Section 7.12.317. Scope of service: volunteer hospice agency.

	(a)  Subject to (b) of this section, a volunteer hospice agency shall provide each of, and only, the following services:  
		(1) direct service volunteers;  
		(2) spiritual and emotional support services to the client, the client's family, and caregivers if these services are desired during the time the client is receiving hospice care;  
		(3) supervision, orientation, and training to direct service volunteers and other hospice staff;  
		(4) bereavement counseling services to assist the client's family and caregivers in coping with grief experienced after the client's death; and  
		(5) volunteer services in accordance with 7 AAC 12.336.  
	(b)  A volunteer hospice agency may provide short-term respite care to the client's family for the relief of the client's daily care.  
	(c)  A volunteer hospice agency shall investigate, analyze, and respond to client grievances related to client care.  
	(d)  A volunteer hospice agency shall ensure that each client has a plan of care approved by the attending physician or advanced nurse practitioner, and by the program manager.  
	(e)  A volunteer hospice agency shall develop and implement written policies and procedures consistent with this chapter that govern each service provided by the agency, including policies relating to confidentiality, training, and admissions. The policies and procedures must accurately describe the agency's goals, the methods by which the goals are achieved, and the mechanisms by which basic hospice care services are delivered. The agency must review its policies and procedures at least annually. The program director shall document each review by dating and signing an attestation. The agency shall revise its policies and procedures if determined necessary by the agency or by the department to ensure that each policy and procedure is current and adequate for purposes of carrying out the agency's functions and maintaining consistency with this chapter.  
	(f)  Volunteer services in a volunteer hospice agency must be directed by a coordinator of volunteer services who shall  
		(1) implement a direct service volunteer program;  
		(2) coordinate the orientation, education, support, and supervision of direct service volunteers; and  
		(3) coordinate the use of direct service volunteers with other hospice staff and community resources.  

Authorities

47.32.010;47.32.030

Notes

Reference

7 AAC 12.310
7 AAC 12.349

Authority

AS 47.32.010 AS 47.32.030

History

Eff. 5/24/2007, Register 182