7 AAC 12.541. Abuse, neglect, and mistreatment

(a) A home health agency shall develop and implement written policies and procedures that prohibit abuse, neglect, and mistreatment of patients.

(b) An agency shall

(1) screen a potential employee or contractor to prevent the employment of an individual who has been convicted of abuse, neglect, or mistreatment of another individual, or misappropriation of the property of a patient under the individual's care;

(2) contact the appropriate licensing authority to verify the employment background of potential employees or contractors who are required to hold a license to practice;

(3) report to the appropriate licensing authority any knowledge it has of actions by a court against an individual that would indicate unfitness for holding a professional or occupational license;

(4) report within 24 hours any suspected abuse, neglect, or mistreatment of a patient or misappropriation of a patient's property to state officials in accordance with AS 47.17.010 , 47.17.020, and AS 47.24.010 and to the state survey agency;

(5) review and document alleged incidents of abuse, neglect, or mistreatment;

(6) take any necessary action to remove the potential for further abuse, neglect, or mistreatment of a patient or misappropriation of a patient's property while the investigation is in progress;

(7) document the results of the investigation and the corrective action taken; and

(8) assure that an employee or contractor does not obtain a patient's power of attorney in violation of AS 13.26.358 .

History: Eff. 9/6/96, Register 139

Authority: AS 18.05.040

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