180-RICR-10-00-3
180-RICR-10-00-3. Rhode Island Veterans Home: General Rules of the Rhode Island Veterans Home (version Adoption, 01/20/2019 to 01/20/2019)
3.1 Authority
A. The
Director of Veterans Affairs is authorized under R.I. Gen. Laws §
30-24-2 to establish appropriate rules and regulations for the
government and management of the Rhode Island Veterans Home.
B. The
Director of Veterans Affairs has delegated responsibility for these
rules and regulations to the Administrator of the Rhode Island
Veterans Home.
C. These
regulations adhere to the requirements of Title VI of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 200d, et seq .) and
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C.
§ 794), and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
implementing regulations (45 C.F.R. Parts 80 and 84).
D. The
Office of Veterans Affairs does not discriminate based on race,
color, national origin, or handicap in acceptance for or provision of
services or employment in its programs and activities. Under the
provisions of applicable law, the Office of Veterans Affairs does not
discriminate based on sex, age, creed or political belief.
3.2 Purpose
To
establish rules and regulations for governing the admission, conduct,
and discharge of the residents of the Rhode Island Veterans Home.
3.3 Basic Eligibility
A. Persons
eligible for admission to the Rhode Island Veterans Home is
restricted to any person who:
1. Has
served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Merchant Marine, Coast Guard
or Air Force of the United States for a period of ninety (90) days or
more, and
2. Such
period began or ended during any foreign war in which the United
States shall have been engaged or in any expedition or campaign for
which the United States government issued a campaign medal, and
3. Was
honorably discharged, and
4. Shall
be deemed to need such care provided at the Rhode Island Veterans
Home.
B. Any
person who has served less than the ninety (90) day period and who
was honorably discharged from service, and who acquired a
service-connected disability or disease, may be admitted.
C. The
applicant must be accredited to the enlistment or induction quota of
the State of Rhode Island or shall have resided in the State of Rhode
Island for at least two (2) consecutive years prior to the date of
application.
D. The
Rhode Island Veterans Home will accept any veteran with a diagnosis
for which it is licensed. The Medical Director shall retain the power
to approve or disapprove any admission based on a veteran’s
diagnosis.
E. Admission
to the Rhode Island Veterans Home is voluntary. Admission shall be
made without discrimination as to race, color, national origin,
religion, sex, disability, marital status, age, sexual orientation,
gender identity or expression, assets, or income.
3.4 Eligible Dates of Service for
Admission
A. WORLD
WAR II: December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946
B. KOREAN
CONFLICT: June 27, 1950 to January 31, 1955
C. VIETNAM
ERA: August 5, 1964 to May 7, 1975 (February 28, 1961 – May 7,
1975 for veterans who served “in country” before August
5, 1964)
D. PERSIAN
GULF ERA: August 2, 1990 through a date to be set by law or
Presidential Proclamation
3.5 Resident Rights
A. Each
resident shall have personal rights which include, but are not
limited to, the following:
1.
To be accorded dignity in their personal relationships with staff,
residents and other persons.
2.
To be accorded safe, healthful and comfortable accommodations,
furnishings and equipment.
3.
To be free from corporal or unusual punishment, freedom from abuse,
neglect and exploitation such as forced isolation, humiliation,
intimidation, mental abuse or other actions of a punitive nature,
such as withholding of monetary allowances or interfering with daily
living functions such as eating or sleeping patterns or elimination.
4.
To be informed by the licensee of the provisions of law regarding
complaints such as confidentiality.
5.
To have the freedom of attending religious services or activities of
their choice and to have visits from the spiritual advisor of their
choice.
6.
To visit the facility prior to residence along with their family and
responsible persons.
7.
To have their family or responsible persons regularly informed by
the licensee of activities related to their care or services
including ongoing evaluations, as appropriate to the resident’s
needs.
8.
To have communications to the licensee from their family and
responsible persons answered promptly and appropriately.
9.
To have their visitors, including ombudspersons and advocacy
representatives, visit privately during reasonable hours but without
prior notice, provided that the rights of other residents are not
infringed upon.
10. To
wear their own clothes; to keep and use their own personal
possessions, including their own toilet articles; and to keep and be
allowed to spend their own money unless contraindicated.
11.
To have access to individual storage space for private use.
12. To
have reasonable access to telephones, to make and receive
confidential calls.
13.
To mail and receive unopened personal correspondence.
14.
To receive or reject medical care, including right to choose a
physician (this may require a transfer to the unit that physician
covers).
15.
To receive assistance in exercising the right to vote.
16. To
move from the facility.
3.6 Admission Procedures
A. Application
for Admittance
1. Upon
request, the Veterans Affairs Office sends an application packet to
Veteran/family. Once the application is returned to the Rhode Island
Veterans Home, the Veteran will be placed on the Admission List.
2. A
letter will be sent to the applicant/family upon receipt of
application. A checklist will be included to request any missing
documentation, and an open file of application and supplemental
information will be kept in Veterans Affairs Office until time of
admission.
3. Once
the applicant’s name is reached on the Admission List, he or
she will be offered a date for admission. If accepted, a clinical
social worker will meet with the applicant to complete the clinical
assessment. If the applicant/family decline admission into the RI
Veterans Home, an offer will be made for the Veteran’s name to
be placed on the Rhode Island Veterans Home Inactive List.
4. A
Veteran may be considered for immediate admission if they qualify for
end of life care. Completion of the End of Life Certification Form
should be submitted with the Veteran’s application.
B. Inactive
List Procedure
1. All
eligible applicants will be offered the opportunity to have their
name placed on the Inactive List for a period of one year.
2. The
name of the Veteran and the date of inactive status shall be put on
the Inactive List.
3. It
shall be the responsibility of the Veteran or family to notify the
Rhode Island Veterans Home when they would like their application
reactivated to the regular Admission List. Written or electronic
correspondence shall be sent to the Veteran/family notifying them of
this responsibility.
4. When
notified by the Veteran/family to return to the Active Admission
List, the applicant’s name and date of notification will be
placed at the bottom of the Active Admission List.
5. The
applicant will be responsible for submitting updated documentation,
as needed.
6. Should
the applicant/family not contact the Rhode Island Veterans Home
within a period of one year, the RIVH will send a letter to the
applicant removing the individual’s name from the Inactive
List. All applicants can request a new application at any time.
C. Advance
Directive. Residents are encouraged to place on file a Living Will,
Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare (DPOAH) or a Medical Orders
for Life Sustaining Treatment (MOLST).
D. Next-of-kin
1. Upon
admission, residents are required to furnish the name, address and
telephone number of the person or persons to be called in the event
of any emergency.
2. If
a change occurs in the name, or family, or telephone number of a
next-of-kin, resident or family is required to promptly notify the
business office or social service office.
E. Wills.
Upon admission, each resident is urged to have a will drafted and
notify the Home as to location of the will or provide a copy. This
action will assure the resident that their assets will revert to a
person or persons of their choice.
F. Intestacy.
If a resident does not execute a will, property/monies/assets under
State Law, including joint savings accounts belonging to a resident
at the time of their death at the Home, after payment of funeral
expenses which shall not exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000) and
after payment of the reasonable debts and expenses of the deceased
resident, shall become the property of the State of Rhode Island for
eventual deposit in the Veterans Home Fund pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws
§ 30-24-9.
3.7 Selection of Funeral Director
A. Upon
admission, residents are required to indicate the selection of a
Funeral Director. This selection may be changed by the resident at
any time by notifying Social Work Service.
B. The
selection shall be submitted for review by the resident's specified
next-of kin or guardian. The Home does not assume the financial
responsibility of the resident's burial, but can, when necessary,
make appropriate arrangements for a resident's burial.
C. An
amount of up to $10,000 may be released for funeral expenses for
burial of a resident possessing such assets.
3.8 Bed Retention
A. It
is the policy of the Rhode Island Veterans Home to allow its
residents to retain their bed when absent provided they comply with
the Home's maintenance fee regulation, Part
2 of this Subchapter , Rhode Island Veterans Home:
Administrative Procedures for the Billing and Collection of
Maintenance Fees.
B. Residents
who are hospitalized and whose nursing care requirements cannot be
met at the Rhode Island Veterans Home shall be discharged as of the
date notification from the hospital as to the extent of the
resident's complexity of care and subsequent admission to another
facility.
C. Residents
shall nominate an individual (next-of-kin or guardian) to exercise
their bed retention rights in the event to which they are unable.
D. Residents
or their nominee, who fails to elect discharge within fifteen (15)
days from the date of absence, shall be maintained on the rolls and
subject to the procedure for billing and collection of maintenance
fees.
3.9 Federal Medicare Insurance
A. All
residents eligible for Federal Medicare Insurance Parts A & B or
other medical insurance must maintain coverage in the event
hospitalization or special medical procedures is obtained on a
private basis.
B. Residents
are required to meet all costs, including transportation, from their
own funds, for private medical services.
3.10 General Rules
A. The
following rules have been established in accordance with the General
Laws of the State of Rhode Island, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and
applicable regulations of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
B. Smoking/Tobacco
Usage
1. Per
Executive Order 91-40, the Home is a smoke-free environment.
Residents can smoke in Designated Areas only. The resident’s
treatment team will evaluate and determine whether resident is deemed
an independent smoker or supervised smoker.
2.
All Residents found in violation of posted smoking policy will be
subject to the following restrictions as determined by the Treatment
Team.
a.
A first offense will result in a 14-day restriction in which all
smoking paraphernalia will be issued and or cleared by the charge
nurse.
b.
A second offense will result in a 30-day restriction.
c.
A third offense will result in a 60-day restriction.
d.
A fourth offense will result a 90-day restriction.
e.
All offenses will be reviewed by the Treatment Team to determine if
there is a need for continuous supervision as well as if the
individual is a danger to self or others which can result in a
discharge due to safety issues.
C.
Personal Care
1. Residents
are required to keep themselves clean at all times unless the
physician has determined that the resident requires assistance.
2. Residents
shall bathe or shower, frequently, but at least twice a week or more
frequently as reviewed by treatment team.
3. Residents
shall wear clean clothing.
4. Residents
shall be clean-shaven; beards and/or mustaches must be neatly
trimmed.
5. Residents
may use the Home's free barbering service.
6. Residents
wearing pajamas outside of respective nursing unit area are required
to wear a robe.
D. Living
Environment. Unless otherwise excused for reason of extreme physical
disabilities, residents shall maintain their bedside area in a neat
and clean condition. In addition, residents shall:
1.
Deposit refuse in the appropriate containers provided for such
purposes when inside or outside of the building.
2.
Keep rooms neat and orderly, to insure health and safety.
Inspections will be held if necessary to insure health and safety of
the facility.
3. Not
store any kind of perishable food in their room.
4. Exercise
every precaution against fire and respond to every fire alarm in
accordance with instructions from staff.
5.
Dress appropriately in accordance with the prevailing weather.
E.
Solicitations
1.
No resident (or employee) shall bring any article for sale to the
Home; nor shall any resident (or employee) engage in the business of
selling articles to employees or residents of the Home.
2.
No resident shall enter into any contract which in any way obligates
the Rhode Island Veterans Home.
3.
Residents will not lend or borrow money from each other or from
staff.
F. Clothing
and Personal Effects
1. Residents
with income will be required to purchase their own clothing and other
personal effects. For the convenience of residents, these articles
are available through the private PX vendor (Gift Shop) located
within the Home.
2.
Residents without income can be issued clothing, toilet articles,
and other essential items which are necessary to health and comfort.
a. For
the convenience of residents, a private laundry vendor is provided by
the Home.
b. Unit
areas provide a washer and dryer with detergent available.
3. Storage
for excess luggage and personal property is available in the resident
storage rooms located in the commons building.
4. Residents
will observe quiet time after 10:00 p.m. and before 6:00 a.m.
5. Residents
will be appropriately attired outside of their living quarters, i.e.,
dining and common areas. Residents wearing pajamas outside of
respective nursing unit area will be required to wear a robe.
G. Valuable
Personal Property – All Residents
1. Residents
are requested to complete an inventory listing upon admission.
2. The
facility recommends that residents should have all valuable personal
property (television, radio, watch, electric shaver, etc.) marked for
permanent identification.
3. Residents
are encouraged to utilize the two locked drawers for valuables in
each resident room.
H. Music
Policy. To ensure the comfort and well-being of all, a resident will
be allowed the use of personally-owned radio/music device if operated
at a reasonable volume and played with respect to Quiet Time Policy
(10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.).
I. Television
Policy
1.
Each resident room is furnished with a television. Residents may
also use a personal television. Residents are expected to comply with
the Quiet Time Policy (10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.) by lowering the
volume or using headphones.
2. Cable
and internet access is available from RI Licensed Providers at the
resident’s expense.
J. Wheelchairs
1. Personally-Owned
Wheelchairs
a.
Nursing care residents may purchase a wheelchair, with medical
approval and/or an assessment by the occupational therapy department.
b.
These wheelchairs will remain the exclusive property of the resident
with the following conditions:
(1)
Repairs which are required are the responsibilities of the resident
or his guardian.
(2)
A resident or guardian can arrange for the purchase and delivery a
wheelchair through the Business Office.
(3)
Residents assessed incapable of safe operation may be reviewed by
the Treatment Team.
2.
Veterans Administration-Provided Wheelchairs
a.
The Providence VA Medical Center may provide wheelchairs based on
medical necessity.
b. Residents
assessed incapable of safe operation may be reviewed by the treatment
team.
K.
Automobiles. Any resident with an automobile on the RIVH grounds
must have a valid RI driver’s license, maintain valid vehicle
registration and inspection, and show proof of insurance. Failure to
do so will result in removal of the vehicle from the grounds.
L.
Telephones. Residents may use cell phones, phones provided by cable
service providers, or receive messages from the nursing staff.
M.
Field Trips. Residents attending authorized field trips require
medical approval.
N.
Residents Council
1.
Residents Council shall be authorized to promote activities and
improvements of the resident services if in compliance with the
Residents Right Policy.
2. The
Residents Council consists of volunteer residents. The function of
the Residents Council is to enhance the services of the Home without
interfering with the Administrative authority of the agency.
3. The
Resident Council will be governed by by-laws approved by the
residents.
O. Family
Council. The Family Council meets monthly. The Council is represented
by past and current family members and friends. All family members
and friends are invited to attend the monthly meetings.
3.11 Finance
A.
No resident or employee of the Home, other than the Administrator,
Assistant Administrator or the Physical Security Officer, shall take
for safekeeping any money or article of value from any resident of
the Home.
B. No
resident or employee of the Home, other than the Administrator,
Assistant Administrator, or a Designee, shall cash a benefit check or
be involved with any matter concerning resident’s funds.
C. Residents
are encouraged to use the on-site RI Credit Union to receive all
outside funds to allow for direct deposit of monetary maintenance
fees.
D.
Supervision of Monetary Benefits
1. The
administration of the Home may be appointed as fiduciary for a
resident as deemed necessary for the Social Security Administration,
the Department of Veterans Affairs, or the State Ombudsman.
2. Residents
should not have more than $100.00 on their person at any time and
should secure all cash in locked drawers in their rooms.
3. The
Administrator or his designee shall be authorized to open monetary
benefit correspondence to assure timely processing.
4. The
Administration or his designee will insure each resident has $150 for
personal needs, available in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws §
30-24-10.
E.
Maintenance Fee. Charges at the Rhode Island Veterans Home are in
accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws § 30-24-10 and Part
2 of this Subchapter , Rhode Island Veterans Home:
Administrative Procedures for the Billing and Collection of
Maintenance Fees.
3.12 Medical
A.
Medical Rounds
1. Any
resident requesting an appointment with the Home physician shall do
so through the nursing unit Charge Nurse.
2.
Medical Rounds are conducted daily Monday through Sunday.
B.
Professional Medical Services
1. Residents
shall consider the Home's physician as their attending physician and
should take all prescribed medications and follow all advice and
regimen laid down by the Home physician and medical staff. If a
resident refuses treatment, the resident shall be informed of the
medical consequences of this action. If a resident is mentally
incapable of making a competent decision, approval will be sought
from the guardian, next-of-kin, or other person of record legally
entitled to give such approval. If the Rhode Island Veterans Home
physician orders the hospitalization of a resident, the Veterans
Administration Hospital will be notified of the order in accordance
with established policy. Residents may choose to use Private
Hospitals when they have coverage.
a.
If admission to a Veterans Administration facility cannot be
accomplished, the Home's physicians shall arrange transfer to another
medical facility for essential treatment or medical procedures.
Residents are responsible for all costs incurred in a private
facility.
b. If
a resident requests the services of a private physician or private
hospital, the resident or guardian shall be responsible for all costs
(including transportation).
2. Residents
requesting services of an eye doctor, foot doctor, oral surgeon or
other specialist not on the staff, shall consult first with the
Medical Department.
a. The
Medical Department should be informed of an appointment with the
Physician of the Resident's choice.
b. Payment
for such private medical services shall be the responsibility of the
resident, guardian, or his family.
C. Alcohol
Control
1.
Alcohol consumption by staff on the grounds is strictly prohibited.
2. A
resident’s alcohol consumption shall be limited by his or her
Treatment Team if it interferes with the resident’s health or
social adjustment, and/or interferes with the safety and well-being
of others. Alcohol consumption is permitted if part of a religious
observance or ceremony.
3. The
Home's Administrator may order restrictions to clinically obtain and
promote sobriety of a resident utilizing the following procedure:
a.
1st situation - 14 days restricted to facility and grounds
b.
2nd situation - 30 days restricted to facility and grounds
c.
3rd situation - 60 days restricted to facility and grounds
d.
4th situation - 90 day restricted to facility and grounds
4. All
offenses will be reviewed by the Treatment Team to determine if there
is a need for continuous supervision. Residents who present as a
danger to self or others may be discharged due to safety issues. The
resident will be offered substance abuse treatment and counseling
sessions by social services.
D. Illegal
Substances. Narcotics prohibited by federal law may not be used by
residents or staff members on the grounds.
E. Dental
Services. Residents requiring dental services, shall contact the
charge nurse of their respective ward. Costs incurred for dental
services provided outside the facility are the responsibility of the
resident.
F.
Medical Communications
1. When
a resident receives any communication from the Veterans
Administration, Social Security Administration, or any other agency
requesting resident to report for medical examination or for any
reason, residents must refer communication to the medical office
immediately. Residents will complete the proper release form on
admission.
2. If
a resident receives a Veterans Administration ID card, it shall be
the resident's responsibility to turn this card into the medical
office. It is essential that this procedure be followed so the Home
can arrange appointments and suitable means of transportation.
G. Medical
Devices. Residents in need of a medical device (surgical supports,
artificial limbs, hearing aids, leg braces, etc.) shall consult first
with the Home physician. If approved by the Home physician, the
resident shall request the assistance of the medical department. The
resident shall not independently arrange these services.
H.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The
HIPAA Privacy Rule (the Rule) enhances the privacy protections
afforded to individual consumers at all levels of health care
treatment, payment, and healthcare operations. The Rule requires
health care providers, health plans, and health care clearinghouses
to carefully monitor the use and disclosure of an individual’s
protected health information (PHI). The Rule requires the RIVH to
provide patients with a notice of the patient’s privacy rights
and the privacy practices of the RIVH called a Notice of Privacy
Practices (Notice). All necessary forms and notices shall be provided
upon admission.
3.13 Social Services
A. Social
Work Services are available to every resident.
B. Counseling
services are provided to residents in need of psychotherapy, group or
individual therapy and substance abuse related problems.
C. Residents
are encouraged to have their relatives, guardian or next-of-kin,
consult with social service in conjunction with their treatment plan.
3.14 Conduct of Residents
A.
Firearms, weapons of any type, narcotics prohibited by federal law,
unauthorized medication, and knives with blade length more than two
(2) inches are not allowed.
B. Electrical
appliances equipped with heating elements (hot plates, heating pads,
percolators, toasters, grills, etc.) are not allowed.
C.
Fighting or the threat of violence between residents could result in
the immediate disciplinary discharge of each member.
D.
Residents under a restriction may be discharged for disciplinary
reasons should the restriction be broken.
E.
Abuse of profanity and vulgarity towards staff and other residents
may subject the offender to disciplinary action or discharge.
F.
No resident shall interfere with building equipment or Facility
Operations.
G.
Residents shall exercise every care to preserve the furnishings and
equipment of the Home.
H.
Radios music devices and televisions shall be kept at a reasonable
volume. Quiet Time will be observed between 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
I. Residents
may not mark or otherwise deface the walls, trees or other property.
J.
Expectorating (spitting) anywhere inside or within the immediate
area outside the building is strictly forbidden.
Handkerchiefs/tissues are to be used for this purpose and deposited
in an appropriate waste container.
3.15 Discipline
A. Offenses
which could lead to disciplinary action or discharge:
1.
Violating the Smoking Policy
2.
Stealing
3.
Fighting and/or threating of violence towards others
4.
Abusing alcohol or using illegal substances on the grounds
5. Returning
to the Home under the influence of liquor which exceeds the legal
limit
6.
Failing to comply with the alcohol policy
7.
Refusing to keep clean (person and clothing)
8.
Throwing refuse about the premises
9. Expectorating
(spitting) on floors and other forbidden areas
10.
A.W.O.L. – Absence Without Leave.
11.
Acting in an abusive manner towards staff and other residents.
12.
Tampering with building equipment
13. Defacing
property (marking walls or furnishings)
14. Using
profanity or vulgarity in an abusive manner when interacting with
staff or other residents
15.
Violating the automobile policy
16.
Failing to comply with monetary regulations
17. Violating
any federal, state or local ordinance
18.
Violating other RIVH Rules & Regulations Policies
B.
Common Disciplinary Action
1.
Any resident in violation of disciplinary offenses will be subject
to disciplinary action as follows:
a. A
first offense will result in a 14-day restriction.
b. A
second offense will result in a 30-day restriction.
c. A
third offense will result in a 60-day restriction.
d. A
fourth offense will result in a warning of possible discharge.
e. A
fifth offense, a disciplinary discharge or indefinite restriction
will be carried out with notification to the next-of-kin.
f. Refusal
to accept or comply with a disciplinary action may result in a
disciplinary discharge.
g. Disciplinary
Discharge may supersede all of the above disciplinary actions,
depending upon offenses, following all State regulations referencing
such actions.
2. Residents
receiving disciplinary action will be notified of the procedure for
appealing any discipline imposed.
C. Appeal
1. A
resident may appeal a disciplinary decision but must do so in writing
within five (5) working days of the issuance of the disciplinary
action. Appeals submitted more than five (5) calendar days after the
disciplinary decision is imposed will be presumed to be untimely
except for good cause shown in the sound discretion of the
Administrator.
2. The
Administrator will act on the appeal expeditiously, but no later than
five (5) calendar days following the filing of the appeal. The
Administrator may conduct an independent inquiry into the matter and
will notify the resident of the outcome of the appeal.
3. The
Administrator’s decision on the appeal is final.
3.16 Visitors
A.
Children are prohibited from visiting residents unless they are
accompanied by an adult.
B. Visitors
must sign in at each neighborhood.
C.
Residents residing in the domiciliary area will be permitted to
visit other members in Nursing Unit.
D. Animals
must be on a leash and fully vaccinated. Prior to bringing an animal
into the facility, family or visitor must provide proof of
vaccination with the Activity Director.
3.17 Leave of Absences
A.
A resident may be eligible for a day leave, overnight or extended
leave. Failure of resident to return punctually from an authorized
leave is subject to disciplinary action.
B.
A resident shall be entitled an extended leave of absence of no more
than 72 continuous hours per week, or no more than two (2) day leave
passes per week. Any deviation from this policy shall be determined
by the Administrator and Treatment Team.
C.
Leave of absences are issued by all nursing units and approved by
the attending physician.
1. Residents
requiring medication while on leave will be provided medications at
their respective nursing station only upon issuance of a leave.
2. Resident,
next-of-kin, or guardian will be required to sign a medication
release form when receiving medication before leaving on leave of
absence.
3. Resident,
upon return to the Home from leave, must report immediately to his or
her respective nursing station and turn in all unused medication and
again sign the medication release form.
4. Resident
who returns to the Home, prior to the expiration of his leave, will
report to the charge nurse, turn all unused medication, and any
remaining time due on the leave will be cancelled.
D.
Requests from resident on authorized leave for extension of the
leave or to return late, leave must be made directly to the charge
nurse. The treatment team will approve the requests.
3.18 Discharges
A. A
resident requesting to leave the Home is required to inform Social
Service. Upon departure, the resident shall take all personal
belongings with them.
B. Voluntary
Discharge. Residents who have been formally discharged at their
request may not re-apply until the expiration of three (3) months
from the date of discharge.
C. Against
Medical Advice Discharge. Residents who are discharged at their own
request, but against the advice of the Home physicians, may not
reapply to the Home until the expiration of six (6) months from the
date of discharge.
D. Program
Discharge
1. A
resident in need of and accepting a planned discharge to another
treatment facility may be readmitted without time limitations,
provided the treatment facility progress reports indicate improvement
of the veteran's problem to the extent acceptable to the Home and
Treatment Team.
2. Residents
whose hospitalization results in complex nursing care requirements
not readily available at the Rhode Island Veterans Home and are
Program Discharged may be readmitted when their nursing care
requirements can be managed at the Rhode Island Veterans Home.
E. Disciplinary
Discharge
1. A
resident discharged for disciplinary reasons may not apply for
readmission to the Home until the expiration of six (6) months from
the date of discharge.
2. A
resident leaving the Home without formally requesting a discharge
will be considered as being discharged for disciplinary (A.W.O.L.)
reasons.
3. Any
deviation from this policy shall be determined by the Administrator
or Assistant Administrator.
3.19 Domiciliary Ward Residents
A. Dormitory
residents must be capable of self-administering their medications,
self-evacuating in case of a fire alarm, and capable of completing
all activities of daily living without assistance.
B. Dormitory
residents must sign out and in upon returning with their lead CNA.
C. Any
Domiciliary resident who receives medication shall be required to be
present at such time and place as has been prescribed for the
dispensing of medication.
D. Each
resident shall make his own bed and maintain his bedside area clean
and neat at all times.
E. When
deemed necessary by the Home physicians, domiciliary residents may be
transferred to a nursing unit.
F. Dormitory
residents are expected to comply with these regulations.
G. All
belongings retained in the possession of the member are the
responsibility of the member. The Home shall assume no responsibility
for loss or damage of property.
3.20 Nursing Unit Residents
A.
Residents assigned to Nursing Units are under the direct supervision
of the charge nurse.
B.
Whenever possible and physically able, each resident in a nursing
unit is expected to attend to his bedside area taking care to
maintain their bed and the surrounding area as clean and neat as
possible.
C. All
residents assigned to nursing units shall respect the privileges,
rights and privacy of others.
D. Residents
assigned to nursing units shall exercise every care in abstaining
from defacing the walls of their rooms and corridors by careless use
of wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, etc.
E. When
deemed necessary by the Home physicians and Treatment Team, nursing
unit residents may be transferred to a Domiciliary Ward or to another
nursing unit. (After care conference with resident and/or responsible
parties, Administration reserves the right to determine the
appropriate unit).
F. Nursing
unit residents shall exercise care not to cause any undue disturbance
in their respective areas.
G. Nursing
unit resident shall have their own personal electric shaver when
recommended by the Home physician.
1. Safety
razors will not be allowed without the specific approval of the Home
physician.
2. Straight
razors will not be allowed.
3. Those
residents who cannot shave themselves shall make their electric
shaver available to the employee directed to perform this service.
H. All
belongings retained in the possession of the resident are the
responsibility of the resident. The Home shall assume no
responsibility for loss or damage of property.