Child welfare agencies must act within 14 days on treatment

Child welfare agencies must approve or deny recommended non-emergency medical care when their consent is required. This rule covers children in the agency’s custody. A health care provider must recommend the care. The decision is due no later than 14 days after the assigned caseworker receives written notice of the recommendation or referral.

Child welfare agencies must make reasonable efforts to obtain required consent for medical or mental health treatment. This rule covers medical and mental health treatment for children in the agency’s custody. The duty applies when a person or organization must consent before treatment can occur. The agency must notify the child’s caregiver as soon as practicable and without delay once consent is obtained or denied. The agency must make these efforts no later than 14 days after the assigned caseworker receives written notice that treatment is needed, such as a referral.

Child welfare agencies must make reasonable efforts to start the process of getting a required court order for recommended non-emergency medical care. This rule covers children in the agency’s custody who need recommended non-emergency medical care. The duty applies when a court order is required for care recommended by a health care provider. The agency must notify the child’s caregiver as soon as practicable and without delay when the order is obtained or the request is denied. People with the legal right to request a treatment order may still ask the court themselves. The agency must make these efforts no later than 14 days after the assigned caseworker receives written notice of the recommendation or referral.