Section 7.12.333. Hospice home health aide services.

	(a)  A full-service hospice agency may provide home health aide services. If the agency provides home health aide services, those services must be provided  
		(1) by a nurse aide with a current certification under AS 08.68.331;  
		(2) in accordance with the plan of care; and  
		(3) in accordance with written instructions  
			(A) prepared by a registered nurse providing services under 7 AAC 12.331; and  
			(B) that specify each task to be completed during a home visit.  
	(b)  A nurse aide employed by the agency shall  
		(1) follow the current plan of care;  
		(2) perform simple procedures as an extension of therapy services;  
		(3) provide personal care, including bathing, hair care, oral hygiene, skin care, and hand and foot care;  
		(4) assist the client with ambulating and exercise;  
		(5) assist with the client's meal preparation or feeding;  
		(6) assist with client-administered nonprescription and prescription medications by handing the client the medication bottle, or the medication that was prepared under the supervision of a physician, a registered nurse, or an advanced nurse practitioner;  
		(7) report changes in the client's condition and needs;  
		(8) complete appropriate records; and  
		(9) take and record vital signs.  
	(c)  A registered nurse providing services under 7 AAC 12.331 shall make a supervisory visit to each client's residence at least once every two weeks, either to observe and assist when the nurse aide is present, or to assess relationships and determine whether goals identified in the plan of care are being met. The registered nurse shall directly observe the in-home performance of each nurse aide at least once each month. The agency shall maintain sufficient documentation to demonstrate that a nurse aide is evaluated for competency in  
		(1) communication;  
		(2) observation, reporting, and documentation of the client care provided;  
		(3) maintenance of a clean, safe, and healthy environment;  
		(4) provision of basic infection control procedures;  
		(5) knowledge of basic nutrition and fluid intake, including food preparation techniques as appropriate;  
		(6) reading and recording temperature, pulse, and respiration;  
		(7) knowledge and observation of basic elements of body functioning and changes in body functioning that must be reported to the nurse aide's supervisor;  
		(8) recognition of emergencies and knowledge of emergency procedures;  
		(9) recognition of the physical, emotional, and developmental needs of, and ways to work with, clients served by the hospice, including respect for the client and the client's family, the client's privacy, and the client's property;  
		(10) use of appropriate and safe techniques for the client's personal hygiene and grooming, including  
			(A) a bed bath, sponge bath, tub bath, or shower bath;  
			(B) sink, tub, or bed shampooing;  
			(C) nail and skin care;  
			(D) oral hygiene; and  
			(E) toileting and elimination;  
		(11) safe transfer techniques and ambulation;  
		(12) normal range of motion and positioning; and  
		(13) any other task that the agency may assign to the nurse aide.  

Authorities

47.32.010;47.32.030

Notes

Reference

7 AAC 12.338
7 AAC 12.349

Authority

AS 47.32.010 AS 47.32.030

History

Eff. 5/24/2007, Register 182