Suggested language for talking with the facility about BD:

• Inherited bleeding disorders are lifelong genetic conditions with no known cure. 

• Provided that people with bleeding disorders are medically stable and maintain their established treatment protocols, there is nothing about the condition that should preclude them from receiving behavioral health treatment in an inpatient/residential setting. 

• People with bleeding disorders who are stable and well-maintained on their medication typically live in the community and do not require any medical supervision related to this condition.

• Since this person is stable from a bleeding disorder perspective and has an established treatment plan, this condition can be easily managed in the community and at your facility. This person does not require hospitalization, frequent medical visits, remote monitoring, or medical supervision.   

• If this patient did not have a [mental health condition or substance use disorder], they would be living a full, active life in the community.

• People with bleeding disorders typically lead full, active, and independent lives. There are no restrictions for activities except participation in contact or collision sports/activities that could result in significant physical injury.

• With access to medication in the stable environment that your facility provides, we are confident that the patient’s bleeding disorder will be sufficiently controlled throughout the stay at your facility.

• Would it be helpful if I sent you additional information about bleeding disorders? I have an education document that was designed for behavioral health facilities like yours.

• The patient has a treatment team available to answer any questions you might have and support you during the patient’s stay at your facility. Can I connect their treatment team with a provider at your facility for a “doctor-to-doctor” call?

Other things to mention about BD medication (suggested language): 

• Bleeding disorder medication is not a pain reliever, narcotic, or addictive substance. It is taken to stop the (often internal) bleeding, which can be very painful. Treating bleeds early avoids complications and long-term disability and gets people back to their regular activities. 

• People with bleeding disorders do not require laboratory work on a consistent basis that would take them away from the facility. 

• Bleeding disorder medication does not have any negative interactions with medication assisted treatment. 

Assure the behavioral health facility’s staff that you are willing to collaborate with and support them throughout the patient’s stay (suggested language): 

• This patient has a multidisciplinary team behind them, typically consisting of a hematologist, nurse coordinator, and social worker, among others. Our team will work closely with your facility to ensure you have what they need to support this person throughout their stay. 

• We are happy to collaborate with you on 

• Admission planning/requirements, 

• Obtaining medical clearance documents,

• Developing an emergency care plan,

• Creating patient care team resources, and

• Discharge planning.

• Can I give you our emergency and on-call phone numbers?