OAR 309-104-0015: Procedures

(1) State institutions shall make known telephone availability and any restrictions to patients and residents on each living area. (2)(a) Any restrictions in telephone usage for individual patients or residents must be by order of the treating physician or qualified mental retardation professional; (b) Decisions by the physician or qualified mental retardation professional to restrict telephone usage must be documented in the patient’s or resident’s record by that professional. Specific reasons for the restriction must be clearly stated with supporting documentation as needed. (3) State institutions must notify, in writing, the affected patient or resident of restrictions within 24 hours after imposing a restriction. The notification must state the reasons and duration of the restriction. There must be at least an oral explanation of the patient’s or resident’s right to appeal the restriction through the Division’s grievance procedures. (4) Decisions to restrict telephone usage must be reviewed and, if necessary, renewed at least monthly by the physician or qualified mental retardation professional. Restrictions will expire unless renewed.