S.C. Code Regs. § § 61-17.600.608

Current through Register Vol. 48, 12, December 27, 2024

Section 61-17.600.608 - Volunteers

A. If the facility has a volunteer program, a facility staff person shall direct the program. Community groups such as Boy and Girl Scouts, church groups, civic organizations or individuals that may occasionally present programs, activities, or entertainment in the facility shall not be considered volunteers. Volunteers shall be subject to the same standards regarding resident confidentiality and practice as the facility staff. Volunteers shall consult with licensed staff prior to any changes in resident care or treatment. The facility may elect to prohibit volunteers to work in the facility.

B. The licensee is responsible for all the activities that take place in the facility including the coordination of volunteer activities. (II)

1. Volunteers shall receive the orientation, training, and supervision necessary to assure resident health and safety before performing any duties. The orientation program shall include, but not be limited to:

a. Resident rights;

b. Confidentiality;

c. Disaster preparedness;

d. Emergency response procedures;

e. Safety procedures and precautions; and

f. Infection control.

2. There shall be accurate current information maintained regarding all volunteers that shall include:

a. Name, address and telephone number;

b. Documentation of orientation to the facility, including residents' rights, regulation compliance, policies and procedures, training, and duties;

c. Date of initial resident contact may be maintained by the facility, if applicable.

3. Facilities shall require that volunteers sign in and out with staff of the facility upon entering or leaving the facility. Volunteers shall wear legible name and title badges that are visible at all times while on duty.

4. Volunteers and paid feeding assistants (as defined in the federal regulations on paid feeding assistants) shall not be included in the minimum staffing requirements of Section 605.

C. Documentation maintained for direct care volunteers shall include: (II)

1. A health assessment (in accordance with Section 607) within twelve (12) months prior to initial date of volunteering or initial resident contact;

2. Familiarization with the disaster plan (See Section 1502) and documented instructions as to any required actions;

3. Fire response training (See Section 1603) within twenty-four (24) hours of his or her first day as a direct care volunteer and at least annually thereafter;

4. A criminal record check (See Section 601.A) completed prior to working as a direct care volunteer;

5. Determination of TB status (See Section 1703) prior to initial resident contact or his or her first day working as a direct care volunteer;

6. Annual influenza vaccination and hepatitis B vaccination series (See Section 1706) unless the vaccine is medically contraindicated or the person is offered the vaccination and declined. In either case, the decision shall be documented.

S.C. Code Regs. § 61-17.600.608

Renumbered from 61-17-600.609 State Register Volume 40, Issue No. 03, eff. 3/25/2016.