10A NCAC 13K .0102      DEFINITIONS

In addition to the definitions set forth in G.S. 131E-201, the following definitions shall apply throughout this Subchapter:

(1)           "Agency" means a licensed hospice as defined in G.S. 131E‑201(3).

(2)           "Care Plan" means the proposed method developed in writing by the interdisciplinary care team through which the hospice seeks to provide services that meet the patient's and family's medical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs.

(3)           "Clergy Member" means an individual who has received a degree from a theological school and has fulfilled denominational seminary requirements; or an individual who, by ordination or authorization from the individual's denomination, has been approved to function in a pastoral capacity. Each hospice shall designate a clergy member responsible for coordinating spiritual care to hospice patients and families.

(4)           "Coordinator of Patient Family Volunteers" means an individual on the hospice team who coordinates and supervises the activities of all patient family volunteers.

(5)           "Dietary Counseling" means counseling given by a licensed dietitian/nutritionist or licensed nutritionist as defined in G.S. 90-352.

(6)           "Director" means the person having administrative responsibility for the operation of the hospice.

(7)           "Division" means the Division of Health Service Regulation of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

(8)           "Governing Body" means the group of persons responsible for overseeing operations of the hospice, including the development and monitoring of policies and procedures related to all aspects of the operations of the hospice program. The governing body ensures that all services provided are consistent with accepted standards of hospice practice.

(9)           "Hospice" means a coordinated program of services as defined in G.S. 131E-201.

(10)         "Hospice Caregiver" means an individual on the hospice team who has completed hospice caregiver training as defined in Rule .0402 of this Subchapter and is assigned to a hospice residential facility or hospice inpatient unit.

(11)         "Hospice Inpatient Facility or Hospice Inpatient Unit" means as defined in G.S. 131E-201(3a).

(12)         "Hospice Residential Facility" means as defined in G.S. 131E-201(5a).

(13)         "Hospice Team" means as defined in G.S. 131E-201(6).

(14)         "Informed Consent" means the agreement to receive hospice care made by the patient and family that specifies in writing the type of care and services to be provided. The informed consent form shall be signed by the patient prior to service. If the patient's medical condition is such that a signature cannot be obtained, a signature shall be obtained from the individual having legal guardianship, applicable durable or health care power of attorney, or the family member or individual assuming the responsibility of primary caregiver.

(15)         "Interdisciplinary Team" means as defined in G.S. 131E-201(6).

(16)         "Licensed Practical Nurse" means as defined in G.S. 90-171.30 or G.S. 171.32.

(17)         "Medical Director" means a physician licensed to practice medicine in North Carolina who directs the medical aspects of the hospice's patient care program.

(18)         "Nurse Practitioner" means as defined in G.S. 90-18.2(a).

(19)         "Nurse Aide" means an individual who is authorized to provide nursing care under the supervision of a licensed nurse, has completed a training and competency evaluation program or competency evaluation program and is listed on the Nurse Aide Registry, at the Division of Health Service Regulation. If the nurse aide performs Nurse Aide II tasks, the nurse aide shall also meet the requirements established by the N.C. Board of Nursing as defined in 21 NCAC 36 .0405, incorporated by reference including subsequent amendments.

(20)         "Patient and Family Care Coordinator" means a registered nurse designated by the hospice to coordinate the provision of hospice services for each patient and family.

(21)         "Patient Family Volunteer" means an individual who has received orientation and training as defined in Rule .0402 of this Subchapter, and provides volunteer services to a patient and the patient's family in the patient's home or in a hospice inpatient facility or hospice inpatient unit, or a hospice residential facility.

(22)         "Pharmacist" means as defined in G.S. 90-85.3.

(23)         "Physician" means as defined in G.S. 90-9.1 or G.S. 90-9.2.

(24)         "Premises" means the location or licensed site where the agency provides hospice services or maintains patient service records or advertises itself as a hospice agency.

(25)         "Primary Caregiver" means the family member or other person who assumes the overall responsibility for the care of the patient in the patient's home.

(26)         "Registered Nurse" means as defined in G.S. 90-171.30 or G.S. 90-171.32.

(27)         "Respite Care" means care provided to a patient for temporary relief to family members or others caring for the patient at home.

(28)         "Spiritual Caregiver" means an individual authorized by the patient and family to provide for their spiritual needs.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 131E‑202;

Eff. November 1, 1984;

Amended Eff. February 1, 1996; February 1, 1995; June 1, 1991; November 1, 1989;

Readopted Eff. January 1, 2021.