Iowa Admin. Code r. 481-50.7

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 8, October 30, 2024

Rule 481-50.7 - Additional notification

A health care facility shall notify the department within 24 hours, or the next business day, by the most expeditious means available (I, II, III):

(1) Of any accident causing major injury.

a. "Major injury" shall be defined as any injury which:

(1) Results in death; or

(2) Requires admission to a higher level of care for treatment, other than for observation; or

(3) Requires consultation with the attending physician, designee of the physician, or physician extender who determines, in writing on a form designated by the department, that an injury is a "major injury" based upon the circumstances of the accident, the previous functional ability of the resident, and the resident's prognosis.

b. The following are not reportable accidents:

(1) An ambulatory resident, as defined in rules 481-57.1 (135C), 481-58.1 (135C), and 481-63.1 (135C), who falls when neither the facility nor its employees have culpability related to the fall, even if the resident sustains a major injury; or

(2) Spontaneous fractures; or

(3) Hairline fractures.

(2) When damage to the facility is caused by a natural or other disaster, including physical impairments affecting operations (e.g., failure of a heating or cooling system, water heater failure).

(3) When there is an act that causes major injury to a resident or when a facility has knowledge of a pattern of acts committed by the same resident on another resident that results in any physical injury. For the purposes of this subrule, "pattern" means two or more times within a 30-day period.

(4) When a resident elopes from a facility. For the purposes of this subrule, "elopes" means when a resident who has impaired decision-making ability leaves the facility without the knowledge or authorization of staff.

(5) When a resident attempts suicide, regardless of injury.

(6) When a fire occurs in a facility and the fire requires the notification of emergency services, require full or partial evacuation of the facility, or causes physical injury to a resident.

(7) When a defect or failure occurs in the fire sprinkler or fire alarm system for more than 4 hours in a 24-hour period. (This reporting requirement is in addition to the requirement to notify the state fire marshal.)

NOTE: Additional reporting requirements are created by other rules and statutes, including but not limited to Iowa Code chapter 235E, which requires reporting of dependent adult abuse.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 481-50.7

Amended by IAB May 31, 2023/Volume XLV, Number 24, effective 7/5/2023