ALC status in in-patient mental health settings: Evidence based on the Ontario Mental Health Reporting System.

This article examines the characteristics associated with Alternate Level of Care (ALC) status in mental health in-patient units across Ontario. Using assessment information from the Resident Assessment Instrument-Mental Health, the prevalence of ALC episodes, resource utilization associated with ALC, and demographic and diagnostic characteristics of ALC patients are examined. The effective management of ALC patients should be an important priority for all stakeholders involved in mental health services delivery in Canada.