N.J. Admin. Code § 8:43A-6.3

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 11, June 3, 2024

Section 8:43A-6.3 - Policies and procedures

(a) Patient care policies and procedures shall facilitate continuity of care to patients and shall include, but not be limited to, policies and procedures concerning the following:

1. Services to be provided, including preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services;

2. Patient rights;

3. The referral of patients to other health care providers and the use of consultant services, in order to provide a continuum of care for the patient;

4. The provision of emergency and after-hours care and treatment, including a definition of emergency;

5. Methods for obtaining and documenting informed consent, including definition or a listing of types of procedures for which informed consent will be required;

6. Advance directives, including, but not limited to, the following:

i. The circumstances under which an inquiry will be made of adult individuals receiving surgical services, anesthesia services other than minor conduction block, or chronic dialysis services regarding the existence and location of an advance directive;

ii. Requirements for provision of a written statement of patient rights regarding advance directives, approved by the Commissioner or his or her designee, to such patients upon admission; and

iii. Requirements for documentation in the medical record;

7. Admission of patients, including limitations on admission based on diagnosis, type or degree of disability, medical condition, patient age, or other factors. These limitations shall not conflict with applicable Federal and State laws prohibiting discrimination in the admission of patients or in the provision of health care services;

8. The facility's registration and appointment system;

9. Follow-up of broken appointments, including specification of the circumstances under which such follow-up will be performed;

10. The provision of screening services, if offered, including indications for, and frequency of, such services;

11. Medical histories and physical examinations;

12. Initiation, implementation, review, and revision of a written plan of care, including indication of the types of patients for whom a plan of care will be written;

13. A system whereby, whenever possible, the patient is cared for by the same health care professionals;

14. Methods for ensuring visual and auditory privacy of patients;

15. Immunization records, if applicable;

16. Patient instruction and health education;

17. The provision of telephone consultation to patients during the facility's hours of operation;

18. Discharge, termination by the facility, transfer, and readmission of patients, including criteria for each;

19. The safe-keeping of patients' valuables, when required; and

20. Other activities, as required by this chapter.

(b) All patient care policies and procedures shall be available within the facility.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:43A-6.3