A level-of-care instrument was developed for individuals with severe mental illness. A random sample of 300 patients residing in two state hospitals and a state-operated nursing home was used to test the concurrent validity and reliability of the instrument. Analysis indicated excellent test-retest reliability, good split-half reliability, adequate internal consistency, and reasonable concurrent validity. Thus, the questionnaire may provide a base for clinicians and administrators responsible for designing programs and health-care systems of treatment in the least restrictive environment possible.
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