Smoky Mountain Center
DD Crisis Diversion / Emergency Respite Service
Information for Providers
(Rev. 12/14/11)
Smoky Mountain Center has developed an Emergency Respite Service for adults who
have a developmental disability diagnosis, or reasonable suspicion of such, who are in
crisis. This is a residential service provided in a licensed or unlicensed AFL setting or a
group home setting where they may receive supportive counseling, crisis stabilization
counseling, and de-escalation activities. This is considered a short-term, de-escalation
service, not an alternate placement. The Targeted Case Manager or other service
provider will be responsible for coordinating all necessary services including discharge
and placement coordination during this service. This service may be approved up to a
maximum of 30 days in cases where an individual is unable to return to prior residence.
In cases where they can return to prior residence this service may be approved up to a
maximum of 15 days.
There are residential facilities for this service in all three regions of SMC, and
service is available to residents of North Carolina—regardless of whether they
reside in the SMC catchment area.
Prior approval is required through SMC. This resource will no longer be available
when funds are expended for the fiscal year.
Approval Process:
I. The individual must meet the following criteria:
1. Have a documented Developmental Disability or reasonable suspicion of
Developmental Disability; and
2. Be at risk for inpatient psychiatric hospitalization; and
3. Be at least 18 years old.
II. The Provider must:
1. Demonstrate first responder duties have been carried out to a reasonable
level;
2. Determine whether the individual will be allowed to return to previous
residence or require a new placement; and
3. Complete the DD Diversion Service Approval Form Provider Section
(downloadable from the SMC website—provider tab, authorization info link,
then scroll to the bottom for the following form: DD Diversion Emergency
Respite Service Approval Form)
http://www.smokymountaincenter.com/providers.asp?section=authinfo
4. Submit it to SMC Emergency Services (ES) for initial approval.
5. SMC Emergency Services will render a decision for the first night of stay (or
weekend if this takes place on a Friday).
6. The respite provider agency may need additional documentation to
understand the needs of the individual being referred to them. It is suggested
that the provider obtain needed release of information forms signed
accordingly.
III. If the DD Diversion service is approved, the provider must also:
1. Arrange for transportation for the individual to the approved service site; and
2. Participate in treatment team planning, discharge planning and placement.
3. Provider will be contacted the following business day by a SMC Care
Manager to staff the case for a determination of funding authorization for
continued stay.
Providers should contact the following ES Provider for initial authorization of this
service:
Southern (AKA Western) Region: 1-888-315-2880
Central Region: 1-888-646-0188
Northern Region: 1-877-492-2785
Non-Smoky Mountain Center counties: any of the above
Once approved providers may contact a provider to find an available bed.
This service can only be provided by a provider specifically contracted with
SMC to provide this service. ES staff can provide a list of needed contact
information accordingly.
For additional questions regarding this initiative please contact Michael Galovic at 1-
866-990-9712 ext. 1227 or Rhonda Cox 828-586-5501 ext. 1141.