LAC 48:I.8059. Volunteers

A. Volunteers play a vital role in enhancing the quality of care delivered to the patient/family by encouraging community participation in the overall CRCC program. Volunteers who provide patient care and support services according to their experience and training must be in compliance with agency policies, and under the supervision of a CRCC employee. Volunteers shall be mature, nonjudgmental, caring individuals supportive of the CRCC concept of care, willing to serve others, and appropriately oriented and trained. Volunteers who are qualified to provide professional services must meet all standards associated with their specialty area. B. The volunteer shall: 1. provide assistance to the CRCC program, and/or patient/family in accordance with designated assignments; 2. provide input into the plan of care and interdisciplinary group meetings, as appropriate; 3. document services provided: 4. maintain strict patient/family confidentiality; and 5. communicate any changes or observations to the assigned supervisor. C. The volunteers must receive appropriate documented training which shall include at a minimum: 1. an introduction to CRCC; 2. the role of the volunteer in CRCC; 3. concepts of death and dying; 4. communication skills; 5. care and comfort measures; 6. diseases and medical conditions; 7. stages of child development; 8. the concept of the CRCC family; 9. stress management; 10. bereavement; 11. infection control; 12. safety; 13. confidentiality; 14. patient rights; and 15. the role of the IDT.