10A NCAC 71J .0110. OPTIONAL RESOURCES/COMPONENT 3

Friendly visitors or companions may be arranged for or provided for part of a day to assist individuals who, because of frailty, physical or mental disability or social isolation have limited contacts with other people.

(1)           The provision of friendly visitors or companions requires prior approval by the county department of social services or contract provider in terms of hours of service and rate of pay where costs of the service are to be reimbursed.

(2)           It is appropriate to provide this service without cost through the use of trained volunteers.

(3)           Reimbursement for mileage is allowable at the maximum rate established by the Social Services Commission for transportation services.

(4)           Reimbursement is available for hours spent providing service based on rates agreed upon prior to the provision of the service.  Companionship service is exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act.  The maximum allowable cost is the current minimum wage.  Reimbursement is allowable for this service when a written vendor purchase agreement has been completed.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 143B‑153;

Eff. July 1, 1984.