10A NCAC 13F .1305       SPECIAL CARE UNIT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The facility shall assure that special care unit policies and procedures are established, implemented by staff and available for review within the facility. In addition to all applicable policies and procedures for adult care homes, there shall be policies and procedures that address the following:

(1)           the philosophy of the special care unit which includes a statement of mission and objectives regarding the specific population to be served by the unit which shall address, but not be limited to, the following:

(a)           safe, secure, familiar and consistent environment that promotes mobility and minimal use of physical restraints or psychotropic medications;

(b)           a structured but flexible lifestyle through a well developed program of care which includes activities appropriate for each resident's abilities;

(c)           individualized care plans that stress the maintenance of residents' abilities and promote the highest possible level of physical and mental functioning; and

(d)           methods of behavior management which preserve dignity through design of the physical environment, physical exercise, social activity, appropriate medication administration, proper nutrition and health maintenance;

(2)           the process and criteria for admission to and discharge from the unit;

(3)           a description of the special care services offered in the unit;

(4)           resident assessment and care planning, including opportunity for family involvement in care planning, and the implementation of the care plan, including responding to changes in the resident's condition;

(5)           safety measures addressing dementia specific dangers such as wandering, ingestion, falls and aggressive behavior;

(6)           staffing in the unit;

(7)           staff training based on the special care needs of the residents;

(8)           physical environment and design features that address the needs of the residents;

(9)           activity plans based on personal preferences and needs of the residents;

(10)         opportunity for involvement of families in resident care and the availability of family support programs; and

(11)         additional costs and fees for the special care provided.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 131D-2.16; 131D-4.5; 131D-4.6; 131D-8; 143-165;

Temporary Adoption Eff. December 1, 1999;

Eff. July 1, 2000;

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