R432-750-20. Volunteer Services

Hospice volunteers provide a variety of services as defined by the policies of each program and under supervision of a designated and qualified hospice staff member.

(1) Volunteers must receive a minimum of 12 hours of documented orientation and training which shall include the following:

(a) the hospice services, goals, and philosophy of care;

(b) the physiological aspects of terminal disease;

(c) family dynamics, coping mechanisms and psychosocial and spiritual issues surrounding the terminal disease, death and bereavement;

(d) communication skills;

(e) concepts of death and dying;

(f) care and comfort measures;

(g) confidentiality;

(h) patient's and family's rights;

(i) procedures to be followed in an emergency;

(j) procedures to follow at time of patient death;

(k) infection control and safety;

(l) stress management; and

(m) the volunteer's role and documentation requirements.

(3) The hospice shall maintain records of hours of services and activities provided by volunteers.

(4) The agency shall have on file, a copy of certification, registration, or license of any volunteer providing professional services.