Section 300 - STAFF, CAREGIVERS, AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 4, Aril 26, 2024

A. Before being employed as an in-home caregiver by a licensed in-home care provider, a person shall undergo a criminal background check as provided by S.C. Code Sections 44-70-60(B) and 44-7-2910 and submit to a drug test as provided by S.C. Code Section 44-70-60(B).

B. Licensed in-home care providers and individuals employed as in-home caregivers by licensed in-home care providers are subject to and must pass random drug testing as provided for in S.C. Code Section 44-70-70. The provider may choose the method of random testing that most suitably meets the provider's needs. The provider's policies and procedures must address random drug testing and describe the procedure chosen. At a minimum, a five (5) panel drug screen will be utilized that tests for cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and phencyclidine.

C. The provider shall maintain accurate information on all staff members including, but not limited to, current address, phone number, training, criminal background checks, and health assessments.

D. Caregivers shall receive or independently obtain necessary training to perform the duties for which they are responsible. Documentation of all in-service training shall be signed and dated by both the individual providing the training and the individual receiving the training. A signature for the individual providing the training may be omitted for computer-based training. The following training shall be provided by appropriate resources:

1. Basic first aid;

2. Medication assistance, if applicable;

3. Depending on the type of clients, care services for persons specific to the physical and/or mental condition of the individual, for example, Alzheimer's disease, related dementia, cognitive disabilities, or similar disabilities;

4. Confidentiality of client information and records and the protecting of client rights, including prevention of abuse and neglect;

5. Documentation and recordkeeping procedures;

6. Ethics and interpersonal relationships;

7. Proper lifting and transfer techniques, if applicable; and

8. Infection control techniques.

E. Minimum qualifications for caregivers.

A caregiver must:

1. Be able to read, write, and communicate effectively with client and supervisor;

2. Be capable of completing assigned job duties;

3. Be capable of following a care services plan with minimal supervision, if applicable;

4. Have a valid driver's license and proof of insurance if transportation is a part of the caregiver's duties. The provider must ensure the caregiver's license is valid while transporting any client of the provider by verifying the official highway department driving record of the employed individual. A copy of the driving record must be maintained in the caregiver's file;

5. Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;

6. Not have prior convictions or have pled no contest (nolo contendere) to crimes related to theft, abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a child or a vunerable adult as defined in S.C. Code Section 43-35-10 et seq., for child or adult abuse, neglect or mistreatment, or a criminal offense similar in nature to the crimes listed in this subsection. The provider shall coordinate with appropriate abuse-related registries prior to the employment of staff or the contracting with or referral of caregivers to ensure compliance with this provision; and

7. Not have prior convictions or have pled no contest (nolo contendere) to crimes related to drugs within ten (10) years of providing in-home care to clients. The provider shall coordinate with appropriate abuse-related registries prior to the employment of staff or the contracting with or referral of caregivers to ensure compliance with this provision.

Added by State Register Volume 38, Issue No. 6, eff 6/27/2014.