§ 7-502

(a) The Secretary shall approve the admission of an individual to a State residential center only if:

(1) The findings of the evaluation are that the individual:

(i) Has an intellectual disability; and

(ii) For adequate habilitation, needs residential services; and

(2) There is no less restrictive setting in which the needed services can be provided and that is available to the individual or will be available to the individual within a reasonable time.

(b) The Secretary may not approve the admission of an individual to a State residential center if:

(1) The findings of the evaluation are that the individual:

(i) Does not have an intellectual disability; or

(ii) Has an intellectual disability but does not need residential services for adequate habilitation; or

(2) There is a less restrictive setting in which the needed services can be provided that is available to the individual or will be available to the individual within a reasonable time.

(c) The Secretary shall provide an individual with the appropriate least restrictive service consistent with the individual’s welfare, safety, and plan of habilitation, if the individual:

(1) Has an application for services that has been approved under § 7–404(c) of this title; or

(2) Is considered eligible for transfer under Subtitle 8 of this title by the Deputy Secretary or the Deputy Secretary’s designee.