SECTION .0600 ‑ PATIENT/FAMILY CARE

10A NCAC 13K .0601      ACCEPTANCE OF PATIENTS FOR HOSPICE SERVICES

A hospice shall implement and follow written policies governing the acceptance of patients which include at the minimum:

(1)           Involvement of the interdisciplinary care team in making decisions regarding acceptance of patients and families and the designation of a primary caregiver.

(2)           Initial assessment of the patient prior to acceptance to ensure that its resources are sufficient to meet the needs of the patient and family.

(3)           Provision for a determination by the patient's physician that hospice care is appropriate and agreement to continue as the attending physician while the patient receives hospice services. All care and services provided shall be in accordance with the attending physician's written orders and the plan of care. Physician's orders shall be reviewed and signed by the physician at least every 90 days.

(4)           Informed consent signed by the patient thereby agreeing to hospice services being provided.

(5)           Advance notification of at least 48 hours to the patient or family when service provision is to be terminated, except in cases where the patient is in agreement with changes or there is a danger to a patient or staff member.

(6)           Each patient or family accepted for hospice care shall receive written information pertaining to services available, including the means for contacting "on‑call" personnel when needed and other information as necessary.

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

Eff. November 1, 1984;

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

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. December 22, 2018.