Section 250.2220  Establishment of a Psychiatric Service

a)         No hospital shall operate an inpatient psychiatric unit without approval by the Department.

b)         Any facility that provides or seeks to provide psychiatric inpatient diagnosis or treatment other than on an emergency or as needed basis shall comply with the requirements set forth in this Subpart.

c)         In general hospitals without an approved psychiatric service, psychiatric care to patients with a primary diagnosis of mental illness may only be rendered on an emergency or as needed basis by appropriate members of the medical staff as determined by the hospital. Psychiatric consultation shall be available and utilized appropriately as determined by the hospital. Adequate and acceptable sources for transfer of psychiatric patients shall be documented and initiated within 72 hours unless a psychiatrist or a behavioral health professional, including an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) with full practice authority, licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), licensed clinical psychologist (LCP), or other behavioral health professional with independent practice authority determines that the patient's condition no longer requires transfer to a licensed psychiatric unit or hospital. (Refer to Section 250.910(e)(1) and Section 250.2630(d)(5).)

d)         If, in the course of the inspection of a general hospital, the Department finds from a review of the inpatient psychiatric services rendered and the adequacy of the consultation and referral resources that the hospital practice and staffing warrants the establishment of a psychiatric service, the hospital shall establish a psychiatric line of service or develop a plan to discontinue the service.  The Department will assist the governing board, administration, and medical staff in organizing and providing this service or discontinuing it.

(Source:  Amended at 50 Ill. Reg. 8128, effective May 26, 2026)