Being sure we do not ignore those operational items that represent responsible regulatory compliance in group living is essential. Ideally one staffer will be assigned to ensure these are never ignored. This takes pressure off the owner (s) while at the same time keeping you inspection ready at all times.
These include:
- Fire drills at least quarterly – Which you should stagger at differing times of the day or night (Keep up-to-date log)
- Posted menus – Kept for several years after they are done
- Staff Training – Health & Safety and any other required subjects
- Complete Records – For both residents and staff
- Surety Bonds if applicable in your jurisdiction
- General/Professional Liability and Workers Compensation Coverage
Obviously things will vary with each jurisdiction, however, here are a few pretty obvious and across-the-board reminders:
A. Residents:
- Resident Assessment
- Healthcare Appraisal (Normally physician completed)
- Resident Care Agreement
- Resident Funds Records
- Resident Info and ID Record (Include: Proof of Resident Identification)
- Resident Weight Record
- Any Applicable Incident Reports
- Whatever else may apply in your jurisdiction
B. Personnel:
- Evidence of Applicable Background Checks/Fingerprinting
- Evidence of Training, (Including Health & Safety, i.e. CPR/First Aid)
- Application for Employment
- Proof of Education
- Reference Checks
- Any applicable Incident Reports
- Infraction Forms
- Whatever else may apply where you operate
Keep that checklist and verify compliance on a regular schedule. Such an approach to Corporate Compliance will demonstrate legitimacy to staff and prevent the headache of licensing citations. Of course, if professional assistance is desired, it is available and can remove a load from the shoulders of busy owners in the care business. An extra set of trained eyes and ears has value!
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Note: Direct Care Training & Resource Center, Inc. is a private organization that provides training and assistance to community care providers and prospective providers in matters of continuing education, business development assistance and general information workshops. We are not regulators. We do not seek to replace regulators. We are not competitors of regulators. Neither do we recommend a provider of care or prospective provider of care ignore the advice and direction of regulators. This is not our role. Additionally for those we assist with accreditation please remember this is a collaborative process that takes times. Step-by-step we will lead and require your input and cooperation. Many of our training workshops are approved as continuing education units for adult foster care group home licensees and administrators, personal care homes, adult family care homes and other assisted living models. As such, many of our training products do incorporate the review of regulatory statutes, administrative rules and laws that pertain to the provision of care, all of which is readily available to the general public. We are not a governmental entity and our programs must never be viewed as a replacement or substitute for State or federally sponsored orientations, licensing preparatory meetings or any other government sponsored or governmentally mandated educational event or training. Additionally, approval for continuing education courses does not in any way constitute a governmental endorsement of other services provided by our company or any of its affiliates. Furthermore, attendance at any of our live sessions, use of our self-study materials or online/virtual school and any technical assistance we may offer must never be viewed as a guarantee of potential business success, elimination of liability or specific financial gain. It is the responsibility of the individual business owner to work toward and create a pattern of success for his/her business entity. While we make a concerted effort to offer quality advice and teach providers the highest levels of quality customer service, clients must not look to our company to ensure they are successful as community-based care providers. We cannot guarantee how long it will take to attract clients or residents and we will not assure a particular lifestyle from your business efforts. Please note that licensed adult foster care group homes in Michigan who have contracts with community mental health agencies may be obligated to receive all direct care worker and medications training through that agency or the training organization they specify. Check with them before calling our company to enroll in training programs. 6% sales tax charged on all self-study products in the State of Michigan. Information provided in our workshops is up-to-date and accurate to the best of our knowledge and belief. Sample forms used in live training sessions and the online/virtual school may bear the name of certain waiver agents but must in no way be interpreted as an implied endorsement by any agency or governmental department. If a live class paid for is missed, no cash refunds will be made, however a credit will be issued allowing you to attend a comparable event within one year of payment.