R432-200-23. Social Services

(1) The facility shall provide social services which assist staff, residents, and residents' families to understand and cope with residents' personal, emotional, and related health and environmental problems.

(2) This service may be provided by a consultant.

(3) See R432-150-17.

(4) Responsibilities.

Whether provided directly by the facility or by agreement with other agencies, social service personnel shall:

(a) Provide services to maximize each resident's ability to adjust to the social and emotional aspects of their condition, treatments, and continued stay in the facility;

(b) Participate in ongoing discharge planning to guarantee continuity of care;

(c) Initiate referrals to official agencies when the resident needs financial assistance;

(d) Maintain appropriate liaison with the family or other responsible person concerning the resident's placement and rights;

(e) Preserve the dignity and rights of each resident;

(f) Maintain records, including a social history and social-services-needs evaluation, (updated annually);

(g) Integrate social services with other elements of the resident-care plan.