<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".11" citation="COMAR 10.07.10.11" title_num="10" subtitle_num="07" chapter_num="10" heading="Staff Supervision and Training.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>The Administrator shall appoint a full-time employee as a “service director” to provide general supervision and direction of the professional services offered by the home health agency. The service director, who shall be a physician, registered nurse, or an alternate professional, who is sufficiently qualified by advance training to supervise this service, shall be available at all times during operating hours of the home health agency and shall participate in all activities related to the professional services provided, including the qualifications of personnel as related to their assigned duties. In his absence, he shall appoint a similarly qualified designee.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>The nursing services of the home health agencies shall be provided under the supervision and direction of a registered nurse who is qualified by having 2 to 3 years experience or education in community health nursing.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>There shall be periodic, on-site supervision of services provided by home health aides, with complete and accurate documentation maintained.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Training Requirements for Home Health Aides. Aides shall receive a periodic, structured program of training and orientation which includes, at a minimum:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The role of the home health aide as a member of the professional health services team;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Instruction and supervised practice in personal care services of the sick at home, with major attention being given to personal hygiene and activities of daily living;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Instruction in how to assist patients to achieve maximum self-reliance through re-learning and modifying activities of daily living;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Principles of good nutrition;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Meal planning, food purchasing, and preparation of meals, including special diets;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>General information on the processes of growth, development, and aging;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>Information on the emotional and physical problems accompanying illness;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(8)">
      <text>Principles and practices in maintaining a clean, health, and safe environment as well as a pleasant one that encourages morale building and self-help;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(9)">
      <text>Items requiring referral to the nurse supervisor in the home health agency, including changes in the patient's condition or family situation;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(10)">
      <text>Record-keeping, when applicable;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(11)">
      <text>Policies and objectives of the agency;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(12)">
      <text>Information concerning the duties and responsibilities of a home health aide; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(13)">
      <text>Ethical behavior and confidentiality of information.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Inservice education is required for all professionals including home health aides, on a quarterly basis. The subject matter, content, and attendance shall be documented for review during the survey process.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>