Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 45, November 9, 2024
Section 601.35 - Home health aide services(a)Selection of aides. Home health aides shall be selected on the basis of such factors as a sympathetic attitude toward the care of the sick, ability to carry out directions, maturity and ability to deal effectively with the demands of the job. Aides shall be carefully trained in methods of assisting patients to achieve maximum self-reliance, principles of nutrition and meal preparation, the aging process and emotional problems of illness, procedures for maintaining a clean, healthful and pleasant environment, changes in patient's condition that should be reported, work of the agency and the health team, ethics, confidentiality and recordkeeping. They shall be closely supervised to assure their competence in providing care.(b)Assignment and duties of the home health aide. The home health aide shall be assigned to a particular patient by a registered nurse. Written instructions for patient care shall be prepared by a registered nurse or therapist as appropriate. Duties shall include the performance of simple procedures as an extension of therapy services, personal care, ambulation and exercise, household services essential to health care at home, assistance with medications that are ordinarily self-administered, reporting changes in the patient's conditions and needs and completing appropriate records.(c)Supervision. The registered nurse, or appropriate professional staff member, if other services are provided, shall make a supervisory visit to the patient's residence at least every 2 weeks, either when the aide is present to observe and assist, or when the aide is absent, to assess relationships and determine whether goals are being met.