S.C. Code Regs. § § 61-17.600.609

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

Section 61-17.600.609 - Private Sitters

A. If a resident or responsible party has not agreed in writing with the facility to not have a private sitter and chooses to employ a private sitter for use in the facility, the facility may establish a formalized private sitter program that shall be directed by a facility staff member.

1. The facility shall assure that private sitters have been chosen in accordance with the Bill of Rights for Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities.

2. The facility shall establish written policies and procedures for the private sitter program, to include duties.

3. There shall be accurate current information maintained regarding private sitters including:

a. Name, address and telephone number;

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

c. Prior to resident contact, the private sitter shall have documented orientation to the organization and environment of the facility. Orientation to the facility shall consist, at least, of the following:

1. Residents' rights;

2. Confidentiality;

3. Disaster preparedness;

4. Emergency response procedures;

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

6. Safety procedures and precautions;

7. Infection control; and

8. Private Sitter Policies and Procedures.

B. The facility shall maintain the following documentation regarding private sitters:

1. A health assessment (in accordance with Section 607) within twelve (12) months prior to initial resident contact or his or her first day working as a private sitter;

2. A criminal record check (See Section 601.A) completed prior to working as a private sitter;

3. Determination of TB status (See Section 1703) prior to initial resident contact or his or her first day working as a private sitter;

4. Annual influenza vaccination and hepatitis B vaccination series (See Section 1706).

C. Private sitters shall not be included in the minimum staffing requirements of Section 605.

D. Private sitters shall sign in and sign out with facility staff upon entering or leaving the facility. Private sitters shall display identification in accordance with facility policies and procedures that is visible at all times while on duty.

S.C. Code Regs. § 61-17.600.609

Renumbered from 61-17-600.610 State Register Volume 40, Issue No. 03, eff. 3/25/2016.