§ 4807. Authority and accountability for alcoholism services; rules for acceptance into treatment

(a) The Secretary shall have the authority and accountability for providing or arranging for the provision of a comprehensive system of alcoholism prevention and treatment services.

(b) All State funds appropriated specifically for the prevention and treatment of alcoholism and any federal or private funds that are received by the State for these purposes shall be in the budget of and be administered by a single governmental unit designated by the Secretary. This provision does not apply to the programs of the Department of Corrections.

(c) The Secretary shall adopt rules and standards under 3 V.S.A. chapter 25 for the implementation of the provisions of this chapter. In establishing rules regarding admissions to alcohol treatment programs, the Secretary shall adhere to the following guidelines:

(1) A client shall be initially assigned or transferred to outpatient treatment, unless he or she is found to require medical treatment, detoxification, or residential treatment.

(2) A person shall not be denied treatment solely because he or she has withdrawn from treatment against medical advice on a prior occasion or because he or she has relapsed after earlier treatment.

(3) An individualized treatment plan shall be prepared and maintained on a current basis for each client.

(4) Provision shall be made for a continuum of coordinated treatment services so that a person who leaves a program or a form of treatment shall have available and use other appropriate treatment.