Death of a Patient in the Home
Tells staff what to do when a patient dies, or is found dead, during or between home health visits: who to call, how pronouncement of death works in Louisiana, when the coroner must be involved, how to support the family, what to document, and how the Agency discharges the patient after a death.
About this policy
- Policy number
- LA-HH-CS-04
- Version
- 1.0
- Main rule
- LAC 48:I §9123.G.3
- Library
- Louisiana home health · 57 policies
- Category
- Clinical tasks
- Sections
- 20
In short
- If a patient may still be alive and there is no valid DNR or LaPOST, call 911 and start CPR if trained.
- If the death was unexpected or looks suspicious, call 911 and do not move anything.
- Agency staff do not pronounce death; report what you see to the physician or coroner.
- Call the provider and the office at once, and stay to help the family.
- Write a detailed note: what you saw, care given, who you called and when, and the time of death if established.
What's inside
20 sections. The full text comes with the One-time Policy Pack.
- Terms of Reference
- 1. Purpose
- 2. Scope
- 3. Definitions
- 4. Policy Statement (LAC 48:I §9123.G.3)
- 5. Steps at the Scene
- 6. Pronouncement of Death in Louisiana
- 7. When the Coroner Must Be Involved
- 8. Medications, Equipment and Supplies
- 9. When the Agency Learns of a Death Outside a Visit
- 10. Documentation
- 11. Discharge After Death
- 12. Support for Families and Staff
- 13. Responsibilities
- 14. Records and Compliance Monitoring
- 15. Staff Training
- 16. References
- 17. Related Policies and Forms
- 18. Approval
- 19. Revision History
An inspector may ask
- What does your staff do if they arrive and find a patient dead?
- Who pronounces death for a patient who dies at home, and what does your nurse report?
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