Minors Independent Clinical Reviewer / Hearing Offic

VBHC2 – CERTIFICATION REVIEW OFFICER /HEARING OFFICER

Department: Child & Adolescent PHF (52 Beds) 

Location: Colton, CA 

Level: Independent Contractor 

Position Summary

The Independent Clinical Reviewer (ICR) conducts independent reviews of voluntary minor admissions to ensure compliance with WIC §6002.25. This role ensures that inpatient psychiatric treatment is medically necessary, appropriate, and consistent with statutory safeguards governing voluntary minors.

The ICR operates within an LPS-designated psychiatric facility that serves both voluntary and involuntary populations. While the statutory review requirement applies specifically to voluntary minors, the reviewer must understand how clinical determinations exist within a broader legal framework that includes involuntary detention under WIC §5585 and §5250. Clinical findings may influence care decisions, patients’ rights protections, and overall compliance with LPS-related legal standards.

The ICR must complete timely reviews and assess clinical justification with particular attention to developmental considerations, family involvement, and treatment alternatives. The role requires a high level of clinical expertise and the ability to produce clear, defensible determinations that align with both clinical standards and legal expectations.

Engagement in this role is subject to approval and/or recognition by San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health and applicable oversight entities, as required.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

1. Conduct independent clinical reviews within five (5) days of admission.

2. Determine medical necessity and appropriateness of continued care.

3. Assess whether treatment aligns with least restrictive standards.

4. Evaluate clinical documentation for completeness and justification.

5. Prepare written determinations that are legally defensible.

6. Maintain independence from treating clinicians.

7. Ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

8. Disclose conflicts of interest and recuse when appropriate.

9. Evaluate clinical findings within the context of both voluntary and involuntary LPS populations, ensuring appropriate distinction between statutory requirements and broader facility operations.

10. Ensure that determinations support compliance with legal safeguards governing voluntary minor admissions, while maintaining awareness of how clinical decisions may intersect with involuntary detention processes.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: A doctor of medicine (MD) or osteopathic medicine (DO) from an accredited institution is required. Board certification or eligibility in Child and Adolescent psychiatry, is strongly preferred.

Experience: Minimum three (3) years of experience in child and adolescent psychiatry. Experience within San Bernardino County behavioral health or court-related systems is preferred.

Specialized Skills

· Expertise in child and adolescent psychiatric assessment and treatment standards

· Knowledge of WIC §6002.25 and statutory review requirements for voluntary minors

· Ability to evaluate developmental, behavioral, and family-related clinical factors

· Skill in determining medical necessity for minors in acute psychiatric settings

· Understanding of least restrictive care standards for pediatric populations

· Ability to assess family involvement, consent issues, and treatment appropriateness

· Strong clinical documentation review skills specific to pediatric psychiatry

· Ability to produce timely, legally compliant written determinations

· Understanding of both voluntary and involuntary minor populations under the LPS framework, including how clinical determinations may influence legal status and patients’ rights protections

· Familiarity with San Bernardino County expectations for pediatric behavioral health services

Physical Requirements

Primarily sedentary work involving prolonged sitting, computer use, and review of electronic health records and documentation systems.

Licenses/Certifications

Active California clinical license required. License must be active, unrestricted, and in good standing with the applicable licensing board.

Potential Job Hazards

Indirect exposure to high-acuity psychiatric cases and emotionally sensitive subject matter.

Safety Precautions Required

Adherence to confidentiality standards, secure handling of protected health information, and compliance with all applicable safety and documentation protocols.