R432-700. Home Health Agency Rule, R432. Health, Family Health and Preparedness, Licensing, Utah Administrative Code

Utah Administrative Code (Current through November 1, 2019)

R432. Health, Family Health and Preparedness, Licensing

R432-700. Home Health Agency Rule

R432-700-1. Authority

Latest version.

This rule is adopted pursuant to Title 26, Chapter 21.

R432-700-2. Purpose

Latest version.

The purpose of this rule is to promote the public health and welfare through the establishment and enforcement of licensure standards. This rule sets standards for the operation of home health agencies.

R432-700-3. Compliance

Latest version.

All home health agencies shall comply with these rules and their own policies and procedures.

R432-700-4. Definitions

Latest version.

(1) See common definitions rule R432-1-3.

(2) Special definitions:

(a) "Branch Office" means a location from which a home health agency provides services within a portion of the total geographic area served by the parent agency. The branch office is a part of the parent home health agency and shares administration and services.

(b) "Certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation" (CPR) refers to certification issued after completion of a course that is consistent with the most current version of the American Heart Association Guidelines for Health Care Provider CPR.

(c) "Licensed health care professional" means a registered nurse, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician licensed by the Utah Department of Commerce who has education and experience to assess and evaluate the health care needs of the resident.

(d) "Parent Home Health Agency" means the agency that has administrative control of branch offices.

(e) "Service Agreement" means a written agreement for services between the client and the personal care provider which outlines how the services are to be provided according to the requirements of R432-700-24.

R432-700-5. Categories of Home Health Agencies

Latest version.

Home health agencies include institutionally based home care programs, freestanding public and proprietary home health agencies, and any subdivision of an organization, public agency, hospital, or nursing home licensed to provide intermittent part-time services or full-time private duty services to patients in their place of residences.

R432-700-6. Services Provided by a Home Health Agency

Latest version.

(1) A home health agency shall provide services to patients in their place of residence, or in special circumstances, the place of employment.

(2) Services shall be directed and supervised by a licensed practitioner. These services may help avoid premature or inappropriate institutionalization.

(3) Professional and supportive personnel shall be responsible to the agency for any of the following services which they may perform:

(a) Provision of skilled services authorized by a physician;

(b) Nursing services assessed, provided, or supervised by registered nurses;

R432-700-7. Licensure Required

Latest version.

(1) These provisions do not apply to a single individual providing professional services under the authority granted by his professional license or registration.

(2) See R432-2.

R432-700-8. Governing Body and Policies

Latest version.

(1) The home health agency shall be organized under a governing body that assumes full legal responsibility for the conduct of the agency.

(2) The administrative structure of the agency must be shown by an organization chart.

(3) The governing body shall assume responsibility to:

(a) Comply with all federal regulations, state rules, and local laws;

(b) Adopt policies and procedures which describe functions or services of the home health agency and protect patient rights;

(c) Adopt a statement that there is no discrimination because of race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, or national origin;

(d) Develop and implement bylaws which shall include at least:

(i) A statement of purpose;

(ii) A statement of qualifications for membership and methods to select members of the governing board;

(iii) A provision for the establishment, selection, and term of office for committee members and officers;

(iv) A description of functions and duties of the governing body, officers, and committees;

(v) A statement of the authority and responsibility delegated to the administrator;

(vi) A policy statement relating to conflict of interest of members of the governing body or employees who may influence agency decisions;

(vii) Meet as stated in bylaws, at least annually;

(viii) Appoint by name and in writing a qualified administrator who is responsible for the agency's overall functions.

(4) Review the written annual evaluation report from the administrator and make recommendations as necessary. Documentation of this review shall be available to the Department.

(5) Make provision for resources and equipment to provide a safe working environment for personnel.

(6) Establish a system of financial management and accountability.

R432-700-9. Administrator

Latest version.

(1) The administrator designated by the governing body shall be responsible for the overall management of the agency.

(2) The administrator shall have at least one year of managerial or supervisory experience.

(3) The administrator shall designate in writing a qualified person who shall act in his absence. The designated person shall have sufficient power, authority, and freedom to act in the best interests of patient safety and well-being.

(4) The administrator or designee shall be available during the agency's hours of operation.

(5) Responsibilities.

The administrator shall have the responsibility to:

(a) Complete, submit, and file all records and reports required by the Department;

(b) Review agency policies and procedures at least annually and revise as necessary and document the date of review;

(d) Organize and coordinate functions of the agency by delegating duties and establishing a formal means of staff accountability;

(e) Appoint a physician or registered nurse, or health care professional to provide general supervision, coordination, and direction for professional services of the agency;

(f) Appoint a registered nurse to be the director of nursing services;

(g) Appoint the members and their terms of membership in the interdisciplinary quality assurance committee;

(h) Appoint other committees as deemed necessary, describe committee functions and duties, and make provision for selection, term of office, and responsibilities of committee members;

(i) Designate a person responsible for maintaining a clinical record system on all patients;

(j) Maintain current written designations or letters of appointment in the agency;

(k) Employ or contract with competent personnel whose qualifications are commensurate with job responsibilities and authority, and who have the appropriate license or certificate of completion;

(l) Develop job descriptions that delineate functional responsibilities and authority;

(m) Develop a staff communication system that coordinates implementation of plans of treatment, utilizes services or resources to meet patient needs, and promotes an orderly flow of information within the organization;

(n) Provide staff orientation as well as continuing education (staff development) in applicable policies, rules, regulations, and resource materials;

(o) Secure contracts for services not directly provided by the home health agency;

(p) Implement a program of budgeting and accounting;

(q) Establish a billing system which itemizes services provided and charges submitted to the payment source.

R432-700-10. Personnel

Latest version.

(1) The administrator shall employ qualified personnel who are competent to perform their respective duties, services, and functions.

(2) The agency shall develop written policies and procedures that address at least the following:

(a) Job descriptions, qualifications, validation of licensure or certificates of completion for each position held;

(b) Orientation for direct and contract employees;

(d) Work schedules; method and period of payment; fringe benefits such as sick leave, vacation, insurance, etc.;

(e) Frequency and documentation of in-service training;

(f) Contents of personnel files.

(3) Each employee shall be licensed, certified or registered as required by the Utah Department of Commerce, Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.

(4) Failure to ensure that all staff are licensed, certified or registered may result in sanctions to the agency license.

(5) An annual in-service shall be documented that staff have been trained in the reporting requirements for suspected abuse, neglect and exploitation.

R432-700-11. Health Surveillance

Latest version.

(1) The agency shall establish and implement a policy and procedure for health screening of all agency health care workers (persons with direct patient contact) to identify any situation which would prevent the employee from performing assigned duties in a satisfactory manner.

(2) Employee health screening and immunization components of personnel health programs shall be developed in accordance with R386-702, Communicable Disease Rules.

(3) Employee skin testing by the Mantoux Method or other FDA approved in-vitro serologic test and follow up for tuberculosis shall be done in accordance with R388-804, Special Measures for Control of Tuberculosis.

(a) The licensee shall ensure that all employees are skin-tested for tuberculosis within two weeks of:

(i) initial hiring;

(ii) suspected exposure to a person with active tuberculosis; and

(iii) development of symptoms of tuberculosis.

(b) Skin testing shall be exempted for all employees with known positive reaction to skin tests.

(4) All infections and communicable diseases reportable by law shall be reported by the facility to the local health department in accordance with R386-702-3.

R432-700-12. Orientation

Latest version.

(1) There shall be documentation that all employees are oriented to the agency and the job for which they are hired.

(2) Orientation shall include but is not limited to:

(a) The functions of agency employees and the relationships between various positions or services;

(b) Job descriptions;

(d) Ethics, confidentiality, and patients' rights;

(e) Information about other community agencies including emergency medical services;

(f) Opportunities for continuing education appropriate to the patient population served;

(g) Reporting requirements for suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation.

R432-700-13. Contracts

Latest version.

(1) The administrator shall secure written contract or agreement from other providers, or independent contractors, who provide patient services through the home health agency and shall arrange for an orientation to ensure that the contractor is prepared to meet the job expectations.

(2) The contract shall be available for review by the Department.

(3) The contract shall include:

(a) The effective and expiration dates;

(b) A description of goods or services to be provided;

R432-700-14. Acceptance Criteria

Latest version.

(1) The agency shall develop written acceptance criteria and shall make these policies available to the public upon request.

(2) Patients shall be accepted for treatment if the patient's needs can be met by the agency in the patient's place of residence. The agency shall base the acceptance determination on an assessment using the following criteria:

(a) The patient needs skilled nursing services, to determine whether a service is skilled, the following criteria shall apply:

(i) the complexity of prescribed services can be safely or effectively performed only by, or under the close supervision of, technical or professional personnel.

(ii) care is needed to prevent, to the extent possible, deterioration of the condition or to sustain current capacities of a patient, such as one with terminal cancer.

(iii) special medical complications necessitate service performance or close supervision by technical or professional persons, as in the care of a diabetic patient with impaired circulation, fragile skin, and a fractured leg in a cast.

(b) The patient needs therapy services or support services;

(d) The physical facilities in the patient's place of residence can be adapted to provide safe environment for care.

R432-700-15. Termination of Services Policies

Latest version.

(1) The agency may discharge a patient under any of the following circumstances:

(a) A licensed practitioner signs a discharge statement for termination of services;

(b) Treatment objectives are met;

(c) The patient's status changes, which makes treatment objectives unattainable, and new treatment objectives are not an alternative;

(d) The family situation changes and affects the delivery of services;

(e) The patient or family is uncooperative in efforts to attain treatment objectives;

(f) The patient moves from the geographic area served by the agency;

(g) The physician fails to renew orders as required by the rules for skilled nursing or therapy services, or, the patient changes physician's and the agency cannot obtain orders for continuation of services from the new physician;

(h) The patient's payment sources are exhausted and the agency is fiscally unable to provide free or part-cost care;

(i) The agency discontinues a particular service or terminates all services;

(j) The agency can no longer provide quality care in the place for residence;

(k) The patient or family requests agency services to be discontinued;

(l) The patient dies;

(m) the patient or family is unable or unwilling to provide an environment that ensures safety for the both the patient and provider of service; or

(n) The patient's payor excludes the agency from participating as a covered provider or refuses to authorize services the agency determines are medically necessary.

(2) The person who is assigned to supervise and coordinate care for a particular patient must complete a discharge summary when services to the patient are terminated.

R432-700-16. Patients' Rights

Latest version.

(1) Written patients' rights shall be established and made available to the patient, guardian, next of kin, sponsoring agency, representative payee, and the public.

(2) Agency policy may determine how patients' rights information is distributed.

(3) The agency shall insure that each patient receiving care has the following rights:

(a) To be fully informed of these rights and all rules governing patient conduct, as evidenced by documentation in the clinical record;

(b) To be fully informed of services and related charges for which the patient or a private insurer may be responsible, and to be informed of all changes in charges;

(c) To be fully informed of the patient's health condition, unless medically contraindicated and documented in the clinical record;

(d) To be afforded the opportunity to participate in the planning of home health services, including referral to health care institutions or other agencies, and to refuse to participate in experimental research;

(e) To refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law and to be informed of the medical consequences if treatment is refused;

(f) To be assured confidential treatment of personal and medical records, and to approve or refuse their release to any individual outside the agency, except in the case of transfer to another agency or health facility, or as required by law or third-party payment contract;

(g) To be treated with consideration, respect, and full recognition of dignity and individuality, including privacy in treatment and in care for personal needs;

(h) To be assured the patient and the family or significant others will be taught about required services, so the patient can develop or regain self-care skills and the family or others can understand and help the patient;

(i) To be assured that personnel who provide care demonstrate competency through education and experience to carry out the services for which they are responsible;

(j) To receive proper identification from the individual providing home health services;

(k) To receive information concerning the procedures to follow to voice complaints about services being performed.

R432-700-17. Physician's Orders

Latest version.

(1) Physician's orders shall be incorporated into the plan of care when skilled care is being provided.

(2) Physician's orders may include:

(a) Diet and nutritional requirements;

(b) Medications;

(d) Treatments;

(e) Medical equipment and supplies;

(f) Prognosis.

R432-700-18. Patient Records

Latest version.

(1) The agency shall develop and implement record keeping policies and procedures that address use of patient records by authorized staff, content, confidentiality, retention, and storage.

(2) Records shall be maintained in an organized format.

(3) The agency shall maintain an identification system to facilitate location of each patient's current or closed record.

(4) An accurate, up-to-date record must be maintained for every patient receiving service through the home health agency.

(5) Each person who has patient contact or provides a service in the patient's place of residence must enter a clinical note of that contact or service in the patient's record.

(6) All entries shall be dated and authenticated with the signature, or identifiable initials of the person making the entry.

(7) Services provided by the agency and outcomes of these services must be documented in the individual patient record.

(8) Each patient's record shall contain at least the following information:

(a) Identification data including patient's name, address, age, date of birth, name and address of nearest relative or responsible person, name and telephone number of physician with primary responsibility for patient care, and if applicable, the name and telephone number of the person or family member who, in addition to agency staff, provides care in the place of residence;

(b) A written plan of care;

(d) Reasons for referral to home health agency;

(e) Statement of the suitability of the patient's place of residence for the provision of health care services;

(f) Documentation of telephone consultation or case conferences with other individuals providing services;

(j) Signed and dated clinical notes for each patient contact or home visit including services provided

(h) A written Termination of Services summary which describes:

(i) The care or services provided;

(ii) The course of care and services;

(iii) The reason for discharge;

(iv) The status of the patient at time of discharge;

(v) The name of the agency or facility if the patient was referred or transferred.

(9) For those patients who receive skilled services the following items shall be included in the patient record in addition to R432-700-18(8):

(a) Diagnosis;

(b) Pertinent medical and surgical history;

(d) Allergies or reactions to drugs or other substances;

(e) Clinical notes to include a description of the patient condition and significant changes such as:

(i) Objective signs of illness, disorders, body malfunction;

(ii) Subjective information from the patient and family;

(iii) General physical condition;

(iv) General emotional condition;

(v) Positive or negative physical and emotional responses to treatments and services;

(vi) General behavior; and

(vii) General appearance.

(f) Clinical summaries or other documents obtained when necessary for promoting continuity of care, especially when a patient receives care elsewhere, such as a hospital, ambulatory surgical center, nursing home, physician or consultant's office or other home health agency.

R432-700-19. Confidentiality and Release of Information

Latest version.

(1) The agency must develop and implement policies and procedures to safeguard patient records against loss, destruction, or unauthorized use.

(2) There shall be written procedures for the use and removal of medical records. The release of information, including photographs, shall require the written consent of the patient.

(3) Patient records shall be confidential. Information may be disclosed only to authorized persons in accordance with federal regulations, state rules, and local laws.

(4) Authorized representatives of the Department shall be allowed to review records to determine compliance with licensure rules and standards.

(5) When a patient is referred to another agency or facility, the home health agency may release information only with the written consent of the patient.

(6) Provision shall be made for filing, safe storage, and easy accessibility of medical records.

R432-700-20. Quality Assurance

Latest version.

(1) The quality, appropriateness, and scope of services rendered shall be reviewed and evaluated at least annually by the governing body to determine overall effectiveness in meeting agency objectives.

(2) The administrator shall conduct an annual evaluation of the agency's overall program and submit a written report of the findings to the governing body.

(3) The agency shall demonstrate concern for cost of care by evaluation of the following:

(a) Relevance of health care services;

(b) Appropriateness of treatment frequency;

(d) Use of ancillary services consistent with patient needs.

(4) An interdisciplinary quality assurance committee shall evaluate patient services on at least a quarterly basis. A written report of findings from each meeting shall be submitted to the administrator and shall be available in the agency.

(a) Each member of the quality assurance committee shall be appointed by the administrator for a given term of membership.

(b) The quality assurance committee shall have a minimum of three members who represent at least three different licensed or certified health care professions.

(5) The methodology for evaluation shall include but is not limited to:

(a) Review and evaluation of active and closed patient records to assure that established policies and procedures are being followed. Agency policy and procedure will determine the methods for selecting and reviewing a representative sample of records. Examples of methods of selection could either be a given percentage for both active and closed records, or a given number of records for each category of service provided during the review period;

(b) Review and evaluation of coordination of services through documentation of written reports, telephone consultation, or case conferences;

(c) Review and evaluation of plans of treatment for content, frequency of updates, and whether clinical notes correspond to goals written in the plan of care.

R432-700-21. Nursing Services

Latest version.

(1) Nursing services provided through a home health agency shall be under the supervision of a director of nursing services.

(2) Nursing services shall be provided by or under the supervision of a registered nurse and according to the plan of care.

(3) When an agency provides or contracts for services, the service shall be provided according to the plan of care and supervised by designated, qualified personnel.

(4) Nursing staff shall observe, report, and record written clinical notes.

(5) Nursing services should recognize and use opportunities to teach health concepts to the patient and family.

(6) All registered nurses or licensed practical nurses employed by, or on contract with, the agency shall have a valid license from the Utah Department of Commerce, Title 58, Chapter 31b.

(7) Licensed nurses shall have the following responsibilities:

(a) Administer prescribed medications and treatments according to law and as permitted within the scope of the individual's license;

(b) Perform nursing care according to the needs of the patient and as indicated in the written plan of care;

(d) Write clinical notes in the individual patient record for each visit or contact;

(e) Teach self-care techniques to the patient or family, or both;

(f) Develop plans of care;

(g) Participate in in-service programs.

(8) The director of nursing services shall be responsible for and shall be accountable for the following functions:

(a) Designate a registered nurse to act as director of nursing services during his absence;

(b) Assume responsibility for the quality of nursing services provided by the agency;

(d) Establish work schedules for nursing personnel according to patient needs;

(e) Assist in development of job descriptions for nursing personnel;

(f) Complete performance evaluations for nursing personnel according to agency policy;

(g) Direct in-service programs for all nursing personnel.

(9) In addition to the general responsibilities, a registered nurse shall have the following responsibilities:

(a) Make the initial nursing evaluation visit;

(b) Re-evaluate nursing needs based on the patient's status and condition;

(d) Provide services which require specialized nursing skill;

(e) Initiate appropriate preventive and rehabilitative nursing procedures;

(f) Supervise staff assignments based on specific patient needs, family capabilities, staff training and experience, and degree of supervision needed;

(g) Assist in coordinating all services provided;

(h) Prepare termination of services statements;

(i) Supervise and consult with licensed practical nurses as necessary;

(j) Provide written instructions for certified nursing aide to ensure provision of required services written in the plan of care;

(k) Supervise certified nursing aide in the patient's home as necessary, and be readily available for consultation by telephone;

(l) Make supervisory visits with or without the certified nursing aide's presence as follows:

(i) Initial assessment;

(ii) Every two weeks to patients who receive skilled services;

(iii) Every three months to patients who require long-term maintenance services;

(iv) Any time there is a question of change in the patient's condition.

(10) The licensed practical nurse shall have the following responsibilities:

(a) Work under the supervision of a registered nurse;

(b) Observe, record, and report to the immediate supervisor the general physical or mental condition of the patient;

(d) Assist in development of the plan of care.

R432-700-22. Certified Nursing Aide

Latest version.

(1) Certified nursing aides may have the following responsibilities:

(a) Provide only those services written in the plan of care and received as written instructions from the registered nurse supervisor. If the service is an extension of therapy, the instructions shall be written by the licensed therapist;

(b) Perform normal household services essential to health care at home;

(d) Supervise the patient's self-administration of medication by:

(i) Reminding the patient it is time to take medications;

(ii) Opening the bottle cap;

(iii) Reading the medication label to patients;

(iv) Checking the self-administered dosage against the label of the container;

(v) Reassuring the patient that the dose being taken is correct;

(vi) Observing the patient taking the medication.

(e) Observe, record and/or report basic patient status;

(f) Perform activities of daily living as written in plan of care;

(g) Give nail care as described in the plan of care;

(h) Observe and record food and fluid intake when ordered;

(i) Change dry dressings according to written instructions from the supervisor;

(j) Administer emergency first aid;

(k) Provide escort and transportation to doctor's appointments and elsewhere as part of patient-care services;

(l) Provide social interaction and reassurance to the patient and family in accordance with the plan of care;

(m) Write clinical notes in individual patient records.

(2) Certified Nursing Aides shall be at least 18 years old.

(3) Certified Nursing Aides shall have received a certificate of completion for the employment position within six months of the date of hire.

(4) Certified Nursing Aides must be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency procedures.

R432-700-23. Personal Care Aides

Latest version.

(1) Personal care aides shall be at least 18 years of age and have the following responsibilities:

(a) Receive written instructions from the supervisor;

(b) Perform only the tasks and duties outlined in the service agreement;

(d) Be trained in first aid;

(e) Be oriented and trained in all aspects of care to be provided to clients;

(f) Be able to demonstrate competency in all areas of training for personal care; and

(g) Maintain a minimum of six hours of in-service per calendar year, prorated for the first year of employment;

(2) Personal Care Aides may assist clients with the following activities:

(a) Self-administration of medications by:

(i) reminding the client to take medications, and

(ii) opening containers for the client;

(b) Housekeeping;

(d) Eating and meal preparation;

(e) Oral hygiene and denture care;

(f) Toileting and toilet hygiene;

(g) Arranging for medical and dental care including transportation to and from the appointment;

(h) taking and recording oral temperatures;

(i) Administering emergency first aid;

(j) Providing or arranging for social interaction;

(k) Providing transportation.

(3) Personal Care Aides shall document observations and services in the individual client record.

R432-700-24. Plan of Care

Latest version.

(1) A plan of care shall be established and documented in the patient's record to describe any direct or contract services, care, or treatment provided by the home health agency.

(2) A plan of care shall be developed and signed by a licensed health care professional.

(3) The plan of care shall be developed with consultation, as needed, from other agency staff or contract personnel.

(4) Modifications or additions to the initial plan of care shall be made as necessary.

(5) Each plan of care shall be reviewed and approved by the licensed health care professional as the patient's condition warrants, at intervals not to exceed 63 days.

(6) For patients receiving skilled services, the written plan of care shall be approved by a physician at intervals not to exceed 63 days.

(7) The person who is assigned to supervise and coordinate care for a patient shall have the primary responsibility to notify the attending physician and other agency staff of any significant changes in the patient's status.

(8) All care plans and notifications shall be made part of the patient's record.

(9) The plan of care, usually developed in accordance with the referring physician's orders, shall include:

(a) Name of the patient;

(b) Diagnoses (required for patients receiving skilled services);

(d) Services to be provided, at what intervals, and by whom;

(e) Needed medical equipment and supplies;

(f) Medications to be administered by designated, licensed agency personnel;

(g) Supervision of self-administered medication;

(h) Diet or nutritional requirements;

(i) Necessary safety measures;

(j) Instructions, if any, to patient and/or family;

(k) Date plan was initiated and dates of subsequent review.

R432-700-25. Medication and Treatment

Latest version.

(1) Skilled treatments shall be administered only by licensed personnel to comply with signed orders from a person lawfully authorized to give the order. This order may be remotely given but shall be subsequently signed by the person giving the order within 31 days.

(2) Medications shall be administered according to signed orders from a person lawfully authorized to give the order. This order may be remotely given but shall be subsequently signed by the person giving the order within 31 days.

(3) All orders remotely given shall be received and verified only by licensed personnel lawfully authorized to accept the order. Remotely given orders shall be recorded in the patient's record.

(4) If medications are administered by agency personnel, the orders and subsequent changes in orders, shall be signed by the physician and included in the patient's record.

(5) Unlicensed staff may administer medications only after delegation by a licensed health care professional under the professional scope of practice.

(i) If a licensed health care professional delegates the task of medication administration to unlicensed assistive personnel, the delegation shall be in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act and R156-31B-701;

(ii) The medications must be administered according to the prescribing order;

(iii) The delegating authority must provide and document supervision, evaluation, and training of unlicensed assistive personnel assisting with medication administration;

(iv) The delegating authority or another registered nurse shall be readily available either in person or by telecommunication; and

(v) Delegation to unlicensed staff shall not include delegating medication set up for subsequent medication administration.

(6) Orders for therapy services shall include the procedures to be used, the frequency of therapy, and the duration of therapy.

(7) Orders for skilled services shall be reviewed or renewed by the attending physician at intervals not to exceed 63 days. Physician's signature and date shall be evidence of this review or renewal.

(8) Physician orders may be transmitted by facsimile machine. The agency must be able to obtain the original signature, upon request, if verification of the signature is requested.

R432-700-26. Therapy Services

Latest version.

(1) Physical, occupational, speech, and nutrition therapy services offered by the agency, as either direct or contract services, shall be provided by, or under the supervision of, a licensed or certified therapist in accordance with the plan of care under Title 58.

(2) The qualified therapist shall have the following general responsibilities:

(a) Provide treatment as ordered and approved by the attending physician;

(b) Evaluate the home environment and make recommendations;

(d) Observe and report findings about the patient's condition to the attending physician and other agency staff, and document information in the patient's record;

(e) Advise, consult, and instruct when necessary, other agency personnel and family about the patient's therapy program;

(f) Provide written instructions for the certified nursing aide to promote extension of therapy services;

(g) Supervise other agency personnel when appropriate;

(h) Participate in in-service programs.

(3) In addition to the general responsibilities, a physical, speech or occupational therapist may perform the following:

(a) Provide written instructions for personal care aides and certified nursing aides to ensure provision of required services written in the plan of care;

(b) Supervise aides in the patient's home as necessary, and be readily available for consultation by phone;

R432-700-27. Medical Supplies and Equipment

Latest version.

(1) The agency shall develop and follow written policies and procedures which describe:

(a) Agency provision of or use of durable medical equipment, and disposable and semi-disposable medical supplies;

(b) Categories of medical supplies and equipment available through the home health agency;

(d) Processes for billing medical supplies and equipment to the patient, insurance carrier, or other payment source.

R432-700-28. Emergency and After-Hours Care

Latest version.

Emergency and after-hours care shall be described in written policies and procedures and made available to the patient and family.

R432-700-29. Social Services

Latest version.

(1) When medical social services are provided, they shall be provided by a certified social worker (CSW)or by a social service worker (SSW) supervised by a certified social worker, in accordance with the plan of care.

(2) The social worker shall be responsible to:

(a) Assist team members in understanding significant social and emotional factors related to health problems;

(b) Participate in the development of the plan of care;

(d) Utilize community resources;

(e) Participate in in-service programs.

R432-700-30. Penalties

Latest version.

Any person who violates any provision of this rule may be subject to the penalties enumerated in 26-21-11 and R432-3-7 and be punished for violation of a class A misdemeanor as provided in 26-21-16.