10A NCAC 13B .1923. SOCIAL SERVICES

(a)  The administrator shall designate an employee to be responsible for the provision of social services.  This person shall be known as the social services director.  Subsequent to the effective date of the rules contained in this Subchapter any newly designated person must be a graduate of a four year college or university with one year's experience in the health care or long‑term care field or have an equivalent combination of education and experience.  An equivalent combination of education and experience means the number of years of education leading to a baccalaureate or associate degree plus the number of years of long‑term nursing facility experience equal to five years; or eligible for certification as a social worker pursuant to G.S. 90B‑7.  The social services director shall have authority to carry out provisions contained in Rule .1923(b) of this Section.

(b)  Each patient's or resident's plan of care shall contain a written plan for meeting his individual social needs and involving his active participation, the plan shall provide for:

(1)           needed assistance in meeting the patient's or resident's physical, social and emotional needs through consultation with the patient or resident or his legal guardian, and relative, physician or others;

(2)           assisting the patient or resident in adjusting to his environment, for referral to other supporting resources, for protective services, for financial services and for assistance at the time of discharge or transfer into a new environment;

(3)           the utilization of caseworkers employed by the county department of social services in the case of recipients of public assistance and for the utilization of appropriate persons with experience and training in the general area of social work in the case of those not on public assistance.

(c)  Discharge planning shall be in keeping with each patient's and resident's discharge needs.  These are as follows:

(1)           The administrator shall assure that a medical order for discharge including any special instructions for meeting rehabilitation potential is obtained from all patients or residents except when a patient or resident leaves against a physician's order or advice; and

(2)           The social services director shall coordinate discharge instructions and assure that patients and residents and their families are instructed in accordance with discharge orders.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 131E‑79;

Eff. February 1, 1986;

Amended Eff. March 1, 1990.