What is a RSN (Regional Support Network) and how do they help?
Each county in the State of Washington has a
designated Regional
Support Network (RSN) assigned to the task of implementing and
monitoring the delivery of medicaid funded mental health services to
adults and youth
in their region.
At each RSN there is a designated RSN Children's Care
Coordinator (RSN
CCC). These individuals are experts in your region
regarding services
available to youth and families as well as having
additional resources and
networks with other systems that aide in the
stabilization of youth within
a home environment and to prevent unnecessary out of home
care or
hospitalization. In addition to their expertise in
intensive mental health
resources they also are tasked with coordinating the
first step to a CLIP
application
process. The RSN CCC are your "partners" in the process of
referring your child to CLIP, they are a resource.
Steps for completing a Voluntary CLIP Application:
Step 1: Call your local
RSN CCC The first step to a Voluntary CLIP Application is to call
your local
RSN CCC and discuss your child's needs. The RSNs role is to "listen
to you and
your child's story", this is done to informally assess what mental
health
resources have already been tried and what else could be tried. Many
RSNs have resources available to youth and families that you may not
be aware of. Discuss what other services your child may have access to
and
how to get these services.
Step 2: Fill out the Voluntary
CLIP Application If you still want to pursue a review for CLIP and the RSN
feels a referral
to CLIP is appropriate they will provide you the CLIP
application to
complete along with the list of additional documents that are
necessary
for a complete application.
Note: Some
RSN's may have you complete
Step 3 before filling out the
CLIP application. The application process can vary with
different RSNs.
Step 3: Participate in local CLIP
Review Meeting
Once the CLIP application has been completed the
RSN CCC will schedule a
local CLIP review (this meeting is managed differently at
each RSN and
may be called something unique to your region) which is a
gathering of
individuals across different systems in order to review,
discuss and
determine whether the child is approved locally or not.
IF the RSN does not think your child meets criteria and you
want to
proceed with the application, you can request a review of
application
and meeting review.
Step 4: If approved the CLIP
Application will be forwarded to the CLIP
Administration.
Once your child is approved by the local RSN
committee your child's CLIP
Application will be sent to the State CLIP Administration
Office for review
and determination and the youth's name goes on
the waiting list.
Step 5: Once approved your child
will be assigned for admission to one of
the CLIP treatment programs. The assignment
process will be
done in collaboration with you, your treatment team
and the CLIP
Coordinator.
Step 6: If approved, the youth
goes on the CLIP waiting list.
Involuntary Commitment (ITA) 180-day Restrictive Orders
for inpatient treatment (RCW 71.34)
Under Washington State's juvenile mental health services law (RCW
71.34) adolescents aged 13 - 17 may be committed for up to
180 days
of involuntary inpatient psychiatric treatment. Under 180 day
restrictive
court order, the adolescent becomes eligible for admission to
a
CLIP
Program. THe adolescent's name is placed on the staewide
waiting list as
of the day of the 180 day restrictive ITA order.
Parent Initiated Admission (73.34.600)
State law provides parents the options of admitting youth for
evaluation at an evaluation
and treatment facility. This law provides
parents the option of
having their child held for treatment if they meet
medical necessity. This
law does not provide for admission into a CLIP
facility however. The CLIP Voluntary application procedure
must be
followed for admission into a CLIP facility.
