Twenty Three Hour Psychiatric Observation Programs

Programs that provide for the placement of individuals who are experiencing a crisis or acute mental health emergency in an appropriate nursing unit for assessment, observation and clinical determination of the next level of care for a period of time not to exceed 23 hours. The purpose of the 23-hour bed is to provide for continued evaluation over an extended period of time beyond the initial emergency psychiatric evaluation to further evaluate the individual to ensure appropriate care and disposition which may include admission as an in-patient.