The department shall adopt rules consistent with RCW 70.127.005 necessary to implement this chapter under chapter 34.05 RCW. In order to ensure safe and adequate care, the rules shall address at a minimum the following:

(1) Maintenance and preservation of all records relating directly to the care and treatment of individuals by licensees;

(2) Establishment and implementation of a procedure for the receipt, investigation, and disposition of complaints regarding services provided;

(3) Establishment and implementation of a plan for ongoing care of individuals and preservation of records if the licensee ceases operations;

(4) Supervision of services;

(5) Establishment and implementation of written policies regarding response to referrals and access to services;

(6) Establishment and implementation of written personnel policies, procedures and personnel records for paid staff that provide for prehire screening, minimum qualifications, regular performance evaluations, including observation in the home, participation in orientation and in-service training, and involvement in quality improvement activities. The department may not establish experience or other qualifications for agency personnel or contractors beyond that required by state law;

(7) Establishment and implementation of written policies and procedures for volunteers who have direct patient/client contact and that provide for background and health screening, orientation, and supervision;

(8) Establishment and implementation of written policies for obtaining regular reports on patient satisfaction;

(9) Establishment and implementation of a quality improvement process;

(10) Establishment and implementation of policies related to the delivery of care including:

(a) Plan of care for each individual served;

(b) Periodic review of the plan of care;

(c) Supervision of care and clinical consultation as necessary;

(d) Care consistent with the plan;

(e) Admission, transfer, and discharge from care; and

(f) For hospice services:

(i) Availability of twenty-four hour seven days a week hospice registered nurse consultation and in-home services as appropriate;

(ii) Interdisciplinary team communication as appropriate and necessary; and

(iii) The use and availability of volunteers to provide family support and respite care; and

(11) Establishment and implementation of policies related to agency implementation and oversight of nurse delegation as defined in RCW 18.79.260(3)(e).

Effective date—2003 c 140: See note following RCW 18.79.040.

Effective date—2000 c 175: See note following RCW 70.127.010.

Severability—Effective dates—1993 c 42: See notes following RCW 70.127.010.