Long-term care facilities help people keep their loved ones, particularly the elderly and disabled, safe. Skilled workers offer reliable services to meet the personal care and health needs of residents. Further, the Pennsylvania Department of Health inspects long-term care facilities to ensure they follow state and federal regulations.
In addition to observing regulations, a facility can be successful by having a top-notch admission agreement. This can help prevent misunderstandings and possibly lawsuits.
The following are four aspects to include in the agreement.
1. Conditions for staying at the facility
Residents need to have conditions for staying at a facility to avoid disorder. Examples include agreements that patients suffering from certain communicable diseases will not stay at the facility until a doctor confirms it can’t be transmitted, no violence against staff or other residents and no smoking. The agreement should also state the possible consequences of not following the set rules.
2. Responsibilities of the staff
One should be informed of the duties of a facility’s staff by reading the admission agreement. Thus, this clause should be specific, breaking down the services a resident will receive.
3. Complaint procedure
If a resident or their loved one has a complaint, they should follow a certain policy to get a solution. An admission agreement should have this policy detailing the protocols to be followed to file a complaint.
4. Discharge and/or transfer policy
An admission agreement should highlight the conditions that may lead to a resident being transferred to another facility or being discharged. It will also help to provide information about involuntary discharge.
Admission agreements are integral in the running of a long-term care facility. Consider working with experts to review your agreement and suggest possible changes, protecting your rights and those of the residents.