Operation of Hospice Inpatient Facilities and Residential Hospice Services

(A) Policies and Procedures. An applicant for the approval of a hospice inpatient facility shall develop, through an interdisciplinary team, and adopt written policies and procedures to ensure the safe and effective operation of the facility to meet the needs of its patients prior to submitting an application for approval. A licensed hospice shall implement, and review and revise through an interdisciplinary team as needed but not less than once a year, its written policies and procedures to operate a hospice inpatient facility or provide residential hospice services in a safe, effective manner that meets the needs of its patients. A hospice shall ensure that all staff, including temporary staff and volunteers, are trained and determined to be competent as needed for their duties on the policies and procedures developed by the facility. (B) Environment. A hospice operating a hospice inpatient facility or providing residential hospice services shall ensure that all patient areas are properly maintained, free from hazards, and meet the needs of its patients; and that temperatures are maintained within a comfortable range for patients. A hospice inpatient facility or a location in which residential hospice services are provided shall comply with all local and state building codes. (C) Equipment. A hospice operating a hospice inpatient facility or providing residential hospice services shall ensure that appropriate and necessary equipment is available at all times, and properly maintained to meet the needs of its patients, including patients with disabilities and pediatric patients. (D) Meals and Nourishment. A hospice operating a hospice inpatient facility or providing residential hospice services shall ensure that meals and nourishments are provided appropriate to the needs of patients; and obtained only from sources approved or considered satisfactory by federal, state or local authorities, and store, prepare, distribute and serve food under sanitary conditions. (E) Linen and Laundry. A hospice operating a hospice inpatient facility or providing residential hospice services shall ensure that sufficient linen is available at all times, and that linen and personal laundry is handled, washed and stored in a sanitary manner. (F) Staffing. A hospice operating a hospice inpatient facility or providing residential hospice services shall ensure that sufficient qualified and trained staff are available at all times to meet the needs of its patients.