NC S437

Secretary of Health and Human Services may waive physician/psychologist requirements for initial involuntary commitment examinations, allowing licensed clinical social workers, master's level psychiatric nurses, or master's level certified clinical addictions specialists to conduct these examinations upon request by a Local Management Entity (LME).

Waivers require LMEs to demonstrate how the substitution better serves statutory purposes, improves service delivery, and maintains health and safety protections, with Secretary approval valid for up to three years and subject to rescission if requirements are not met.

All certified providers performing initial examinations must complete standardized Department training and examination, with the Department maintaining a public list of qualified individuals and requiring physician backup support availability.

Master's level certified clinical addictions specialists may only conduct initial examinations for individuals meeting involuntary commitment criteria for substance abuse under G.S. 122C-281(a).

Beginning January 1, 2012, all designated 24-hour residential facilities (except State facilities) must submit semi-annual reports documenting involuntary commitment cases, primary presenting conditions, referrals to other facilities, and reasons for referrals.