Non-Medical Home Care Policy and Procedure Manual

Non medical home care policy and procedure manual are a set of rules and processes designed to regulate all primary decisions, actions, and principles of a non-medical home care business. It contains specific methods used to communicate policies for the daily operation of the agency and every service it offers.

Together, policies & procedures help to ensure that a decision held by the management of the homecare agency is translated into steps that entail effective working relationship. They also ensure compliance with laws and regulations, give guidance for decision-making, and streamline internal processes.

A home healthcare provider is also a medical professional, just like any other medical professional working in clinics, hospitals, and private practices across the United States. Owing to that, these experts are expected to abide by certain policies and procedures, primarily for the sake of their clients and also to build a very successful business.

When putting together a set of home care policies and procedures, those in charge can rely on the agency’s ethical code to analyze and understand the necessary policies. They can also research other home care providers’ policy guides to understand common policies and procedures for home care.

How to Write a Non-Medical Home Care Policy and Procedure Manual

If you are starting or managing a home care agency, it’s vital that the policy and procedures of the agency be detailed in an official agency manual. Steps to take include;

1. Create a List Of Priorities

Have it in mind that it is impossible to write every single policy and procedure in a day. Therefore, make sure that you create a list of priority tasks, policies, and procedures.

Start with the most crucial ones! Also note that some policies will depend on federal law such as anti-racism policy, etc. It should be easier for you to find pre-written policies based on current federal and state laws. Therefore, start with those.

2. Use Language Related To Your Home Care Agency’s Mission, Goals, And Purpose

Ensure to state information on the general philosophy of the agency and also the targets that will be leveraged to measure success. Note major objectives, including information on the successful integration of care with physicians, methods that will be leveraged to let patients to stay at home while receiving medical care, and strategies for reducing healthcare costs.

3. Ensure To Explicitly State How The Agency Is Governed

This is your opportunity to note who will act as the administrator, who oversees financial affairs and how appropriate licensing and compliance will be ensured. Include a conflict of interest policy in agency administrative information.

4. Create a Section On Client Care

At this point, define the services the agency will offer. Explain what each service entails, how it will be rendered and how the service is to be requested and documented. Ensure to include rates for the service, billing and payment procedures, and information on how patients will be informed about the details of the programs to be offered.

5. Create a Section On Personnel Procedures

Note that this section is expected to include information on how the staff is hired or terminated, how staff compliance with policy and procedure is documented and how employment-related grievances are handled. Also provide information related to the staff and patient health issues, including procedures to ensure sanitation and infection control.

Components of a Non-Medical Home Care Policy and Procedure Manual

Here are some items that are expected to be included in a non-medical home care policies and procedures manual:

1. Employment procedures
2. Organization culture
3. Employee benefits
4. Client care policies
5. Communication policies
6. Payment procedures
7. Workplace guidelines
8. Employee code of conduct
9. Technology usage procedures

Sample Template of a Non-Medical Home Care Policy and Procedure Manual

Examples of policies a home care agency might include in its employee handbook include:

1. The conditions under which the home care provider can call for a doctor or an ambulance.
2. The non-medical home care agency’s commitment to treating all patients with dignity and respect.
3. Which insurance coverage the agency accepts.
4. Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines for home healthcare providers.
5. Vaccinations policy for employees.
6. Sexual harassment policy.
7. Employee sick time and vacation policies.
8. The non-medical home care agency’s policy concerning the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
9. The non-medical home care agency’s policy concerning the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labour Act.

Examples of procedures a home care agency might include in its employee handbook include:

1. Regulations regarding all aspects of Personal Care Agency practices.
2. Care providers are expected to always ask new patients about their cultural and religious practices that can impact their care.
3. Always administer CPR when the patient has stopped breathing or has no detectable heartbeat.
4. The ideal way to bill patients’ insurance providers for care.
5. Steps to record and file documentation of patient visits.
6. The ideal way for caregivers to respond to suspicions of patient neglect or abuse

Conclusion

Policies and procedures are a very vital part of any organization. Together, non-medical home care policies and procedures offer a road map for the day-to-day operation of the agency. They ensure compliance with laws and regulations, offering guidance for decision-making, and streamline internal processes.