Section 7.12.523. Medical social work service.

	(a)  If a home health agency offers medical social services, the services must be delivered in accordance with the patient's plan of care by, or under the supervision of, a social worker who has  
		(1) a master's degree from a school of social work accredited by the National Council on Social Work Education;  
		(2) one year of social work experience in a health care setting; and  
		(3) if required to be licensed under AS 08.95,  a valid license.  
	(b)  A social worker employed by a home health agency shall  
		(1) assist the physician, team members, and the family in understanding the social and emotional factors related to health problems of the patient;  
		(2) participate in the development of a plan of care;  
		(3) prepare clinical and progress notes;  
		(4) participate in inservice training;  
		(5) refer the patient and family members to appropriate community resources and consult with other agency personnel;  
		(6) accept physician orders in relation to social services issues;  
		(7) participate in discharge planning; and  
		(8) plan, supervise, and delegate services furnished by a social work assistant.  
	(c)  A social work assistant must have a baccalaureate degree in social work or in a human service field, including sociology, special education, rehabilitation counseling, psychology, or another field related to social work, and at least one year of social work experience in a health care setting. A social work assistant shall  
		(1) perform delegated services in accordance with the plan of care;  
		(2) assist in preparing clinical progress notes; and  
		(3) participate in inservice training.  

Authorities

18.05.040

Notes

Authority

AS 18.05.040 Editor's note: Information concerning the current list of schools of social work accredited by the National Council of Social Work Education may be obtained from the National Council on Social Work Education, 1600 Duke Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22414.

History

Eff. 9/6/96, Register 139