Washington State Residential Care Services RCS Behavioral Health
Washington State Residential Care Services RCS Behavioral Health Outreach and Support Amy Abbott, LICSW
Residential Care Services Behavioral Health Support Team (BHST) • Washington identified a gap in community options for individuals with behavioral challenges and personal care needs, particularly for those ready for discharge from the state psychiatric hospitals. • In 2017, as part of the Governor-directed Mental Health Transformation, the Aging and Long Term Support Administration received funding to increase community alternative options that prioritize the transition of individuals who have long term care needs and are ready for discharge from state psychiatric hospitals.
Residential Care Services Behavioral Health Support Team (BHST) • Residential Care Services responded by developing the Behavioral Health Support Team to provide technical assistance to RCS staff and our community residential providers to help them be equipped to serve the unique needs of these individuals.
What Are The Goals Of The Behavioral Health Support Team? • Stability for residents with behavioral challenges who are living in a facility setting. • Improved quality of care to meet the unique needs of this population. • Compliance with state and federal regulations by the providers who care for residents with behavioral challenges.
The Behavioral Health Support Team is comprised of 5 positions (so far!): Three Behavioral Health Quality Improvement Consultants Offering individualized consultations to facilities to help improve quality of care for individuals with behavioral challenges.
The Behavioral Health Support Team is comprised of 5 positions (so far!): One Behavioral Health Training Specialist Provides group training to RCS field staff and facilities across Washington State on a variety of behavioral health topics, trends and best practices while also including a regulatory focus.
The Behavioral Health Support Team is comprised of 5 positions (so far!): One Behavioral Health Policy Program Manager Responsible for the review and possible revision of long-term care rules, policies and regulations across all RCS settings to help them make sense for residents who have behavioral health challenges.
The Behavioral Health Support Team is comprised of 5 positions (so far!): All Team Members Have Real World Mental Health Expertise, As Well As Knowledge Of State and Federal Regulations
The Behavioral Health Support Team is comprised of 5 positions (so far!): The Team Is EXPANDING: 1 Supervisor 3 Behavioral Health Consultants 1 Outcome Improvement Specialist
Some Common Themes & Struggles From Facilities We’ve Assisted Recently • Residents who are aggressive with each other, staff or both. • Residents who frequently ‘call the state’ to make complaints. • Staff who are dealing with inappropriate comments from residents, including racist statements. • Providing person centered care to residents who don’t quite ‘fit’ with the rest of the population. • Weak care plans – or really good care plans that aren’t implemented consistently. • Hoarding behaviors
An Ideal Referral Includes A Resident With Significant Behavioral Health Needs And… • Facility staff have run out of ideas on how to provide care and services. • The resident is at risk of being discharged due to behaviors. • Staff are concerned about staying in compliance while serving a resident with behavioral health challenges. • There are no (or very limited) mental health supports involved.
Frequently Asked Questions • Does the resident have to be on a certain type of health insurance, such as Medicaid? • No – our services are available regardless of the resident’s funding type. There is also no cost to the facility. • Can anyone force a facility to accept services from the RCS Behavioral Health Support Team? • No – we are a completely voluntary service.
Frequently Asked Questions • Can you provide individualized consultation to a facility about a resident after the resident has discharged? • No –without the resident in question, its difficult to provide individualized support. However, we may be able to provide generalized training in a situation like this. • Can you provide mental health counseling to residents? • No – but we can help you find resources in your area to meet this need.
Frequently Asked Questions • Will the support you provide guarantee that a building won’t be cited? • No – all of our suggestions and trainings are intended to improve the quality of care and are closely aligned with the regulations. Our hope is that as the quality of care improves, so will compliance.
Visit Our Website To Learn More! https: //www. dshs. wa. gov/altsa/residential-careservices/behavioral-health-support-providers-0
Questions?
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