CMS-07-021/023 - Los Angeles County Department of Children and ...

Dr. faxes pages 1 & 2 of PMAF to the DCFS D-Rate Unit.
EXHIBIT A-X
DCFS D-Rate Unit sends:
1. Cover letter & Opposition Form to child’s parent or legal guardian;
2. A copy of the PMAF to assigned CSW & PHN;
3. The Original PMAF to the Dependency Psychotropic Desk Clerk (PDC)
• DCFS D-Rate Unit will attach page 3 of the PMAF and indicate that
Notice has been sent to the child’s parent or legal guardian.
Court Day 1-2: PDC receives the PMAF and issues a log number;
PDC enters PMAF into data base and retrieves file;
PDC gives copy of PMAF (with Opposition form) to the child’s
attorney;
PDC places PMAF in Juvenile Court Mental Health Services
(JCMHS) mail box.
Court Day 2-4: JCMHS reviews and returns PMAF with recommendation/comment
to PDC.
Court Day 2-7: PDC enters the date JCMHS returned PMAF, places the PMAF file
and any objections in the courtroom mailbox. Court approves,
modifies or denies PMAF. Judicial Assistant makes copies of
signed PMAF for distribution and places original PMAF in
confidential envelope in the legal file.
Court Day 3-7: PDC distributes copies of signed PMAF to JCMHS, Dr. and DCFS
D- Rate Unit.
Court Day 8: DCFS D-Rate Unit distributes copy of signed PMAF to Caregiver,
CSW and PHN.
• PHN enters the information into CWS/CMS.
If the court does not authorize the medication, it is the CSW’s responsibility to contact
the physician and advise the physician that (s)he may not prescribe or administer the
medication but has the option to respond to the JCMHS comments with a new PMAF.
The authorization is good for six months unless otherwise ordered by the Juvenile
Court. If the physician believes a longer course of medication is necessary or decides
to change the type of medication or the dosage, another request must be made. In
situations where a child who enters the Juvenile Court system is being treated with
psychotropic medication, the physician may continue the medication pending an order
from the court. A new authorization is not required if the child changes physicians, as
long as the medication, strength and dosage remain the same as previously authorized
and as long as the authorization paperwork and medication follow the child. A physician
can continue medication while the renewal request is pending before the Court.