N.J. Admin. Code § 8:43G-29.13

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 21, November 4, 2024

Section 8:43G-29.13 - Occupational therapy policies and procedures

(a) The occupational therapy service shall have written policies and procedures that are reviewed at least once every three years, revised more frequently as needed, and implemented. They shall include at least:

1. Criteria for patient assessment and treatment plans;

2. Emergency procedures for medical emergencies; and

3. Mechanisms for interdisciplinary communication.

(b) Each patient referred to the occupational therapy service by physician's order shall be assessed by an occupational therapist. The assessment shall include review of the medical record. A written plan of care shall be developed, based on the assessment.

(c) Occupational therapy assessment and treatment shall be initiated within 72 hours of referral, excluding weekends and holidays.

(d) The occupational therapy service shall develop specific criteria for patient assessment and patient treatment that are used by staff in patient contact, documentation, and for quality assurance. Criteria shall include at least the following:

1. Appropriateness of referrals;

2. Timeliness of the initiation of therapy;

3. Implementation of occupational therapy orders;

4. Follow-up for patients who have not responded to therapy; and

5. The adequacy of interdisciplinary communication.

(e) The patient assessment and plan of care shall include measurable goals with specified time frames and shall be documented in the medical record. If goals are not met, the reasons shall be specified in the medical record.

(f) Each occupational therapy treatment shall be documented in the patient's medical record. A note shall be entered into the medical record at least weekly, or more frequently, if there is a significant change in the patient's status or treatment needs.

(g) The occupational therapist should discuss the plan of care with the patient and family, if possible.

(h) Hospitals that contract with an occupational therapy service shall ensure compliance with 8:43G-29.13 through 29.23.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:43G-29.13

Amended by R.1992 d.72, effective 2/18/1992.
See: 23 New Jersey Register 2590(a), 24 New Jersey Register 590(a).
Contracting requirements specified at (h).
Amended by R.1999 d.436, effective 12/20/1999.
See: 31 New Jersey Register 367(a), 31 New Jersey Register 614(a), 31 New Jersey Register 4293(c).
In (a), substituted "at least once every three years, revised more frequently" for "annually, revised" in the introductory paragraph.