Date Issued: July 15, 2011
RECIPIENTS
- All Providers of OASAS Certified Treatment Services
- Local Governmental Units (LGUs)
PURPOSE
This Local Services Bulletin has been developed to articulate OASAS’ policy with regard to particular factors that must be considered when developing the housing placement in the patient discharge plan for patients who will be discharged.
BACKGROUND
It is essential that all OASAS treatment providers ensure that patients are referred to housing placements that are safe and that promote the patient’s recovery. OASAS regulations require providers to include consideration of housing placements when developing the patient’s discharge plan. OASAS certified providers must review and apply this guidance in evaluating and recommending particular housing placements for patients who will be discharged.
POLICY
OASAS providers should review particular housing placements by contacting the appropriate county, city, town or village building department, and/or the county departments of mental hygiene and social services to determine if there are matters, such as vacate orders, code violations, that call into question the safety of that housing placement.
While OASAS understands that a patient has the right to choose their housing placement and that the OASAS provider cannot compel a patient to accept a particular housing placement; OASAS does expect the provider to review any information gathered during the review of housing placements with the patient. OASAS expects that its providers will make every effort to place patients in housing that is safe and conducive to promoting the patient’s recovery.
CONTACT
Questions regarding this bulletin should be directed to the OASAS Counsel’s Office at 518-485-2312.