2) The length of the suspension; and

(3) An explanation of the right to appeal in accordance with He-M 202 and He-C 200.

(d) The maximum length of a suspension shall be 5 service days. However, should an individual, guardian, or representative choose to exercise the right to appeal, the individual shall be suspended for no longer than one service day pending resolution of the appeal.

(e) Services to persons involuntarily admitted under RSA 171-B shall not be suspended.

He-M 310.09 Rights of Individuals in Community Residences.

(a) In addition to the foregoing rights, individuals living in community residences shall also have the following rights:

(1) The right to a safe, sanitary, and humane living environment;

(2) The right to settings that are physically accessible to the individual;

(3) The right to freely and privately communicate with others, including:

a. The right to send and receive unopened and uncensored written and electronic correspondence;

b. The right to have access to telephones and to be allowed to make and to receive reasonable numbers of telephone calls;

c. The right to receive and to refuse to receive visitors; and

d. The right to engage in social, recreational, and religious activities including the provision of regular opportunities for individuals to engage in such activities;

(4) The right to privacy in the individual's sleeping or living unit, including the following:

a. The right to courtesies such as knocking on closed doors before entering and ensuring privacy for telephone calls, electronic communications, and visits;

b. The right to entrance doors lockable by the individual with only appropriate staff having keys to doors;

c. The right to receive visitors of one’s choosing at any time;

d. The right to opportunities for personal interaction in a private setting;

e. The right to receive personal care in private; and

f. The right to be free from searches of their persons and possessions except in accordance with applicable constitutional and legal standards;

(5) The right to individual choice, including the following:

a. The right to keep and wear their own clothes;

b. The right to reasonable space for personal possessions;

c. The right to keep and to read materials of their own choosing;

d. The right to keep and spend their own money;

e. The right to be compensated for any work performed and the right not to work, except that:

2. Individuals may perform vocational learning tasks or work required for the operation or maintenance of a community residence, if the work is consistent with their service agreements and the individual is compensated for work performed according to laws, rules, and regulations set by the state and federal governments;

f. The right to choose one’s roommate when bedrooms are shared;

g. The right to furnish and decorate one’s sleeping or living unit within the limits of the lease or other agreement; and

h. The freedom and support to control one’s own activities and schedules, and to access food at any time;

(6) The right to a residency agreement in accordance with He-M 310.10; and

(7) The right to be reimbursed for the loss of any money held in safekeeping by the community residence.

(b) In community residences serving persons involuntarily admitted in accordance with RSA 171-B, restrictions on a person’s communication, privacy, and personal choice may be imposed if necessary for the person’s treatment if consistent with the individual treatment plan.

(d) Individuals and guardians or representatives shall have the right to be informed in writing of any house policies prior to admission to the community residence.

(e) Residents shall have the right to participate in the development and modification of any house policies. Residents shall formally review the house policies at least annually.

(f) House policies shall be in conformity with He-M 310.

(g) House policies shall be periodically reviewed for compliance with He-M 310 in connection with provider and department site visits.

(h) Any modification to (a)(4), (5), or (6) above shall be supported by a specific, assessed need and documentation described in (i) below, and be reviewed and approved by the human rights committee of the individual’s provider agency.

(i) A provider agency shall only make modifications pursuant to (h) above by documenting in the service agreement, developed pursuant to He-M 503.10 or He-M 522.11, the following:

(1) The specific and individualized assessed need and a description of the condition that is directly proportionate to the need;

(2) Positive interventions and supports used prior to any modification to the service agreement;

(3) Less intrusive methods of meeting the need that have been tried unsuccessfully;

(4) A method for the regular collection and review of data to measure the ongoing effectiveness of the modification, and established timelines for periodic reviews to determine whether the modification is still necessary or can be terminated;

(5) Informed consent of the individual, guardian, or representative; and

(6) An assurance that the interventions and supports will not cause harm to the individual.

He-M 310.10 Residency Agreement.

(a) Individuals living in community residences shall enter into a residency agreement with the provider in accordance with (b)-(d) below.

(b) The individual or resident, legal guardian, if applicable, and provider shall complete the “New Hampshire Residency Agreement” (April 2023) outlining the following:

(1) The resident’s right to:

a. Privacy in his or her sleeping and living unit;

b. Lockable doors to his or her sleeping or living unit with only appropriate staff having keys;

c. The ability to have visitors of his or her choosing at any time;

d. The choice of furnishings and decorations in his or her sleeping or living unit;

e. The choice of roommate, if bedrooms are shared;

f. Have access to food at any time;

g. An inventory of personal property valued at $25.00 or greater, as well as any item of sentimental value to the resident, that will occur on the day of move-in and will be updated quarterly to ensure accuracy; and

h. Modifications of his or her rights in a. through g. above, pursuant to He-M 310.09(h) and (i);

(2) The responsibilities as a resident to include:

a. Maintaining cleanliness of his or her sleeping or living unit and shared living spaces; and

b. Reviewing and signing a complete inventory of personal property valued at $25.00 or greater, as well as any item of sentimental value to the resident on the day of move-in, quarterly to ensure accuracy, and on the day of departure of the residence;

(3) The responsibilities as a provider to include:

a. Maintaining a safe residential environment;

b. Always treating the resident with dignity and respect;

c. Implementing the resident’s approved individual service agreement and approved behavior support plan;

d. Providing services in accordance with all applicable state regulations, and the contract with the provider agency; and

e. Assisting, as necessary, the resident to develop and maintain an inventory of personal property, valued at $25.00 or more, as well as any item of sentimental value to the resident and ensuring that upon termination of the residency agreement, the resident receives all personal property listed on the most recent inventory.

(1) The provider shall notify the resident, legal guardian, if applicable, and service coordinator in writing of the intended termination of the residency agreement, and the reason(s) therefor, at least 90 calendar days before the proposed termination date of the residency agreement, and in an agency residence, inform the resident that this notice is not an order requiring them to vacate the residence, and include the rights of the resident to appeal the provider’s decision to terminate the residency agreement, in accordance with He-M 310.12 below;

(2) The resident or legal guardian, if applicable, shall have the right to request a team meeting to discuss whether the provider would reconsider the notice;

(3) Upon receipt of the notice required in (c)(1) above, the service coordinator shall convene a team meeting within 10 calendar days to develop a transition plan for the resident in order to ensure an appropriate transition to an alternative residence;

(4) In cases where the behavior of the resident poses a serious threat of bodily harm to the provider or others living in the residence, or substantial damage to the residence or property, the provider shall notify the resident, legal guardian, if applicable, and the service coordinator of the situation and provide 72 hours’ notice before the proposed termination date, and in an agency residence, inform the resident that this notice is not an order requiring them to vacate the residence, and include the rights of the resident to appeal the provider’s decision to terminate the residency agreement, in accordance with He-M 310.12 below;

(5) Upon receipt of notification in (4) above, the service coordinator, or designee, shall immediately convene a team meeting within 24 hours to determine and take the appropriate course of action to ensure the resident’s health and safety, and ensure that the resident has access to an alternative safe residence;

(6) In an agency residence, if the resident fails to vacate the residence by the proposed termination date, the provider shall issue a notice to the resident or legal guardian if applicable, for the resident to vacate the residence within 3 days, and include the rights of the resident to appeal the notice in accordance with He-M 310.12 below, and remain in the residence in accordance with He-M 310.12(d); and

(7) In the absence of the conditions for termination provided in (4) above, an agency residence shall only terminate the residency agreement for the following reasons:

a. If the termination is necessary for the resident’s welfare and the resident’s needs can no longer be met at the agency residence;

b. The agency resident ceases to operate; or

c. Other good cause, which need not be based on the action or inaction of the resident including, but not limited to any legitimate business or economic reasons.

(d) If the resident chooses to end the residency agreement:

(1) The resident or legal guardian if applicable, shall notify the provider and service coordinator in writing of the intended termination of residency agreement 90 calendar days prior to the proposed termination date;

(2) In cases where the behavior of the provider poses a serious threat of bodily harm to the resident or others living in the residence, or substantial damage to the residence or property, the resident or legal guardian, if applicable, shall notify the service coordinator of the situation and the resident, legal guardian, or service coordinator shall provide 72 hours’ notice before the proposed termination date; and

(3) Upon receipt of notification in (2) above, the service coordinator, or designee, shall immediately convene a team meeting, in accordance with the requirements of He-M 503, within 24 hours to determine the appropriate course of action to ensure the residents health and safety, and that the resident has access to an alternative safe residence and ensure that the complaint procedure in He-M 202 is initiated.

(e) The residency agreement shall be renewed on an annual basis, at the time of the annual service agreement.

(f) The resident or provider may request a team meeting at any time to discuss the terms of the residency agreement.

(g) Upon termination of the residency agreement, the resident shall be entitled to all personal property as reflected on the most current inventory of the resident’s property.

Source. #13676, eff 6-24-23

He-M 310.11 Behavior Change Program.

(a) Unless an individual is subject to a commitment order pursuant to RSA 171-B, and unless otherwise specified in this rule, an individual’s rights shall not be restricted and no interventions designed to address challenging behavior unless the requirements of (b) through (e) below are met.

(b) A behavior change program shall be a written plan, protocol, or procedure that outlines strategies including:

(1) Physical environment modifications;

(2) Restrictive strategies;

(3) Use of monitoring devices; or

(4) Other strategies for altering behavior.

(d) A behavior change program approved by the individual, guardian, or representative shall also be approved by an area agency human rights committee pursuant to RSA 171-A:17, II(c) prior to implementation.

(e) A behavior change program shall be reviewed at least annually at the service agreement planning meeting.

Source. #13676, eff 6-24-23

He-M 310.12 Rights of Individuals in Agency Residence to Appeal Termination.

(a) A notice to vacate the residence provided in accordance with He-M 310.10 (c)(6) shall include the following:

(1) The specific reason(s) for the termination in accordance with He-M 310.10 (c)(4) or (c)(7)a. or c.;

(2) Notice of the resident’s right to appeal pursuant to He-C 200 within 5 business days, and the process for filing an appeal, including the contact information to initiate the appeal with the Administrative Appeals Unit;

(3) Notice of the resident’s right to remain in their residence pending appeal, when applicable, pursuant to (d) below;

(4) Notice of the right to have legal representation of the resident’s choosing at an appeal;

(5) Notice that the resident is responsible for the costs of legal representation; and

(6) Notice of organizations with their addresses and phone numbers that might be available to provide pro bono or reduced fee legal assistance and advocacy, including Disability Rights Center – NH.

(b) Appeals shall be forwarded to the department’s administrative appeals unit, which shall assign a presiding officer to conduct a hearing in accordance with He-C 200, within 10 calendar days of receipt of the appeal.

(c) The burden of proof shall be on the provider to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the termination was in accordance with He-M 310.10 (c)(4) or (c)(7).

(d) If a hearing is requested, the provider shall continue to provide residential services to the individual at their current residence until a decision is rendered by the administrative appeals unit, unless the reason for termination is the behavior of the resident posing a serious threat of bodily harm to the provider or others living in the residence, or substantial damage to the residence or property in accordance with He-M 310.10(c)(4).

(e) If a resident fails to appeal a notice within 5 business days of receipt of the notice required in (a) above, the resident loses their appeal rights and shall vacate the premises immediately.

(f) The hearings officer shall render a decision within 3 business days of the hearing.

(g) If the hearings officer finds that the provider met the burden of proof, the resident shall vacate the premises within 3 business days of the decision, unless the resident files a notice of intent to file a motion to reconsider with the administrative appeals unit within 3 business days of the hearings officer’s decision.

(h) If a resident files a motion to reconsider, the resident shall not be required to vacate the premises until a decision has been issued on a motion to reconsider. Additionally, if a resident does not prevail on a motion to reconsider and within 3 business days after receipt of the decision on the motion to reconsider files with the administrative appeals unit a notice of intent to appeal to the supreme court, the resident shall not be required to vacate the premises until a decision is rendered by the supreme court.

(i) In the event a resident does not file either a motion to reconsider or an appeal with the supreme court after filing an intent to do so, the resident shall vacate the premises within 3 business days of the expiration of the time period for filing such reconsideration or appeal.

Source. #13676, eff 6-24-23

PART He-M 311 RIGHTS OF PERSONS IN STATE MENTAL HEALTH FACILITIES

Statutory Authority: RSA 135-C:5, I, (b); C:13; C:16; C:18, C:58; C:61, V, VI & XI.

He-M 311.01 Purpose. The purpose of these rules is to define the rights of individuals receiving services in state mental health facilities which include New Hampshire hospital, Glencliff home, Hampstead hospital and residential treatment facility, and any receiving facility so designated by the commissioner pursuant to RSA 135-C:26.

Source. #4414, eff 4-27-88; ss by #5095, eff 3-15-91, EXPIRED: 3-15-97

New. #6759, eff 5-27-98; ss by #8641, INTERIM, eff
5-27-06, EXPIRES: 11-23-06; ss by #8758, eff 11-17-06; ss by #10707, INTERIM, eff 11-15-14, EXPIRES: 5-14-15; ss by #10820, eff 4-23-15; ss by #14033-B, eff 7-30-24

He-M 311.02 Definitions.

(a) “Abuse” means an act or omission by an employee, consultant, or volunteer of a mental health facility or designated receiving facility which is not accidental and harms or threatens to harm an individual’s physical, mental, or emotional health or safety and includes emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse.

(b) “Attorney” means a member of the New Hampshire Bar Association who is retained, employed, or appointed by a court to represent an individual.

(d) “Client” means “individual” as defined in (l) below.

(e) “Community residence” means a residence, exclusive of any independent living arrangement, that:

(1) Provides residential services in accordance with He-M 426 for at least one individual with a mental illness;

(2) Provides services based on the needs identified in a resident’s individual service plan (ISP);

(3) Is operated directly by a facility or by contract or agreement between a facility and another entity;

(4) Serves individuals whose services are funded by the department; and

(5) Is certified pursuant to He-M 1002.

(f) “Department” means the department of health and human services.

(g) “Direct care” means services provided to individuals including, but not limited to, assistance with medication, accompanying an individual to a treatment team or other clinical meeting, or providing ongoing direct and active support.

(h) “Emotional abuse” means the misuse of power, authority, or both, verbal harassment, or unreasonable confinement which results or could result in mental anguish or emotional distress of an individual.

(i) "Exploitation" means the use of an individual’s person or property for another's profit or advantage or breach of a fiduciary relationship through improper use of an individual’s person or property including situations where a person obtains money, property, or services from an individual through undue influence, harassment, deception, or fraud.

(j) "Facility" means New Hampshire hospital, Glencliff home, Hampstead hospital and residential treatment facility, and any receiving facility so designated by the commissioner pursuant to RSA 135-C:26.

(k) "Guardian" means a person appointed under RSA 463, or RSA 464-A, or who is a parent of an individual under the age of 18 whose parental rights have not been terminated or limited by law in such a way as to remove the person’s right to make health care decisions on behalf of the individual.

(l) "Individual" means a person who is receiving or applying for a service from a facility. The term includes “client.”

(m) "Informed decision" means “informed decision” as defined in RSA 135-C:2, IX namely, “a choice made by a client or person seeking to be admitted who has the ability to make such a choice and who makes it voluntarily after all relevant information necessary to making the decision has been provided, and who understands that he is free to choose or refuse any available alternative, and who clearly indicates or expresses his choice. The choice shall be free from all coercion.” The term also includes such decision of an individual, as defined in He-M 311.02(l) above, and the individual’s legal guardian, where appropriate, based on the same factors as an informed decision by an individual or person seeking to be admitted.

(n) "Mental illness" means “mental illness” as defined in RSA 135-C:2 X, namely, "a substantial impairment of emotional processes, or of the ability to exercise conscious control of one's actions, or of the ability to perceive reality or to reason, when the impairment is manifested by instances of extremely abnormal behavior or extremely faulty perceptions. It does not include impairment primarily caused by: (a) epilepsy; (b) intellectual disability; (c) continuous or noncontinuous periods of intoxication caused by substances such as alcohol or drugs; or (d) dependence upon or addiction to any substance such as alcohol or drugs."

(o) "Neglect" means “neglect” as defined in RSA 135-C:2, XI namely, “an act or omission which results or could result in the deprivation of essential services or supports necessary to maintain the minimum mental, emotional, or physical health and safety of an incapacitated adult”. The term also includes neglect toward an individual.

(p) “Physical abuse” means the use of physical force which results or could result in physical injury to an individual.

(q) "Program" means any public or private corporation, person, or organization which provides services to individuals with a mental illness or intellectual disability when such services are funded in whole or in part or are operated, monitored, or regulated by the bureau.

(r) "Service" means any evaluation, training, counseling, therapy, habilitation, case management, or other type of assistance, medical care, or treatment provided by a facility.

(s) "Service delivery system" means those facilities and programs funded, in whole or in part, operated, monitored, or regulated by the bureau.

(t) “Sexual abuse” means contact or interaction of a sexual nature between an individual and an employee of or a consultant or volunteer for a facility.

(u) “Treatment" means “treatment” as defined in RSA 135-C:2, XVI, namely, "examination, diagnosis, training, rehabilitation therapy, pharmaceuticals, and other services provided to clients in the mental health services system. Treatment shall not include examination or diagnosis for the purpose of determining the need for involuntary emergency admissions pursuant to RSA 135-C:27-33 or involuntary admissions pursuant to RSA 135-C:34-54.” The term includes treatment provided to individuals in the mental health system.

Source. #4414, eff 4-27-88; ss by #5095, eff 3-15-91, EXPIRED: 3-15-97

He-M 311.03 Notice of Individual and Applicant Rights.

(a) Facilities shall inform individuals or guardians of the individual’s rights under RSA 135-C and these rules in clearly understandable language and form, both verbally and in writing.

(b) The notification of rights required pursuant to (a) above shall include, at a minimum, the following measures:

(1) Individuals applying for services shall be informed of the rights in (a) above relating to evaluations and access to treatment;

(2) Facilities shall provide meaningful and understandable information about the rights described in (a) above to individuals who are minors or who have been adjudicated incapacitated as well as to their parents, guardians, or attorneys;

(3) Individuals shall be advised of their rights upon entry into any facility, upon change from one facility to another, and at least once a year after entry;

(4) Every facility within the service delivery system shall post a notice of the rights set forth in these rules, as follows:

a. The notice shall be posted continuously and conspicuously; and

b. The notice shall be presented in clearly understandable language and form;

(5) Each facility and community residence shall have on the premises complete copies of He-M 311 available for individual and staff review; and

(6) Individuals admitted to a receiving facility pursuant to RSA 135-C:27-33 shall be given immediate notice by the facility administrator or his/her designee in simple language he/she understands, and written notice within 12 hours, of the following rights:

a. To be represented by legal counsel;

b. To have legal counsel appointed for him or her if he or she is indigent;

c. To apply for admission on a voluntary basis;

d. To consult with legal counsel prior to a change in admission status;

e. That involuntary emergency admission shall not exceed a period of 10 days unless the period is extended pursuant to RSA 135-C:32; and

f. That no treatment shall be administered during involuntary emergency admission unless the individual makes an informed decision to consent to treatment, or unless a medical or psychiatric emergency exists in accordance with He-M 305.

(d) Any person shall have the right to complain or bring a grievance on behalf of an individual or a group of individuals pursuant to He-M 204.

Source. #4414, eff 4-27-88; ss by #5095, eff 3-15-91, EXPIRED: 3-15-97

New. #6759, eff 5-27-98; ss by #8641, INTERIM, eff
5-27-06, EXPIRES: 11-23-06; ss by #8758, eff 11-17-06; ss by #10707, INTERIM, eff 11-15-14, EXPIRES: 5-14-15; ss by #10820, eff 4-23-15

He-M 311.04 Fundamental Rights.

(a) Any individual receiving treatment for mental illness shall be entitled to any legal right to which all citizens are entitled regardless of that person's admission to the mental health services system.

(b) The legal rights protected shall include, at a minimum:

(2) The right to register to vote, if eligible, in public elections and to receive assistance in registering to vote and in voting;

a. The right to manage affairs;

b. The right to contract;

c. The right to hold professional, occupational, or motor vehicle driver's licenses;

d. The right to marry or to obtain a divorce;

e. The right to make a will; and

f. The right to exercise any other civil right;

(4) The right to not be discriminated against in any manner because of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or degree of disability as provided in state and federal laws, title VII of the civil rights act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000e et. seq.; section 504 of the rehabilitation act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. 791 et. seq.; the age discrimination act of 1975, 29 U.S.C. 621; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. 12101; and the provisions of certain block grants, including:

a. Access to auxiliary aids needed by persons with disabilities;

b. Services which are accessible to persons of limited English proficiency; and

c. Service locations that are physically accessible; and

(5) The right to legal remedies, including the right to petition for and receive the benefits of a writ of habeas corpus, and to seek any other remedy provided by law.

Source. #4414, eff 4-27-88; ss by #5095, eff 3-15-91, EXPIRED: 3-15-97

New. #6759, eff 5-27-98; ss by #8641, INTERIM, eff
5-27-06, EXPIRES: 11-23-06; ss by #8758, eff 11-17-06; ss by #10707, INTERIM, eff 11-15-14, EXPIRES: 5-14-15; ss by #10820, eff 4-23-15

He-M 311.05 Personal Rights.

(a) Individuals in the service delivery system shall be treated with dignity and respect at all times.

(b) Individuals shall be free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation including, at a minimum, the following:

(1) Freedom from any emotional, sexual, or physical abuse or neglect;

(2) Freedom from the intentional use of physical force, except the minimum force necessary to prevent harm to the individual or others, or to impose emergency treatment under He-M 305, personal safety emergencies; and

(3) Freedom from personal or financial exploitation.

(d) Individuals applying for services, or who are currently, or were previously in the service delivery system shall have the right to confidentiality of all information and records.

(e) At a minimum, facilities shall adhere to the following confidentiality requirements:

(1) Material safeguarded shall include any information with respect to an individual or through which an individual can be identified such as:

a. Names;

b. Addresses;

c. Diagnoses and evaluative data;

d. Medical and clinical records;

e. Individual service plans; and

f. Whether an individual is using or has used a facility’s services;

(2) Clinical information shall be released by the facility to a third-party payor in order to substantiate both need for and charges for care and treatment rendered to the individual by the facility;

(3) All staff shall be trained so as to know and understand confidentiality and shall comply with confidentiality statutes and rules;

(4) Separate, individual records shall be maintained when group treatment methods are employed and joint records of treatment activity shall not be maintained;

(5) These rules shall not affect the obligation of facilities to release information as required by:

a. RSA 161-F:42-57, protective services to adults;

b. RSA 169-C:29, report of child abuse;

c. RSA 631:6, report of injury caused by criminal act; or

d. Other law; and

(6) In accordance with RSA 329:26, RSA 330-A:32, RSA 329-B:26, and RSA 326-B:35, statements made by individuals to physicians licensed pursuant to RSA 329, psychologists licensed pursuant to RSA 329-B, persons licensed pursuant to RSA 330-A, advanced practice registered nurses licensed pursuant RSA 326-B, or to those who work under their supervision, may be disclosed for the purpose of commitment hearings.

(f) Audio or video recording shall only occur in areas where there is no expectation of privacy, such as entrances and exits, public areas, exterior areas, or common areas, which include but are not limited to corridors, stairways, elevators, day rooms, visiting rooms, dining rooms, classrooms, activity rooms, seclusion or restraint rooms, libraries, or gymnasiums.

(g) A facility recording pursuant to (f) above, shall:

(1) Post a notice of the use of audio or video surveillance, or both, at any public entrance to the facility; and

(2) Develop and follow a policy for audio or video monitoring and recording, or both, designed to maintain safety and provide for appropriate patient privacy in compliance with (f) above.

(h) A facility may photograph individuals upon admission and for the purpose of conducting investigations.

(i) New Hampshire hospital’s high security unit may record individuals via audio or video equipment, or both, as necessary to maintain safety for patients, staff, and visitors. The high security unit shall post a notice of the use of audio or video surveillance, or both, at all entrances to the unit.

(j) Access to records shall be as follows:

(1) Information pertaining to an individual shall be released to the individual or their guardian upon request including all information provided by third parties except that information which was provided by someone other than a health care provider under an agreement that the information would not be disclosed and disclosure would be reasonably likely to reveal the source of the information. When information is not released, the individual or their guardian shall be provided with a written denial stating the basis for the denial, a description of how a complaint may be filed, the name, title, and address of the contact person to receive the complaint, and the process for filing a complaint pursuant to 45 CFR 160.306;

(2) A clinical staff member shall be present at a record review if:

a. There is a reasonable concern that an individual will experience a harmful effect as a result of reviewing their record, or reasonable concern that the security of the record is at risk; and

b. The determination that (2)a. above applies has been made on a case by case basis and the reasons for the determination have been documented in writing;

(3) Information shall be released to any person or organization that has obtained the written consent of the individual or their guardian;

(4) Information shall be released to the department and funding, licensing, and accrediting agencies by facilities within the service delivery system as necessary for:

a. Determining eligibility for funding;

b. Assisting in accrediting or licensing decisions;

c. Monitoring and evaluating service delivery;

d. Assuring the delivery of appropriate services to individuals; and

e. Planning future service delivery;

(5) Facilities shall not include or release confidential information in an individual's record which pertains to other individuals;

(6) Facilities shall include within the records of an individual any supplemental information provided by the individual either clarifying or rebutting information deemed by the individual or their guardian to be inaccurate;

(7) An attorney appointed by a court to represent an individual shall have access to all records and information pertaining to that individual;

(8) Legal counsel for the department shall have access to all relevant records and information pertaining to an individual when such records and information are necessary because the individual:

a. Is the subject of an involuntary commitment hearing;

b. Is the subject of a guardianship proceeding; or

c. Has instituted legal action against the state in regard to care and treatment provided by the mental health service delivery system;

(9) In cases where an individual, their guardian, attorney, or other advocate who represents the individual requests copies of the record, the cost for electronic copies shall be charged at a reasonable rate not to exceed $50.00. The cost for paper copies shall not exceed $5 for the first page, $.41 per page for pages 2 through 50, and $.30 per page for pages 51 and higher. The individual, their guardian, attorney, or other advocate who represents the individual may choose whether to receive the record in paper form, or if available, in electronic form;

(10) Information regarding the medical treatment of an individual shall be released to law enforcement officials or health facility personnel if necessary to address an emergency situation involving danger to the individual's health or safety, but only specific information necessary to the relief of the emergency shall be released without the individual's consent;

(11) These rules shall not affect the obligation of providers such as physicians, psychologists, APRNs, and individuals supervised by such providers to make reasonable efforts to disclose to a third party or law enforcement when an individual has made a serious threat of physical violence against a clearly identified victim(s), or a serious threat of substantial damage to real property, pursuant to RSA 329:31, RSA 330-A:35, RSA 329-B:29, and RSA 326-B:33;

(12) In accordance with RSA 135-C:19-a, I, a facility shall disclose to a family member or other person, if such family member or other person lives with the individual or provides direct care to the individual, information regarding:

a. Diagnosis;

b. Admission to or discharge from a treatment facility;

c. Functional assessment;

d. The name of the medicine prescribed;

e. The side effects of any medication prescribed;

f. Behavioral or physical manifestations which would result from failure of the individual to take such prescribed medication;

g. Treatment plans and goals; and

h. Behavioral management strategies;

(13) Information shall not be released pursuant to (12) above unless the facility first:

a. Provides written notice to the individual or their guardian specifying the information requested, the reason for the request, and the person making the request;

b. Requests the individual or their guardian's consent to release the information; and

c. If consent cannot be obtained, the facility shall notify the individual in writing prior to the disclosure of:

1. The reason for the disclosure;

2. The name of the person(s) to whom the information will be released; and

3. The specific information which will be released;

(14) The facility shall receive or accept communications from family members, friends, or other persons with information pertaining to the health and safety of the individual, and shall document such communications in the individual’s record;

(15) In accordance with RSA 135-C:19-a, II, when the medical director or designee determines that obtaining information is essential to the care or treatment of an individual admitted pursuant to RSA 135-C:27-54, a designated receiving facility may request, and any health care provider which previously provided services to any individual involuntarily admitted to the facility shall provide, information about such individual limited to medications prescribed, known medication allergies or other information essential to the medical or psychiatric care of the individual admitted;

(16) Information shall not be released pursuant to (15) above unless the program first:

a. Provides written notice to the individual or their guardian specifying the information requested, the reason for the request, and the person making the request;

b. Requests the individual or their guardian's consent to release the information; and

c. If consent cannot be obtained, the individual shall be notified prior to disclosure in writing of:

1. The reason for the disclosure;

2. The name of the person(s) to whom the information will be released; and

3. The specific information which will be released;

(17) In accordance with RSA 135-C:19-a, II-a, when the medical director, or designee, determines that obtaining information is essential to the care and treatment of a individual admitted pursuant to RSA 135-C: 27-54 and the consent of the individual admitted cannot be obtained, the designated receiving facility may request and any community mental health program which has previously provided services to such individual shall immediately provide information about the individual including medications prescribed, known medication allergies, services provided and other information essential to the medical and psychiatric care of the individual admitted. The facility shall only disclose information necessary to identify the individual and the facility which is requesting the information; and

(18) In accordance with RSA 135-C:19-a, III, a community mental health program or state facility may disclose to an interdisciplinary committee designated by the governor to review child fatalities, information which is relevant to a case of suicide or traumatic fatal injury under review by such committee. Information to be disclosed pursuant to this subparagraph shall be limited to the diagnosis and course of treatment of the child or the person who caused the fatality. Information disclosed pursuant to this paragraph shall remain confidential and shall not be subject to discovery, subpoena, or admission into evidence in any judicial or administrative proceeding.

(k) Individuals shall have the right to complain about any alleged violation of a right afforded by these rules or by any state or federal law or rule or any other matter.

(l) Individuals shall have the right to freely and privately communicate with others, including:

(1) The right to send and receive unopened and uncensored written correspondence except that if there are reasonable grounds to believe that incoming mail contains items or substances which might be harmful to the individual or others, the facility shall direct reasonable examination of the mail in the presence of the individual or, wherever possible, permit the individual to open the mail in the presence of a staff person provided that the facility shall not read the mail but may regulate the disposition of the items or substances;

(2) The right to stationery, writing implements, and postage in reasonable amounts upon request and as determined by the facility;

(3) The right to have reasonable access to telephones, as determined by the facility, and to make and to receive reasonable numbers of telephone calls, as determined by the facility, except that facilities shall require an individual to reimburse them for the cost of any long distance calls made by the individual if the individual has the financial ability to do so;

(4) The right to receive and to refuse to receive visitors except that:

a. Facilities shall impose reasonable restrictions, as determined by the facility, on the number and time of visits as necessary to ensure effective provision of services; and

b. A parent, guardian, individual representative, or court-appointed attorney may visit without the consent of the individual except as provided in (5) below;

(5) The right to receive visits from any person unless the facility has documented that a visit with that particular person or visits in general present a serious likelihood of physical harm to the individual or other individuals in the facility;

(6) The right to opportunities for personal interaction in a private setting except that any conduct or activity which is illegal shall be prohibited; and

(7) The right to engage in social, recreational, and religious activities including the provision of regular opportunities for individuals to engage in such activities;

(m) Facilities may consider circumstances such as staffing, acuity of the milieu, and the particular patients’ situation when determining the number of visitors or number of telephone calls a patient makes or receives, as outlined in (l)(3) and (4) above.

(n) Individuals shall have the right to be free from searches of their persons and possessions except where reasonably necessary for the protection of the safety of the individual or others, to prevent the introduction of contraband, and as in (p) below.

(o) Facilities shall conduct searches of individuals or visitors according to the following:

(1) Searches conducted without the consent of the individual and without a warrant shall be performed only under the following circumstances:

a. A physician shall order that a search of an individual's person or possessions be made upon determination that a search is necessary to protect the safety of the individual or others based on reliable information that the individual possesses contraband;

b. The individual, nurse coordinator, and one other staff member shall be present during the search, except that, in an emergency, the individual need not be present;

c. A written inventory of the property searched shall be made and a copy of the inventory shall be documented in the individual's record;

d. At the time of the search the staff members conducting the search shall sign the inventory and the individual shall be asked to sign the inventory; and

e. The facility coordinator shall, within 24 hours of the search, forward a report of the search, together with the rationale for the search, to the unit director and superintendent;

(2) Facilities shall require a visitor, upon notice, to submit to a search prior to a visit or restrict visitors to a secure area, or both, when the facility reasonably believes, based upon reliable information, that the visitor may be introducing contraband such as drugs, weapons, toxic substances, explosives, and instruments of escape; and

(3) Facilities which have individuals committed through the criminal justice system shall subject visitors to a search by electronic means as necessary to prevent the introduction of contraband such as weapons, toxic substances, explosives, and instruments of escape into the facility provided that the facility has the means to conduct electronic searches.

(p) Individuals shall have the right to individual choice including, at a minimum, the following:

(1) The right to keep and wear their own clothes except:

a. Where necessary to prevent the individual from causing harm to themselves; and

b. Where the need for such restriction is documented in the individual's record;

(2) The right to keep personal possessions not otherwise prohibited by law or facility policy in accordance with He-M 311.05(o) and the right to reasonable space for personal possessions, as determined by the facility based on facility space and design;

(3) The right to keep and to read materials of their own choosing; and

(4) The right to keep and spend their own money unless a medical determination of incapacity to handle funds has been approved by the state or federal agency which administers those funds except that reasonable limits shall be imposed on the amount of money kept by individuals on their persons or in their rooms in order to prevent the individuals from causing harm to themselves or to prevent theft.

(q) Individuals shall have the right not to work and to be compensated for any work performed, except that:

(1) Individuals shall be required to perform personal housekeeping tasks within the individuals’ own immediate living areas and equitably shared housekeeping tasks within the common areas of the community residence, without compensation, unless the facility determines that it would be clinically or medically contraindicated or inappropriate to require an individual to perform such tasks; and

(2) Individuals may have the option to perform pre-vocational or vocational learning tasks or work required for the operation or maintenance of a community residence if:

a. The work is consistent with their individual service plans; and

b. The individuals are compensated for work performed according to laws, rules, and regulations set by the state and federal governments.

Source. #4414, eff 4-27-88; ss by #5095, eff 3-15-91; amd by #6220, eff 4-13-96, EXPIRES: 12-31-98; ss by #6759, eff
5-27-98; ss by #8641, INTERIM, eff 5-27-06, EXPIRES:
11-23-06; ss by #8758, eff 11-17-06; ss by #10707, INTERIM, eff 11-15-14, EXPIRES: 5-14-15; ss by #10820, eff 4-23-15; ss by #14229, eff 4-2-25

He-M 311.06 Treatment Rights.

(a) Individuals shall have the right to adequate and humane treatment, including:

(1) The right to access to treatment including:

a. For those applying for services the right to evaluation to determine the individual ’s need for services and to determine which programs are most suited to provide the services needed;

b. The right to receive necessary services subject to the admission and eligibility policies and standards of each facility; and

c. The right to receive services without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, type or severity of disability, sexual orientation or inability to pay except in accordance with He-M 311.07;

(2) The right to quality treatment including:

a. Treatment and services provided in accordance with licensing requirements and applicable rules adopted by the department in He-M 200-1300 and applicable rules of other state agencies; and

b. Services provided in keeping with generally accepted clinical and professional standards applicable to the persons and facilities providing the treatment and to the conditions for which the individual is being treated;

(3) The right to receive all services or treatment in accordance with the time frame set forth in the individual’s individual service plan;

(4) The right to quality treatment such that where state rules adopted pursuant to RSA 541-A do not set a different requirement, the quality of services and treatment at New Hampshire Hospital shall be in accordance with “The Joint Commission Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Hospitals” (January 2015) published by Joint Commission Resources, Inc. One Renaissance Boulevard, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181;

(5) The right to an individual service plan developed, reviewed and revised in accordance with RSA 135-C:19 and “The Joint Commission Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Hospitals” (January 2015) published by Joint Commission Resources, Inc. One Renaissance Boulevard, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181;

(6) The right to receive service and treatment in the least restrictive alternative or environment necessary to achieve the intended purpose of treatment including services and treatment which least restrict freedom of movement, informed decision-making, and participation in the community while providing the level of security and support needed by the individual;

(7) The right to be served in the least restrictive program or facility and also the least restrictive setting within a program or facility, except that a facility may restrict access by individuals to various areas as necessary to:

a. Ensure the privacy or safety of the individuals;

b. Achieve other necessary objectives contained in the individual service plan; or

c. Comply with provisions of law and orders of court;

(8) The right to be informed of all significant risks, benefits, side effects, and alternative treatments and services and to give consent to any treatment, placement, or referral following an informed decision, except actions taken under He-M 305 or otherwise permitted by law, such that:

a. Whenever it is possible, the consent shall be given in writing; and

b. In all other cases, evidence of consent shall be documented by the facility and be witnessed by at least one person;

(9) The right to refuse to participate in any form of experimental treatment or in any research;

(10) The right to be fully informed of one's own diagnosis and prognosis;

(11) The right to voluntary placements and to seek changes in placement, services, or treatment except that:

a. Placements shall not be voluntary if RSA 135-C:27-48 or 135-C:51 apply; and

b. Withdrawal shall be restricted as provided in RSA 135-C:17;

(12) The right to services which promote independence including services which shall be directed toward:

a. Eliminating, or reducing as much as possible, the individuals' needs for continued services and treatment; and

b. Promoting the ability of the individuals to function at their highest capacity and as independently as possible;

(13) The right to prompt medical care and treatment as the person's condition requires;

(14) The right to consultation and second opinion including:

a. At the individual's own expense, the consultative services of:

1. Private physicians;

2. Psychologists;

3. Dentists; and

4. Other health practitioners; and

b. Granting to such health practitioners of reasonable access to their individuals in facilities; and

c. Allowing such health practitioners to make recommendations to facilities regarding the services and treatment provided by the facilities;

(15) The right, upon request, to have one or more of the following present at any treatment meeting requiring the individual’s participation and informed decision-making:

a. Guardian;

b. Representative;

c. Attorney;

d. Family member;

e. Friend;

f. Advocate;

g. Consultant; or

h. Peer;

(16) The right to refuse medication and treatment except emergency treatment under the terms and conditions provided in He-M 305, He-M 306 and RSA 135:21-b;

(17) The right to freedom from restraint including the right to be free from seclusion and physical, mechanical or pharmacological restraint except that:

a. Such means of seclusion and restraint may be used as part of a service plan to which the individual or individual’s guardian, if any, has consented having made an informed decision to do so; and

b. Physical restraint may also be used as a form of emergency treatment following the requirements of He-M 305, personal safety emergencies;

(18) If the individual meets the definition of a “child” in RSA 126-U:1, I, the right to freedom from restraint and seclusion, as defined in RSA 126-U:1, IV and V-a, respectively, except as allowed by RSA 126 U; and

(19) The right to a safe, sanitary and humane living environment.

(b) These rules shall not require any medical or behavioral health care professional to administer treatment contrary to such professional's clinical judgment.

(d) The following provisions shall apply to individuals for whom a guardian has been appointed by a court of competent jurisdiction:

(1) The facility shall ensure that the guardian and all persons involved in the provision of services are made aware of the individual’s needs, views, preferences and aspirations;

(2) The facility shall comply with decisions made by the guardian or representative within the legitimate scope of his or her authority;

(3) The facility shall request a copy of the guardianship order from the guardian and keep the order in the individual’s record at the facility;

(4) If any issues arise relative to the provision of services and supports which are outside the scope of the guardian’s decision-making authority as set forth in the guardianship order, the individual’s choice and preference relative to those issues shall prevail unless the guardian’s authority is expanded by the court to include those issues;

(5) A facility shall take such steps as are necessary to prevent a guardian from exceeding the decision-making authority granted by the court or acting in a manner that does not further the best interests of the individual, including:

a. Reviewing with the guardian the limits on his or her decision-making authority; and

b. If necessary, bringing the matter to the attention of the court that appointed the guardian; and

(6) In the event that there is a dispute between the facility and the guardian, the facility shall inform the guardian of his or her right to take either or both of the following actions:

a. Appeal the matter pursuant to He-M 204 and He-C 200; or

b. Bring the dispute to the attention of the probate court that appointed the guardian.

Source. #4414, eff 4-27-88; ss by #5095, eff 3-15-91, EXPIRED: 3-15-97

New. #6759, eff 5-27-98; ss by #8641, INTERIM, eff
5-27-06, EXPIRES: 11-23-06; ss by #8758, eff 11-17-06; ss by #10707, INTERIM, eff 11-15-14, EXPIRES: 5-14-15; ss by #10820, eff 4-23-15

He-M 311.07 Termination of Services.

(a) All individuals shall be provided with reasonable notice before services are terminated.

(b) A termination notice shall:

(1) Be in writing;

(2) Contain the reasons for, and the effective date of, the termination; and

(3) Explain that the individual has the right to appeal the termination in accordance with He-M 204.

(d) Services shall be terminated:

(1) When termination is in the best interests of the individual;

(2) When the individual cannot benefit from the service;

(3) If the individual endangers or threatens to endanger other individuals s or staff;

(4) If the individual or his or her guardian refuses to pay for the services that he or she is receiving despite having the financial resources to do so; or

(5) If the individual or his or her guardian refuses to apply for benefits that could cover the cost of the services that he or she is receiving despite the fact that the individual is or might be eligible for such benefits.

(e) A facility shall offer, when feasible, alternative, appropriate treatment or services before terminating an individual.

Source. #4414, eff 4-27-88; ss by #5095, eff 3-15-91, EXPIRED: 3-15-97

New. #6759, eff 5-27-98; ss by #8641, INTERIM, eff
5-27-06, EXPIRES: 11-23-06; ss by #8758, eff 11-17-06; ss by #10707, INTERIM, eff 11-15-14, EXPIRES: 5-14-15; ss by #10820, eff 4-23-15

PARTS He-M 312-313 - RESERVED

PART He-M 314 Rights of Persons Using Emergency Shelters

Statutory Authority: RSA 126-A:31

He-M 314.01 Purpose. The purpose of these rules is to define the rights of persons requesting or receiving emergency shelter or shelter services from shelter providers that receive funding from the State of New Hampshire and to establish the responsibilities of shelter providers relative to such rights.

Source. #7405, eff 11-21-00; ss by #9328, eff 11-22-08; ss by #12056, INTERIM, eff 11-22-16, EXPIRED: 5-21-17

He-M 314.02 Definitions. The words and phrases used in this chapter shall have the following meanings:

(a) “Emergency shelter” means any facility, the primary purpose of which is to provide temporary shelter for homeless individuals or families. The term “emergency shelter” does not include transitional housing designed to provide housing as well as educational or rehabilitative programs and services for a person or family for at least 6 consecutive months.

(b) “Guest” means a homeless person who is receiving shelter services from an emergency shelter.

(1) An individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence; or

(2) An individual or family who has a primary nighttime residence that is:

a. A supervised publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations, including:

1. Welfare hotels; and

2. Congregate shelters;

b. An institution other than a penal facility that provides temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized; or

c. A public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.

(d) “Shelter services” means:

(1) Provision of the following:

a. Adequate bedding and mattress;

b. Basic food at no cost to the guest;

c. Soap and hot water for personal hygiene; and

d. First aid; and

(2) Additional services the shelter elects to provide, including:

a. Assistance in obtaining permanent housing;

b. Medical and psychological counseling and supervision;

c. Employment counseling;

d. Nutritional counseling;

e. Substance abuse intervention, treatment and counseling;

f. Assistance in obtaining other federal, state, and local assistance; and

g. Other services related to obtaining self-sufficiency such as:

1. Child care;

2. Transportation;

3. Job placement; and

4. Job training.

(e) “Specialized facility” means an emergency shelter designed solely to serve the needs of homeless members of an identifiable group including:

(1) Victims of domestic violence;

(2) Persons with mental illness;

(3) Families with children;

(4) Persons with substance abuse problems; and

(5) Other groups of homeless people with similar therapeutic, rehabilitative, or programmatic needs.

Source. #7405, eff 11-21-00; ss by #9328, eff 11-22-08; ss by #12056, INTERIM, eff 11-22-16, EXPIRED: 5-21-17

He-M 314.03 Notice of Rights.

(a) In clearly understandable language, each emergency shelter shall provide persons entering the shelter with a verbal summary of their rights and responsibilities pursuant to He-M 314, notification of how to access the shelter’s grievance procedures, and, upon request, a written copy of the grievance procedures.

(b) A notice of rights and any house rules shall be permanently posted in a public area of the shelter and be presented in clearly understandable language and form.

(c) Each emergency shelter shall have on the premises complete copies of rules pertaining to guest rights that are available for guest review including, at a minimum, He-M 204, He-M 314, and He-C 200.

Source. #7405, eff 11-21-00; ss by #9328, eff 11-22-08; ss by #12056, INTERIM, eff 11-22-16, EXPIRED: 5-21-17

He-M 314.04 Fundamental Rights.

(a) No emergency shelter shall deprive a guest receiving emergency shelter services in New Hampshire of any legal right to which all citizens of the state and the United States are entitled.

(b) The legal rights protected shall include, at a minimum:

(1) The right of freedom of religion and religious preference, including the right to be free from engaging in any religious activity or practice; and

(2) The right to not be discriminated against in any manner because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, or physical or mental disability, as provided in RSA 354-A:17, title VII of the civil rights act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000e et. seq.; section 504 of the rehabilitation act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. 791 et. seq.; the age discrimination act of 1975, 29 U.S.C. 621; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. 12101, and the Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. Sec. 3601.

Source. #7405, eff 11-21-00; ss by #9328, eff 11-22-08; ss by #12056, INTERIM, eff 11-22-16, EXPIRED: 5-21-17

He-M 314.05 Personal Rights.

(a) Persons who are requesting or receiving emergency shelter services shall be treated by emergency shelter staff and volunteers with dignity and respect regardless of the circumstances which brought them to the shelter.

(b) Staff and volunteers of an emergency shelter shall not abuse, neglect or exploit guests.

(c) Guests shall have the right to have information in their records treated as confidential and disclosed by staff to third parties only as permitted by the guest, required by law, or allowed in accordance with (e) below.

(d) Any provisions of He-M 314 that conflict with RSA 173-C:1 shall not apply.

(e) A shelter employee may disclose:

(1) To law enforcement personnel that information necessary to report a crime committed at the shelter; and

(2) To an employee of another shelter:

a. The fact that a guest committed a violent act or threats of violence within the last 30 days while on shelter premises; and

b. The circumstances of such acts or threats.

(f) Guests shall have the right to privacy including the following:

(1) The right to courtesies such as knocking on closed doors before entering;

(2) The right to send and receive unopened and uncensored correspondence;

(3) The right to have reasonable access to a telephone with such privacy as shelter arrangements allow, provided that:

a. Guests may be required to pay for long distance calls; and

b. Calls shall only be made for the following reasons:

1. Searching for a job;

2. Making medical appointments;

3. Searching for housing; or

4. Other similar matters related to the affairs of the resident; and

(4) The right to be free from searches of their persons and possessions, except that:

a. Searches shall be conducted only in accordance with applicable constitutional and legal standards;

b. Guests may be subjected to routine screening or scanning for detection of concealed weapons upon entering the shelter; and

c. The policies and practices regarding such searches shall be uniformly applied to all guests.

(g) No emergency shelter shall exclude guests for any part of the day, from October 1 through April 30, unless reasonable arrangements are made for guests to use an alternative indoor site which is available for guests’ use while the shelter is closed. From May 1 through September 30, guests shall not be excluded during severe weather without an adequate indoor alternative.

Source. #7405, eff 11-21-001; ss by #9328, eff 11-22-08; ss by #12056, INTERIM, eff 11-22-16, EXPIRED: 5-21-17

He-M 314.06 Admission.

(a) No person, regardless of previous place of residence, shall be denied admission to an emergency shelter if beds or rooms are available, except as detailed in He-M 314.07 below.

(b) No person shall be denied emergency shelter because he or she does not have a valid state driver’s license, non-driver ID, or other form of government-issued identification.

(c) An emergency shelter shall have the ability to approve admission of persons at least 18 hours per day and 7 days per week. A shelter may defer entry to the facility until the facility opens for the night except as provided in He-M 314.05(g).

(d) A shelter shall, at a minimum, admit a person to an available bed during the shelter’s posted evening hours. A shelter shall admit a person at other hours if staff resources permit.

(e) No person seeking admission to an emergency shelter shall be denied access for lack of funds to pay for shelter nor be required to receive approval of a third party payor or intermediary.

(f) Shelters may establish a sliding fee scale for admission to the shelter, provided that the fee scale includes the provision of shelter services at no cost to guests who are currently unemployed and lack other means of financial support.

(g) At the time of admission, shelters shall advise guests of the daily fee, if any, the guest will be charged.

(h) Shelter fees paid by guests shall:

(1) Be structured so as not to inhibit transition into permanent housing; and

(2) Not exceed 30% of a guest’s net income.

Source. #7405, eff 11-21-00; ss by #9328, eff 11-22-08; ss by #12056, INTERIM, eff 11-22-16, EXPIRED: 5-21-17

He-M 314.07 Denial of Admission and Termination of Service.

(a) A request for admission to a shelter shall be denied if the person requesting services poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others in the shelter and the shelter is unable to provide a reasonable accommodation which would eliminate the risk of direct threat. When a person is denied admission on this basis, the shelter may contact the local police department.

(b) A request for admission to a shelter shall be denied if the shelter lacks space to house the person.

(c) A request for admission to a shelter may be denied if the shelter is a specialized facility and the person seeking shelter is not a member of the special population for which the shelter is designed.

(d) For any person who is denied admission to a shelter, the shelter shall:

(1) Inform the person of the reasons for the denial;

(2) Make every effort to locate alternate emergency shelter; and

(3) Inform the person of the shelter’s grievance procedures if the denial is for any reason other than lack of space or failure to meet the shelter’s admission criteria.

(e) An emergency shelter may require a guest to leave the shelter under the following circumstances:

(1) The guest engages in behavior which poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others in the shelter;

(2) The guest engages in behavior which poses a direct threat to his or her own health or safety;

(3) The guest steals or destroys the property of the shelter or other guests, provided that if the guest denies such allegations he or she shall not be required to leave unless:

a. The guest is arrested by the police; or

b. Following an investigation by a shelter staff member, pursuant to (h) below, the staff member conducting the investigation finds the allegation to be true; or

(4) The shelter director or person in charge of the shelter at the time of the incident has reason to believe that the guest, while on the premises, is engaging in behavior that substantially interferes with the use and enjoyment of the premises by other guests.

(f) A shelter shall maintain a log of all guests required to leave the shelter and the reasons therefor. The information contained in the log shall be forwarded to the bureau of homeless and housing services upon request.

(g) Whenever a guest is required to leave a shelter pursuant to (e) above, the shelter shall:

(1) Provide the guest written documentation of the reason for being required to leave the shelter and the time frame during which the guest cannot return to the shelter; and

(2) No later than 24 hours after the guest is excluded, create a written record which contains the following information:

a. A full description of the guest’s behavior that resulted in his or her being required to leave the shelter;

b. The names of the persons who were adversely affected by the behavior; and

c. The signature of the staff member who witnessed the behavior or conducted the investigation.

(h) If the circumstances that result in a guest being required to leave a shelter are not witnessed by a staff member, the incident shall be investigated by a staff member. Shelter staff shall document in the written record required in (g) above that the matter was investigated by a staff member and identify who performed the investigation.

(i) No guest shall be required to leave a shelter based upon the application of a limit on the length of time that a guest is allowed to remain in residence.

Source. #7405, eff 11-21-00; ss by #9328, eff 11-22-08; ss by #12056, INTERIM, eff 11-22-16, EXPIRED: 5-21-17

He-M 314.08 House Rules.

(a) Emergency shelters shall adopt house rules determined by the shelter to be necessary for the safe and effective operation of the shelter provided that such rules do not conflict with He-M 314 or state or federal law. Whenever house rules are developed or revised, representative guests and former guests shall be asked for input. A shelter may develop sanctions for rules violations, except that sanctions shall not include withholding food or medical attention.

(b) House rules shall clearly state those rule infractions that could result in a guest being required to leave the shelter and the corresponding time frames during which a guest cannot return to a shelter. These rules shall be based on the categories described in He-M 314.07(e).

(1) Posted in a public area; and

(2) Reviewed by staff with each guest upon admission. A copy of the rules shall be signed by a staff person and the guest to indicate that they were reviewed and be kept in each guest’s file.

(d) Any house rules or revisions of house rules, including any sanctions, shall be forwarded to the bureau of homeless and housing services for review and approval prior to implementation. House rules that the bureau of homeless and housing services determines to be in conflict with He-M 314.08(a) and (b) shall not be implemented.

Source. #7405, eff 11-21-00; ss by #9328, eff 11-22-08; ss by #12056, INTERIM, eff 11-22-16, EXPIRED: 5-21-17

He-M 314.09 Grievance Procedures.

(a) Each shelter shall establish written grievance procedures by which a guest’s complaints are addressed.

(b) A shelter shall provide a guest who files a grievance the opportunity to have someone assist him or her in filing the grievance. If the guest cannot obtain assistance, the shelter staff, upon the guest’s request, shall attempt to obtain assistance for such guest from New Hampshire Legal Assistance or the Legal Advice and Referral Center (LARC).

(c) Each shelter shall establish written investigation procedures for allegations that a guest’s rights as stated in He-M 314.04 through 314.06 have been violated by shelter staff or volunteers.

(d) The investigation of a guest’s grievance shall not be conducted by any person who participated in the action or decision that is the subject of the grievance.

(e) Following completion of the investigation, the shelter shall:

(1) Issue a written decision to the complainant setting forth the disposition of the grievance;

(2) Include information on how the guest can appeal the decision in accordance with He-M 204; and

(3) Forward a copy of the decision to the bureau of homeless and housing services.

(f) A guest may appeal the finding and proposed resolution to his or her grievance to the department in accordance with He-M 204, rights protection procedures, and He-C 200, rules of practice and procedure.

(g) Each shelter shall forward its grievance procedures and any proposed revisions to its grievance procedures to the bureau of homeless and housing services for review and approval, prior to implementation. Grievance procedures that the bureau of homeless and housing services determines to be in conflict with He-M 314.09 shall not be implemented.

Source. #7405, eff 11-21-00; ss by #9328, eff 11-22-08; ss by #12056, INTERIM, eff 11-22-16, EXPIRED: 5-21-17

PART He-M 315 RIGHTS OF PERSONS RECEIVING PEER SUPPORT SERVICES

Statutory Authority: RSA 126-N:4

He-M 315.01 Purpose. The purpose of this part is to define the rights of members and participants who are receiving peer support services from providers that receive funding from the State of New Hampshire and to establish the responsibilities of peer support agencies (PSA) relative to such rights.

Source. #8445, eff 10-6-05, EXPIRED: 10-6-13

New. #12191, eff 5-26-17

He-M 315.02 Applicability. Nothing in this part shall affect issues between members or participants of a PSA that do not arise out of the operations of the PSA.

Source. #8445, eff 10-6-05, EXPIRED: 10-6-13

New. #12191, eff 5-26-17

He-M 315.03 Definitions.

(a) “Abuse” means an act or omission by an employee, consultant, or volunteer of a PSA which is not accidental and harms or threatens to harm a member’s or participant’s physical, mental or emotional health or safety and includes emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse.

(b) “Culturally competent” means having attained the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to provide effective supports, services, education, and technical assistance to populations in the geographic area served by the agency.

(d) “Discrimination” means an action or a failure to act that has the effect of excluding a consumer from participation, subjecting a member to unequal treatment, or harassing a member because of and on the basis of:

(1) Race;

(2) Color;

(3) Sex;

(4) Sexual orientation;

(5) Marital status;

(6) Religion;

(7) National origin;

(8) Age;

(9) Disability;

(10) Socio-economic class;

(11) Political ideology;

(12) Veterans status; or

(13) Gender identity.

(e) “Emotional abuse” means:

(1) The misuse of power, authority, or both;

(2) Verbal harassment; or

(3) Unreasonable confinement that results or could result in mental anguish or emotional distress of a member.

(f) “Exploitation” means the use of a member’s or participant’s person or property for another’s profit or advantage or breach of a fiduciary relationship through improper use of a member’s person or property including situations where a person obtains money, property. or services from a member or participant through undue influence, harassment, deception, or fraud.

(g) “Guest” means any person who is invited to visit the PSA by a member, a participant, or the PSA.

(h) “Member” means any peer, who has made an informed decision to join, and agrees to support the goals, objectives, rights, and responsibilities of, the PSA.

(i) “Neglect” means an act or omission which results or could result in the deprivation of essential services necessary to maintain the minimum mental, emotional, or physical health of a member or participant.

(j) “Participant” means a peer, whether or not he or she is a member, who participates in any aspect of the PSA.

(k) “Peer” means any individual, 18 years of age or older, who self identifies as having lived experience as a former recipient, or as at significant risk of becoming a recipient of publicly funded mental health services.

(l) “Peer support agency (PSA)” means an organization whose primary purpose is to provide culturally competent peer support to peers 18 years of age or older.

(m) “Physical abuse” means the use of physical force which results or could result in physical injury to a member or participant.

Source. #8445, eff 10-6-05, EXPIRED: 10-6-13

New. #12191, eff 5-26-17

He-M 315.04 Membership.

(a) All peers shall be granted access to services provided by a PSA except as provided in He-M 315.08.

(b) All peers seeking membership in a PSA shall be granted membership at no charge.

(c) Membership meetings shall be convened for the purpose of seeking membership input and feedback into planning and delivery of services.

(d) Board of director meetings shall be open to members except upon majority vote to enter an executive session limited to board members.

Source. #8445, eff 10-6-05, EXPIRED: 10-6-13

New. #12191, eff 5-26-17

He-M 315.05 Notice of Rights.

(a) Each PSA shall provide members and participants with a verbal and written summary, in clearly understandable language and form, of their rights and responsibilities pursuant to He-M 315 and notification of the complaint procedures.

(b) A notice including member and participant personal and fundamental rights, membership rules, and reasons for suspension of membership or participation, pursuant to He-M 315 shall be permanently posted in a public area and be presented in clearly understandable language and form.

(1) Member and participant rights;

(2) Member and participant rules;

(3) Complaint procedures; and

(4) Appeal procedures.

Source. #8445, eff 10-6-05, EXPIRED: 10-6-13

New. #12191, eff 5-26-17

He-M 315.06 Fundamental Rights.

(a) No PSA shall deprive a member or participant of any legal right to which all citizens of New Hampshire and the United States are entitled.

(b) The legal rights protected shall include:

(1) The right of freedom of religion and religious preference, including the right to be free from engaging in any religious activity or practice; and

(2) The right not to be discriminated against in any manner as defined 315.03 (c)

Source. #8445, eff 10-6-05, EXPIRED: 10-6-13

New. #12191, eff 5-26-17

He-M 315.07 Personal Rights.

(a) Persons receiving services from a PSA shall have the right to be treated by PSA staff, volunteers, and consultants with dignity and respect at all times.

(b) Staff, volunteers, and consultants of a PSA shall not abuse, neglect, or exploit agency members or participants.

(d) A PSA shall maintain the confidentiality of membership records except as in (e) below.

(e) A PSA may disclose to law enforcement personnel that information necessary to report a crime committed at the agency.

(f) The PSA shall disclose the information specified in (e) above:

(1) To the department of health and human services;

(2) When required to report abuse or neglect of a child pursuant to RSA 169-C;

(3) When required to report abuse, neglect or exploitation of an adult pursuant to RSA 161-F; and

(4) As otherwise required by law.

(g) Members and participants of a PSA shall have the right to privacy including the following:

(1) The right to courtesies such as knocking on closed doors before entering; and

(2) The right to have reasonable access to a telephone and a computer, if one is available for use, with such privacy as agency facilities allow, provided that members and participants may be required to pay for long distance calls.

Source. #8445, eff 10-6-05, EXPIRED: 10-6-13

New. #12191, eff 5-26-17

He-M 315.08 Suspension of Membership or Participation.

(a) A PSA shall suspend a member or participant for the day and require him or her to immediately leave the agency premises under the following circumstances:

(1) The member or participant engages in behavior that poses an imminent risk of harm to the health and safety of others in the agency;

(2) The member or participant engages in behavior which poses an imminent risk of harm to his or her own health or safety; or

(3) The member or participant is verbally abusive of others in the agency.

(b) A PSA may suspend a member or participant for up to 12 months under the following circumstances:

(1) The member or participant steals or destroys the property of the PSA or any person while on the premises of the PSA;

(2) The member or participant engages in behavior that substantially interferes with the use and enjoyment of the premises by others; or

(3) The member or participant violates a rule of the PSA for which the rules of the PSA impose such a suspension.

(c) If the member or participant denies allegations made pursuant to a suspension and files a complaint pursuant to He-M 315.10, a proposed suspension under He-M 315 shall not be effective unless:

(1) The member or participant is arrested by the police; or

(2) The allegation is founded following a review pursuant to the PSA’s internal complaint procedures.

(d) Whenever a member or participant is directed to leave a PSA pursuant to He-M 315, the agency shall, no later than 24 hours after the person is excluded, create a written record which contains the following information:

(1) A full description of the member’s or participant’s behavior that resulted in him or her being directed to leave the PSA; and

(2) The PSA shall make good faith effort to obtain the signature(s) of the individual(s) who witnessed the behavior.

(e) Any member or participant suspended from services available on-site at a PSA shall be eligible for off-site services offered by the PSA, such as warm-line services, provided that he or she agrees to comply with all rules of the PSA.

(f) Any member or participant suspended from services available off-site shall be eligible for on-site services offered by the PSA, provided that he or she agrees to comply with all rules of the PSA.

(g) Providers shall ensure that all guests follow the same rules as members and participants, and shall ask guests to leave the premises of the PSA if they refuse to comply.

(h) Any member or participant suspended pursuant to He-M 315 for a period of more than 5 days shall be reinstated following the suspension period at such time as a reentry plan developed by the member or participant which addresses the circumstances that led to the suspension is accepted by the PSA director or his or her designee.

(i) Any member or participant subject to suspension may exercise his or her rights as provided in He-M 315.

Source. #8445, eff 10-6-05, EXPIRED: 10-6-13

New. #12191, eff 5-26-17

He-M 315.09 Member and Participant Rules.

(a) A PSA shall adopt rules for members and participants as determined by the board of directors to be necessary for the safe and effective operation of the PSA provided that such rules do not conflict with state or federal law or rule.

(b) When PSA rules are developed or revised, staff shall solicit comments from members.

(c) A PSA shall grant members the right to vote on PSA business at member meetings and vote at annual meetings to elect a board of directors.

(d) A PSA may develop sanctions for rules violation. Sanctions shall not include permanent expulsion.

(e) Each PSA shall have rules that address:

(1) Use of telephone, fax, computers and other PSA resources available for use by members and participants;

(2) Substance use on agency property by members and participants;

(3) Code of conduct of members and participants;

(4) Suspension and reentry procedures;

(5) Privacy and confidentiality; and

(6) Criminal activity.

(f) PSA rules shall be posted in a public area and reviewed by staff with each member at the time the member joins.

(g) Any PSA rules or revisions of those rules, including any sanctions, shall be forwarded to the department for review 30 days prior to adoption by the board. PSA rules that conflict with state or federal law or rule, shall not be adopted.

Source. #8445, eff 10-6-05, EXPIRED: 10-6-13

New. #12191, eff 5-26-17

He-M 315.10 Complaint Procedures.

(a) Every member, participant, and applicant for membership shall have the right to file a complaint, which may be made either orally or in writing. A complainant may request to keep his or her identity confidential throughout the complaint process. If the complainant requests to have his or her identity kept confidential, he or she shall be notified that it may interfere with the investigation, the resolution of the complaint, or both.

(b) Each PSA shall establish complaint procedures that include:

(1) Informal means by which a member’s or participant’s complaints can be addressed;

(2) A formal process to investigate allegations that a member’s or participant’s rights have been violated by agency staff, volunteers, consultants, or peers; and

(3) An immediate review by the PSA director or his or her designee when a member or participant is suspended.

(d) A PSA shall provide a member or participant who files a complaint the opportunity to have someone assist him or her in presenting the complaint. If the member or participant cannot obtain assistance, the agency staff, upon the member’s or participant’s request, shall attempt to obtain assistance for such person from available advocacy services.

(e) The investigation of a member’s or participant’s complaint shall not be conducted by any person who participated in the action or decision that is the subject of the grievance.

(f) Following completion of a formal investigation, the board of directors of the PSA shall issue a written decision to the member or participant within 20 business days setting forth the disposition of the complaint. The PSA shall immediately forward a copy of the decision to the office of client and legal services (OCLS).

(g) A member or participant may appeal the finding and proposed resolution to his or her complaint in accordance with He-M 202, rights protection procedures, and He-C 200, rules of practice and procedure.

(h) He-M 315, He-M 402, He-M 202, and He-C 200 shall be available at every PSA in a public location for review.

(i) Each PSA shall forward its complaint procedure and any proposed revisions to the complaint procedure to the OCLS for review and consultation 30 days prior to implementation. PSA procedures that conflict with He-M 315, as determined by the OLCS shall not be implemented.

Source. #8445, eff 10-6-05, EXPIRED: 10-6-13

New. #12191, eff 5-26-17

PART He-M 316 COMMITTEE FOR THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS

Statutory Authority: RSA 171-A:19-a, IX; RSA 171-A:19-b.

He-M 316.01 Purpose. The purpose of this rule is to establish fees in order to offset departmental costs of providing assistance to the committee for the protection of human subjects (CPHS).

Source. #9588, eff 11-4-09; ss by #12408, INTERIM, eff 10-24-17, EXPIRES: 4-22-18

He-M 316.02 Definitions.

(a) “Committee for the protection of human subjects (CPHS, committee)” means a department-sponsored institutional review board (IRB) charged with overseeing all research projects involving human subjects that are conducted in institutions and community programs funded in whole or in part by the bureau of behavioral health (BBH), the bureau of developmental services (BDS), or the bureau of drug and alcohol services (BDAS) of the New Hampshire department of health and human services.

(b) “Continuing review” means an annual review of the progress of the research.

(d) “Expedited review” means a review carried out by the CPHS chairperson or by one of more experienced reviewers designated by the chairperson from among the members of the CPHS.

(e) “Full committee review” means a review of the research submission at a meeting at which a quorum is convened by the committee established pursuant to RSA 171-A:19-a, II.

(f) “Principal investigator (PI)” means the individual with primary responsibility for the design, conduct, and funding of a research project.

(g) “Quorum” means a majority of the members of the CPHS are present, including at least one member whose primary expertise is scientific and one member whose primary expertise is nonscientific.

(h) “Research” means a systematic investigation, including research development, testing and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge, and for the purposes of this rule does not include:

(1) Activities that are solely for the purpose of clinical intervention;

(2) The collection of information for quality improvement activities; or

(3) Client satisfaction surveys.

Source. #9588, eff 11-4-09; ss by #12408, INTERIM, eff 10-24-17, EXPIRES: 4-22-18

He-M 316.03 Fees.

(a) The fee for the review of each research submission shall be as follows:

(1) $2000 for full committee review; and

(2) $750 for expedited review.

(b) The fees in (a) above shall include the continuing review.

(1) Unfunded research studies;

(2) Studies that utilize department funds; and

(3) Request for review to determine exemption from CPHS oversight per 45 CFR 46.101(b).

Source. #9588, eff 11-4-09; ss by #12408, INTERIM, eff 10-24-17, EXPIRES: 4-22-18

APPENDIX A: Incorporation by Reference Information

Rule	Title	Publisher; How to Obtain; and Cost
He-M 311.06(a)(4)-(5)	“The Joint Commission Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Hospitals” (January 2015)	Joint Commission Resources, Inc. One Renaissance Boulevard, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181; or at http://www.jcrinc.com. Cost: $374.

APPENDIX B

RULE	SPECIFIC STATE OR FEDERAL STATUTE OR REGULATIONS THE RULE IMPLEMENTS
He-M 305.01	RSA 135-C:57, IV; RSA 126-U:1
He-M 305.02	RSA 135-C:57, IV; RSA 126-U:1
He-M 305.03(a)	RSA 135:21-b; RSA 126-U:3
He-M 305.03(b)	42 CFR 482.13(e)(3)(ii); (f)(3)(ii)
He-M 305.03(b)-(d)	RSA 135-C:57, IV
He-M 305.03(d)	42 CFR 482.13(e)(2), (3)(ii)(A); (f)(2), (3)(ii)(A)
He-M 305.03(e)(2)	42 CFR 482.13(e)(3)(iv); (f)(3)(iv)
He-M 305.03(e)-(f)	RSA 135:21-b
He-M 305.03(e)-(h)	RSA 135:21-b
He-M 305.04(a)	RSA 135-C:57, V; RSA 126-U:4, 5, 5-a, 5-b, and 11
He-M 305.04(b)(1)	42 CFR 482.13(e)(1)(9)
He-M 305.04(b)-(d)	RSA 135:21-b
He-M 305.04(c), (d)	42 CFR 482.13(e)(3)(i); (f)(3)(i), RSA 126-U:4, 5, 5-a, and 5-b
He-M 305.04(e)-(i)	RSA 135-C:57, IV; RSA 126-U:4, 5, 5-a, and 5-b
He-M 305.04(f)	42 CFR 482.13(c)(1), RSA 126:5 and 5-a
He-M 305.04(g)	42 CFR 482.13(e)(5), RSA 126-U:2 and 11
He-M 305.04(h)	42 CFR 482.13(e)(8)
He-M 305.04(i), (k)	42 CFR 482.13(e)(1)
He-M 305.04(j)	RSA 135-C:61, I
He-M 305.04(k)-(l)	RSA 135-C:57, IV
He-M 305.04(l)	42 CFR 482.13(e)(1)
He-M 305.04(l)(4)	42 CFR 482.13(e)(1)
He-M 305.04(m)-(o)	RSA 135:21-b
He-M 305.05(a)-(b)	RSA 135-C:57, IV; 42 CFR 482.13(e)(1)(B); RSA 126-U:1
He-M 305.05(c)-(e)	RSA 135:21-b
He-M 305.06(a)-(b)	RSA 135-C:57, I, RSA 126-U:7 and 10
He-M 305.06(c)	RSA 135-C:61, XI; 42 CFR 482.13(e)(3)(ii)(B); RSA 126-U:7 and 10
He-M 305.06(d)-(f)	RSA 135-C:61, XII, RSA 126-U:7 and 10
He-M 305.06(d)-(g)	RSA 135-C:61, XII, RSA 126-U:7 and 10
He-M 305.07	RSA 135-C:5, I(b)
He-M 305.07(a)	42 CFR 482.13(e);
He-M 305.08	RSA 135-C:61, XII
He-M 305.09	42 CFR 482.13(g)(1)(iii), RSA 126-U:7 and 10
He-M 306.01 - 306.06	RSA 135-C:57, III, V
He-M 306.07	RSA 135-C:60
He-M 306.08	RSA 135-C:57, III, V
He-M 309.01	RSA 135-C:13, 18, 56, 57, and 59
He-M 309.02	RSA 135-C:13, 18, 56, 57, and 59
He-M 309.03	RSA 135-C:59
He-M 309.04	RSA 135-C:56
He-M 309.05	RSA 135-C:56 and 57; RSA 135-C:19-a; RSA 329; RSA 330-A; RSA 329-B; RSA 326-B
He-M 309.06	RSA 135-C:57
He-M 309.07	RSA 135-C:18
He-M 309.08	RSA 135-C:18
He-M 309.09	RSA 135-C:58
He M 310.01	RSA 171-A:8; 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 29; RSA 137-K-3, IV
He M 310.02	RSA 171-A:8; 11, 12, 13; 14; 15 and 29
He M 310.03	RSA 171-A:15; RSA 137-K:3, IV
He M 310.04	RSA 171-A:14, I; RSA 137-K:3, IV
He M 310.05	RSA 171-A:14 and 29; RSA 137-K:3, IV
He M 310.06	RSA 171-A:11, 12, and 13; RSA 137-K-3, IV; 42 CFR 441.301(c)(1)
He M 310.07	RSA 171-A:8; RSA 137-K-3, IV
He M 310.08	RSA 171-A:8; RSA 137-K-3, IV
He M 310.09	RSA 171-A:14, II, III, IV; RSA 171-A:29; RSA 137-K:3, IV; 42 CFR 441.301(c)(4)(vi)(F)
He M 310.10	42 CFR 441.301(c)(4)(vi)(A)
He-M 310.11	RSA 171-A:17
He-M 310.12	42 CFR 441.301(c)(4)(vi)(A)
He M 311.01	RSA 135-C:2, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 29
He M 311.02	RSA 135-C:8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 29
He M 311.03	RSA 135-C:59
He M 311.04	RSA 135-C:13 and RSA 135-C:56
He M 311.05	RSA 135-C:5, I(b); RSA 135-C:13; RSA 135-C:56; RSA 135-C:58; RSA 135-C:59; RSA 135-C: 61, V, VI, and XI; RSA 135-C:63-a, II; RSA 135-C:19-a;
He M 311.06	RSA 135-C:57
He M 311.07	RSA 135-C:18
He-M 314.01 - 314.09	RSA 126-A:26
He-M 315	RSA 126-N:3; RSA 135-C:1
He-M 316.01 - 316.02	RSA 171-A:19-a
He-M 316.03	RSA 171-A:19-a, IX