One of the most difficult times for residents and staff in an ACLF is when a resident passes away. Many times, there has been an emotional bond built toward the resident who has expired so there is certain to be a wave of grief passing over the community. All we can do as administrators and nursing leaders is honor the person by providing them with dignity and respect as they are taken away from the community. It may also be prudent to provide your staff and residents with a resource for how to cope with the loss of a friend. The state of Tennessee OHCF also issues the following regulation for how the death of a resident is to be handled in an ACLF:
1200-08-25-.06 ADMINISTRATION.
(1)Each ACLF shall meet the following staffing and procedural standards:
(2) In the event a resident dies at an ACLF, a registered nurse may make the actual determination and pronouncement of death under the following circumstances.
(a) Death was anticipated and the attending physician has agreed in writing to sign the death certificate. Such agreement by the attending physician must be present and with the deceased at the place of death;
(b) The nurse is licensed by the Tennessee Board of Nursing; and
(c) The nurse is employed by the ACLF in which the deceased resided.
(3) In the event that resident, receiving services of a Medicare-certified hospice program licensed by the state, dies at an ACLF, a registered nurse may make the actual determination and pronouncement of death under the following circumstances:
(a) The deceased was suffering from a terminal illness;
(b) Death was anticipated and the attending physician has agreed in writing to sign the death certificate. Such agreement by the attending physician must be present and with the deceased at the place of death;
(c) The nurse is licensed by the Tennessee Board of Nursing; and
(d) The nurse is employed by the hospice program from which the deceased had been receiving hospice services.