If a case manager has a client facing civil commitment it is important that the case manager be immediately involved to participate in planning with the client for the client’s needs, in part, because often an appropriate alternative plan can be put into place that does not necessitate the client going through the commitment process.
Counties have specific legal responsibilities in the civil commitment process. There are some differences from county to county in the specific civil commitment process used and involvement of county representatives. It is strongly recommended that the adult MH-TCM provider agencies coordinate with the county social/human services departments and county attorney offices about civil commitment process, roles and communication.
In 2009, DHS convened an advisory workgroup to clarify the role of the adult MH-TCM case manager as relates to the adult civil commitment process. The workgroup included county attorneys who work with civil commitments, consumer advocates with specific expertise in the civil commitment process, advocates, county and MCO representatives. This workgroup developed more clarity as to the role of the case manager in the civil commitment process, and guidance on what MH-TCM activities may be reimbursable and which are not.
The guidance document developed as a result of the workgroup is included here: Commitment Activities Reimbursable and Nonreimbursable.