The Agency for Healthcare Administration (AHCA) publishes an annual list of survey deficiencies for all license types and the most recent available analyzes 2018 surveys. Of the 10 citations listed, the top three merit some review.
The most common survey deficiency concerned treatment orders. As a reminder, treatment orders from the attending physician, physician assistant (PA) or nurse practitioner (ARNP) are required for all patients receiving skilled care. The orders must be signed by the clinicians and contain the legible name and credential of the signer.
Treatment orders must be followed exactly and if they cannot be followed, they must be revised. Agencies can request the revised order from the clinician, or write the revised order and ask the clinician to sign and return, indicating approval. Any verbal order must be transcribed by an authorized professional, sent to the clinician for signature/approval and filed in the record.
The second most common survey gig had to do with the Background Screening Clearinghouse. AHCA developed a web-based repository for the criminal history checks of home health agency employees and potential employees. The home health agency must enter the information of all employees, as well as changes in status, within 10 business days.
The last of the top-three home health deficiencies was related to the Emergency Plan Review. Statutes require all agencies to send their Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan form to the Department of Health (DOH) for review and approval by the state and/or county health department and also the review their plans annually. Agencies should maintain proof that the initial plan, and any revisions to contact information, were sent to the DOH and their county, if required. The related tag also requires agency patients to have a list of their specific medications in case they are evacuated from their homes.
Thorough understanding of and compliance with state regulations will help you avoid corrective action plans and possibly fines.