Having a thorough set of policies and procedures for how their facility operates can certainly keep them out of hot water in many different circumstances. Firstly, when you have a clear P&P for how things are supposed to go your staff will be much more prepared for their job which will ultimately lead to providing better care for residents. Having an understanding of expectations also leads to much happier and efficient employees who actually want to do their job. In addition to the benefits, your staff and residents will see from having P&Ps you can also guarantee the CCLD will require to see your policies on the regulations they are inspecting, as a plan of operating is required by the agency. For more information on what you need to develop in your policies and procedures check out the following regulation provided by California CCLD:
PLAN OF OPERATION 87208
(a) Each facility shall have and maintain a current, written definitive plan of operation. The plan and related materials shall be on file in the facility and shall be submitted to the licensing agency with the license application. Any significant changes in the plan of operation which would affect the services to residents shall be submitted to the licensing agency for approval. The plan and related materials shall contain the following:
(1) Statement of purposes and program goals.
(2) A copy of the Admission Agreement, containing basic and optional services.
(3) Statement of admission policies and procedures regarding the acceptance of persons for services.
(4) Administrative organization.
(5) Staffing plan, qualifications, and duties.
(6) Plan for training staff, as required by Section 87411(c).
(7) Sketches, showing dimensions, of the following:
(A) Building(s) to be occupied, including a floor plan that describes the capacities of the buildings for the uses intended and a designation of the rooms to be used for non-ambulatory residents and for bedridden residents, other than for a temporary illness or recovery from surgery as specified in Section87606(d) and (e).
(B) The grounds showing buildings, driveways, fences, storage areas, pools, gardens, recreation areas,s and other spaces used by the residents.
(8) Transportation arrangements for persons served who do not have independent arrangements.
(9) A statement of whether or not the applicant will handle residents’ money or valuables. If money or valuables will be handled, the method for safeguarding pursuant to Sections 87215, Commingling of Money, 87216, Bonding and 87217, Safeguards for Resident Cash, Personal Property, and Valuables.
(10) A statement of the facility’s policy concerning family visits and other communication with clients, as specified in Health and Safety Code section 1569.313.
Health and Safety Code section 1569.313 provides in part:
“The facility’s policy concerning family visits and communication shall be designed to encourage regular family involvement with the resident client and shall provide ample opportunities for family participation in activities at the facility.”
(11) If the licensee intends to admit and/or specialize in care for one or more residents who have a documented history of behaviors that may result in harm to self or others, the facility plan of operation shall include a description of precautions that will be taken to protect that resident and all other residents.
(b) A licensee who advertises or promotes dementia special care, programming, or environments shall include additional information in the plan of operation as specified in Section 87706(a)(2).
(c) A licensee who accepts or retains residents diagnosed by a physician to have dementia shall include additional information in the plan of operation as specified in Section 87705(b).
(d) A licensee who accepts or retains bedridden persons shall include additional information in the plan of operation as specified in Section 87606(f).
87209 PROGRAM FLEXIBILITY 87209
(a) The use of alternate concepts, programs, services, procedures, techniques, equipment, space, personnel qualifications or staffing ratios, or the conduct of experimental or demonstration projects shall not be prohibited by these regulations provided that:
(1) Such alternatives shall be carried out with provisions for safe and adequate services.
(2) A written request for a waiver or exception and substantiating evidence supporting the request shall be submitted in advance to the licensing agency by the applicant or licensee.
(3) Prior written approval of the licensing agency shall be received.
(A) In determining the merits of each request, the licensing agency shall use as guidelines the standards utilized or recommended by well-recognized state and national organizations as appropriate
(B) The licensing agency shall provide written approval or denial.
(b) Unless prior written approval of the licensing agency is received, all community care facilities shall maintain continuous compliance with the licensing regulations.
Top Takeaways:
- (2) A copy of the Admission Agreement, containing basic and optional services.
Ensure any changes made to the admission agreement are reflected in the copy that is provided to CCLD.
- (6) Plan for training staff, as required by Section 87411(c).
One of the most important elements of your operation planning is the method by which you train your employees. Having a system for this is going to put you miles ahead of the competition.
- In the event that you are unable to operate within the plan, you have set you must have the flexibility to change the way you do things either temporarily or permanently depending on the circumstances.