Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. There are several activities that the staff should avoid during service delivery hours/visit as they can distract and detract from the delivery of adequate and appropriate care. These activities include, but are not limited to the following: Watching television, playing video games, or using the computer. The patient may be watching a program or playing video games, but even with an invitation to sit down and participate, the staff should not participate and politely decline. The only exception to this may be the patient who uses a game console for part of a therapy program, or a staff presenting education material in the format of a DVD, computer program, or internet. (This does not apply to the staff who brings a laptop to perform electronic charting as long as the laptop is used exclusively for that purpose) Making / receiving personal communications Use of cell phones and other communication devices should be avoided during service hours/visit, however if this is unavoidable the staff must use professional judgment and maintain professionalism. Communications should only be made or received during service hours if it relates to the care of an Agency’s Patient or program, or there is an emergency. Then, communications should be kept brief and returned after service hours whenever possible. If the communications must continue during service hours/visit, the staff must be mindful of what is said in front of the patient and keep the conversation professional and maintain confidentiality of other patients. Socialization with individuals other than the patient, unless it is care related. Conversation with family members or other individuals with in the home should be kept to a minimum with focus remaining on the patient. Providing care to others in the home. Care is only to be provided to patients on the Agency’s Home Care Program with authorization from the case manager. Care of siblings, children, parents, or spouses of the patient not enrolled in the Agency is not permitted. The staff must notify CM if put in this situation by patient or patient’s family. (This does not refer to group billing where service can be performed for up to 3 patients in the same environment and authorized by the case manager). Smoking in the home. The rule states no smoking in the patient’s home without consent. It is recommended however, that the staff not smoke in the patient’s home, even with permission from the patient. Sleeping. This is prohibited. The staff may never sleep during any visit for any reason, even with the permission of the patient or patient’s family. The staff is unable to provide care or monitor the patient while sleeping. If the patient is compromised to the point that he/she requires nursing care through out the night, then a sleeping staff is neglecting the patient. Staying awake can be difficult for staffs working night hours. It is often difficult to stay awake when the patient and household are sleeping. The staff must stay awake. If the staff can not stay awake during night services, he/she should not accept cases with night hours. A nurse sleeping during a visit puts the patient’s health and safety in jeopardy. Patient’s personal relationships and legal matters. Any involvement in the patient’s personal relationships and/or legal matters is not permitted. The staff should not give advice, interject personal opinion or comments, or influence the patient’s decision making. The staff is required however, to report any personal issues that the patient reports that may jeopardize his/ her health and safety. The staff is also prohibited from being designated to serve or make decisions for the patient in any capacity involving a declaration for mental health treatment, durable power of attorney, financial power of attorney, or guardianship pursuant to court order. Home Health Agency. - - Personnel/Operations Policies B-169