63M-2.0031. Designated Health Authority

(1) The Designated Health Authority has the clinical responsibility for all program physical health and medical services occurring within the confines of the facility. Final clinical judgments regarding medical treatment received in the facility shall rest with this single individual.

(2) The role and function of the Designated Health Authority shall be clearly articulated in a written contract or agreement between the facility or program and the Designated Health Authority.

(3) The contract shall clearly indicate:

(a) At a minimum, the DHA must be onsite once per week, with a week defined as the seven-day period beginning on Sunday and ending on Saturday. However, at no time will more than nine days pass between onsite visits.

(b) Conducting onsite Medical Evaluation and Treatment.

(c) Availability for consultation by electronic means twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week, for acute medical concerns, emergency care, coordination of off-site services and other responsibilities.

(d) Assisting in the development of the Facility Operating Policies, and Procedures for Medical and Dental episodic (non-emergent illnesses and injuries) and emergency care, including annual review/revision of episodic and emergency Protocols, Policies and Procedures.

(e) Specification of other duties, as agreed upon by the program and the designated health authority.

(4) The Designated Health Authority may delegate clinical duties only to:

(a) Another physician (MD or DO);

(b) An Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP), with education, experience and certification in Family Health or Pediatrics, or

(c) A Physician Assistant (PA).

(5) The Designated Health Authority shall be responsible for communicating regularly with the facility Superintendent/Director and/or Assistant Superintendent/Director on all matters relative to the medical needs of the youth in the facility.

(6) Unless the Designated Health Authority is a psychiatrist, the following duties and activities shall not be the responsibility of the Designated Health Authority:

(a) The development or review of Facility Operating Procedures or other protocols related to psychiatric services;

(b) The management of psychiatric conditions;

(c) The prescribing of psychotropic medications.

Rulemaking Authority 985.64(2) FS. Law Implemented 985.64(2), 985.145, 985.18 FS. History–New 3-16-14, Amended 5-8-17.