10A NCAC 13F .0906       OTHER Resident Care and Services

(a)  Transportation. The administrator shall assure the provision of transportation for the residents of adult care homes to necessary resources and activities, including transportation to the nearest appropriate health facilities, social services agencies, shopping and recreational facilities, and religious activities of the resident's choice. The resident shall not be charged any additional fee for this service. Sources of transportation may include community resources, public systems, volunteer programs, family members as well as facility vehicles.

(b)  Mail.

(1)           Residents shall receive their mail promptly and it shall be unopened unless there is a written, witnessed request authorizing management staff to open and read mail to the resident. This request shall be recorded on Form DSS‑1865, the Resident Register or the equivalent;

(2)           Outgoing mail written by a resident shall not be censored; and

(3)           Residents shall be encouraged and assisted, if necessary, to correspond by mail with close relatives and friends. Residents shall have access to writing materials, stationery and postage and, upon request, the home shall provide such items at cost. It is not the home's obligation to pay for these items.

(c)  Laundry.

(1)           Laundry services shall be provided to residents without any additional fee; and

(2)           It is not the home's obligation to pay for a resident's personal dry cleaning. The resident's plans for personal care of clothing shall be indicated on Form DSS‑1865, the Resident Register.

(d)  Telephone.

(1)           A telephone shall be available in a location providing privacy for residents to make and receive calls.

(2)           A pay station telephone is not acceptable for local calls; and

(3)           It is not the home's obligation to pay for a resident's toll calls.

(e)  Personal Lockable Space.

(1)           Personal lockable space shall be provided for each resident to secure his personal valuables. One key shall be provided free of charge to the resident. Additional keys shall be provided to residents at cost upon request. It is not the home's obligation to pay for additional keys; and

(2)           While a resident may elect not to use lockable space, it shall still be available in the home since the resident may change his mind. This space shall be accessible only to the resident and the administrator or supervisor‑in‑charge. The administrator or supervisor‑in‑charge shall determine at admission whether the resident desires lockable space, but the resident may change his mind at any time.

(f)  Visiting.

(1)           Visiting in the home and community at reasonable hours shall be encouraged and arranged through the mutual prior understanding of the residents and administrator;

(2)           There shall be at least 10 hours each day for visitation in the home by persons from the community. If a home has established visiting hours or any restrictions on visitation, information about the hours and any restrictions shall be included in the house rules given to each resident at the time of admission and posted conspicuously in the home;

(3)           A signout register shall be maintained for planned visiting and other scheduled absences which indicates the resident's departure time, expected time of return and the name and telephone number of the responsible party;

(4)           If the whereabouts of a resident are unknown and there is reason to be concerned about his safety, the person in charge in the home shall immediately notify the resident's responsible person, the appropriate law enforcement agency and the county department of social services.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 131D-2.16; 143B-165;

Eff. January 1, 1977;

Readopted Eff. October 31, 1977;

Amended Eff. April 1, 1987; April 1, 1984;

Temporary Amendment Eff. July 1, 2003;

Amended Eff. July 1, 2004;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. March 6, 2018.