53-24-209. Rules for acceptance for treatment. The department shall adopt rules for acceptance of persons into the treatment program, considering available treatment resources and facilities, for the purpose of early and effective treatment of chemically dependent persons, intoxicated persons, and family members. In adopting the rules, the department must be guided by the following standards:

(1) If possible, a patient must be treated on a voluntary rather than an involuntary basis.

(2) A patient must be initially assigned or transferred to outpatient treatment unless found to require inpatient treatment.

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

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