Part I. Definitions and General Information

12VAC5-381-10. Definitions.

"Branch office" means a geographically separate office of the home care organization that performs all or part of the primary functions of the home care organization on a smaller scale.

12VAC5-381-120. Variances.

A. The OLC  Commissioner can authorize variances only to its own licensing regulations, not to regulations of another agency or to any requirements in federal, state, or local laws.

12VAC5-381-160. Governing Body.

A. The organization shall have a governing body that is legally responsible for the management, operation and fiscal affairs of the organization. The governing body of a hospital that operates a home care organization shall include in its internal organization structure an identified unit of home care services.

B. The governing body shall:

1. Determine which services are to be provided by the organization;

2. Ensure that the organization is staffed and adequately equipped to provide the services it offers to clients, whether provided directly by the organization or through contract;

3. Comply with federal and state laws, regulations and local ordinances governing operations of the organization; and

4. Establish a quality improvement committee.

C. The governing body shall review annually and approve the written policies and procedures of the organization.

D. The governing body shall review annually and approve the recommendations of the quality improvement committee, when appropriate.

12VAC5-381-180. Written Policies and Procedures.

C. Administrative and operational policies and procedures shall include, but are not limited to:

10. Communicable and reportable diseases pursuant to guidelines established by the Virginia Department of Health;

18. CBD oil and THC-A oil for medical treatment, prescription or illegal drug abuse by client in the aide’s presence; and  

12VAC5-381-190. Financial Controls.

D. All financial records shall be audited at least triennially by an independent certified public accountant (CPA) or audited as otherwise provided by law.. A copy of most recent tax return prepared by an independent financial organization, or an audit, or a balance sheet, or a financial statement prepared by a certified public accounting firm.  

12VAC5-381-280. Client Record System.

G. Signed and dated notes on the care or services provided by each individual delivering service shall be written on the day the service is delivered and incorporated in the client record within seven ten working days.

12VAC5-381-290. Home Attendants.

Home attendants shall be able to speak, read and write English and shall meet one of the following qualifications:

6. Have satisfactorily completed a 20-hour training program and competency tested by a licensed nurse.  Completion of the 20-hour training program and competency testing shall be documented in the home health aide’s personnel record.  Other individuals may be used to provide instruction under the supervision of a licensed nurse.  The 20-hour training program shall address each of the following subject areas:

(i) Communications skills, including the ability to read, write and verbally report information to the person receiving services, representatives, other caregivers and supervisor. 

(ii) Observation, reporting and documentation of patient status and the care or service furnished.

(iii) Reading and recording temperature, pulse, and respiration.

(iv) Basic infection control procedures.

(v) Basic elements of body functioning and changes in body function that must be reported to an aide's supervisor.

(vi) Maintenance of a clean, safe, and healthy environment.

(vii) Recognizing emergencies and knowledge of emergency procedures.

(viii) The physical, emotional, and developmental needs of and ways to work with the populations served including the need for respect for the patient, his or her privacy and his or her property.

(ix) Appropriate and safe techniques in personal hygiene and grooming that include

(A) Bed bath.

(B) Sponge, tub, or shower bath.

(C) Hair shampoo, sink, tub, or bed.

(D) Nail and skin care.

(E) Oral hygiene.

(F) Toileting and elimination.

(x) Safe transfer techniques and ambulation.

(xi) Normal range of motion and positioning.

(xii) Adequate nutrition and fluid intake.

(xiii) Recognizing and reporting changes in skin condition, including pressure ulcer.

(xiv) Any other task that home care organization may choose to provider as permitted under state law.

using the "Personal Care Aide Training Curriculum," 2003 edition, of the Department of Medical Assistance Services. However, this training is permissible for home attendants of personal care services only.