10A NCAC 13K .0102. DEFINITIONS

In addition to the definitions set forth in G.S. 131E‑201 the following definitions shall apply throughout this Subchapter following:

(1)           "Agency" means a licensed hospice as defined in Article 10 G.S. 131E‑201(3).

(2)           "Attending Physician" means the physician licensed to practice medicine in North Carolina who is identified by the patient at the time of hospice admission as having the most significant role in the determination and delivery of medical care for the patient.

(3)           "Care Plan" means the proposed method developed in writing by the interdisciplinary care team through which the hospice seeks to provide services which meet the patient's and family's medical, psychosocial and spiritual needs.

(4)           "Clergy Member" means an individual who has received a degree from an theological school and has fulfilled appropriate denominational seminary requirements; or an individual who, by ordination or authorization from the individual's denomination, has been approved to function in a pastoral capacity.  Each hospice shall designate a clergy member responsible for coordinating spiritual care to hospice patients and families.

(5)           "Coordinator of Patient Family Volunteers" means an individual on the hospice staff who coordinates and supervises the activities of all patient family volunteers.

(6)           "Dietary Counseling" means counseling given by a licensed dietitian as defined in G.S. 90‑357.

(7)           "Director" means the person having administrative responsibility for the operation of the hospice.

(8)           "Governing Body" means the group of persons responsible for overseeing the operations of the hospice, specifically for the development and monitoring of policies and procedures related to all aspects of the operations of the hospice program.  The governing body ensures that all services provided are consistent with accepted standards of hospice practice.

(9)           "Hospice" means a coordinated program of services as defined in G.S. 131E‑176(13a).

(10)         "Hospice Caregiver" means an individual on the hospice staff who has completed hospice caregiver training as defined in 10A NCAC 13K .0402 and is assigned to a hospice residential facility or unit.

(11)         "Hospice Inpatient Facility or Unit" means a licensed facility as defined in G.S. 131E‑201(3a).

(12)         "Hospice Residential Facility" as defined in G.S. 131E‑201(5a) is a facility licensed to provide hospice care to hospice patients as defined in G.S. 131E‑201(4) and their families in a group residential setting.

(13)         "Hospice Staff" means members of the interdisciplinary team as defined in G.S. 131E‑201(7), nurse aides, administrative and support personnel and patient family volunteers.

(14)         "Informed Consent" means the agreement to receive hospice care made by the patient and family which specifies in writing the type of care and services to be provided.  The informed consent form shall be signed by the patient prior to service.  If the patient's medical condition is such that a signature cannot be obtained, a signature shall be obtained from the individual having legal guardianship, applicable power of attorney, or the family member or individual assuming the responsibility of primary caregiver.

(15)         "Inpatient Beds" means beds licensed as such by the Department of Health and Human Services for use by hospice patients, for medical management of symptoms or for respite care.

(16)         "Interdisciplinary Team" means a group of hospice staff as defined in G.S. 131E‑201(7).

(17)         "Licensed Practical Nurse" means a nurse holding a valid current license as required by G.S. 90, Article 9A.

(18)         "Medical Director" means a physician licensed to practice medicine in North Carolina who directs the medical aspects of the hospice's patient care program.

(19)         "Nurse Aide" means an individual who is authorized to provide nursing care under the supervision of a licensed nurse, has completed a training and competency evaluation program or competency evaluation program and is listed on the Nurse Aide Registry, at the Division of Health Service Regulation.  If the nurse aide performs Nurse Aide II tasks, he or she must also meet the requirements established by the N.C. Board of Nursing as defined in 21 NCAC 36 .0405.

(20)         "Occupational Therapist" means a person duly licensed as such, holding a current license as required by G.S. 90‑270.29.

(21)         "Patient and Family Care Coordinator" means a registered nurse designated by the hospice to coordinate the provision of hospice services for each patient and family.

(22)         "Patient Family Volunteer" means an individual who has received orientation and training as defined in Rule .0402 of this Subchapter, and provides volunteer services to a patient and the patient's family in the patient's home or in a hospice inpatient facility or unit, or a hospice residential facility.

(23)         "Pharmacist" means an individual licensed to practice pharmacy in North Carolina as required in G.S. 90‑85(15).

(24)         "Physical Therapist" means an individual holding a valid current license as required by G.S. 90, Article 18B.

(25)         "Physician" means an individual licensed to practice medicine in North Carolina.

(26)         "Premises" means the location or licensed site from which the agency provides hospice services or maintains patient service records or advertises itself as a hospice agency.

(27)         "Primary Caregiver" means the family member or other person who assumes the overall responsibility for the care of the patient in the home.

(28)         "Registered Nurse" means a nurse holding a valid current license as required by G.S. 90, Article 9A.

(29)         "Respite Care" means care provided to a patient for the purpose of temporary relief to family members or others caring for the patient at home.

(30)         "Social Worker" means an individual who performs social work and holds a bachelor's or advanced degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council of Social Work Education or a bachelor's or an advanced degree in psychology, counseling or psychiatric nursing.

(31)         "Speech and Language Pathologist" means an individual holding a valid current license as required by G.S. 90, Article 22.

(32)         "Spiritual Caregiver" means an individual authorized by the patient and family to provide for their spiritual direction.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 131E‑202;

Eff. November 1, 1984;

Amended Eff. February 1, 1996; February 1, 1995; June 1, 1991; November 1, 1989.