La. Admin. Code tit. 48 § I-9919

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 11, November 20, 2024

Section I-9919 - Specialized Care Units, Restraints, and Seclusion

A. Specialized Care Units

1. Nursing facilities may establish a distinct unit that benefits residents living with severe dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or other disease process or condition which severely impairs their ability to recognize potential hazards. Such units shall not be established for the sole purpose of housing individuals with mental illness.

2. Specialized care units may involve locking mechanisms provided that such locking arrangements are approved by OSFM and satisfy the requirements established by OSFM.

3. Nursing facilities providing care and services on a specialized care unit shall develop admission and discharge criteria. There shall be documentation in the resident's record to indicate the unit is the least restrictive environment possible, and placement in the unit provides a clear benefit to the resident.

4. Guidelines for admission and discharge shall be provided to the resident, the residents family, and/or the residents legal representative.

5. Specialized care units shall be designed and staffed to provide the care and services necessary for the resident's needs to be met.

a. The unit shall have designated space for dining and/or group and individual activities that is separate and apart from the resident bedrooms and bathrooms.

b. The dining space shall contain tables for eating within the unit.

c. The activities area(s) shall contain seating, and be accessible to the residents within the unit.

6. There shall be sufficient staff to respond to emergency situations in the unit at all times.

7. The facility shall ensure that admission to the specialized care unit imposes restrictions on residents exercise of their rights only to the extent absolutely necessary to protect the health and safety of themselves and other residents.

8. Care plans shall address the reasons for the resident being in the unit and how the nursing facility is meeting the resident's continuing needs.

9. All staff designated to provide care and services on specialized care units shall have training regarding unit policies and procedures, admission and discharge criteria, emergency situations and the individual and special needs of the residents on the unit.

10. Admission to a specialized care unit shall be in compliance with R.S. 40:1299.53 and 40:2010.8.

B. Restraints. The resident has the right to be free from any physical or chemical restraints imposed for purposes of discipline or convenience and not required to treat the residents medical symptoms.

C. Seclusion. The resident has the right to be free from verbal, sexual, physical and mental abuse, corporal punishment, and involuntary seclusion.

La. Admin. Code tit. 48, § I-9919

Promulgated by the Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of the Secretary, Bureau of Health Services Financing, LR 24:64 (January 1998), Promulgated by the Department of Health, Bureau of Health Services Financing, LR 421927 11/1/2016).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 40:2009.1-2116.