Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. POLICY ON MEDICAL SOCIAL SERVICES It is the policy of MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. to provide medical social services, when needed, by a qualified social worker, or by a qualified social worker assistant under the supervision of a qualified social worker, in accordance with the Plan of Care. A Medical Social Services evaluation assessment will be performed on patients referred for Medical Social Services and documented in the patient’s record. The assessment is based on patient need or perceived need and addresses financial and social status. The evaluation assessment will be documented whether services continue or not. The assessment includes, but is not limited to: The social component: • Identification of the responsible party • An emergency contact • The patient’s involvement with social and community activities The economic component: • A review of the financial resources available to pay for the care/services provided • A review of the financial resources to maintain current independent status • Resources needed to manage functional limitations Functional limitations: • The patient's ability to ambulate • Documentation of any other functional limitations The mental health component: • Orientation • Memory • Reasoning • Judgment The physical health component: • Identification of health problems and other needed information that could impact the level of services required to meet the patient’s needs. The social worker: (i) Assists the physician and other team members in understanding the significant social and emotional factors related to the health problems; (ii) Participates in the development of the Plan of Treatment; (iii) Prepares clinical and clinical notes; (iv) Works with the family; (v) Utilize appropriate community resources; (vi) Participates in discharge planning and in-service programs; (vii) Acts as a consultant to other agency personnel. Home Health Agency - - Skilled Professional Services C-11