Bridge Care at Mending Mental Health
What bridge care means
Bridge care is a temporary, short term service. It is not a new treatment plan and it is not long term management. Its only purpose is to prevent a sudden gap in treatment while a patient transitions to a new provider.
What Minnesota law says
Termination of services: Minnesota Rule 2150.7530 allows either the provider or the patient to end the professional relationship at any time, unless prohibited by law or court order. If a provider ends care, they must give notice and provide referrals for alternate services. They are not required to continue prescribing indefinitely (revisor.mn.gov).
Temporary absences: The rule clarifies that a provider does not need to terminate a patient during a temporary absence if arrangements have been made for short term services. This allows but does not require bridge care.
Provider impairment: Minnesota Statute §148F.16 requires providers who cannot safely practice to either end the relationship or arrange temporary coverage. It does not require continuation of unsafe prescribing (revisor.mn.gov).
What bridge care may include
A short refill to prevent abrupt discontinuation if safe
Crisis instructions (911, 988, emergency room)
Referrals and record transfers with a signed ROI
What bridge care does not include
Long term treatment or indefinite prescribing
Dose increases or new controlled medications without full evaluation
Continuation of unsafe medication regimens
How long bridge care lasts
Bridge care, if offered, usually lasts up to 30 days or until the patient’s first appointment with a new prescriber, whichever comes first. The length depends on clinical safety and professional judgment.
Mending’s position
Bridge care is not guaranteed. It is provided only when it is safe, ethical, and clinically appropriate. Mending reserves the right to decline bridge care if continuing medications would pose a risk to the patient, the provider, or the clinic.