Time Frames for Initiation of Care
Sets the time within which the Agency makes the initial evaluation visit after accepting a referral, requires a registered nurse to make that visit as 28 Pa. Code §601.32(b) provides, explains how this compares with the federal 48-hour standard and therapy-only rule, and sets out what staff do when a visit is requested for a later date, when the patient returns home from a hospital, or when the time frame cannot be met.
About this policy
- Policy number
- PA-HH-ADM-02
- Version
- 1.0
- Main rule
- 42 CFR §484.55(a)
- Library
- Pennsylvania home health · 56 policies
- Category
- Service delivery
- Sections
- 17
In short
- A registered nurse makes the first visit for every new patient, even when only therapy is ordered.
- The first visit is made within 48 hours of receiving the referral, or on the start date the doctor ordered.
- After a hospital stay of 24 hours or more, the resumption of care visit is made within 48 hours of the patient’s return home, or on the ordered date.
- The comprehensive assessment is finished no later than 5 calendar days after the start of care.
- If a visit cannot be made in time, tell the supervising nurse at once so the doctor can be called before the deadline.
What's inside
17 sections. The full text comes with the One-time Policy Pack.
- Terms of Reference
- 1. Purpose
- 2. Scope
- 3. Definitions
- 4. Policy Statement (42 CFR §484.55(a))
- 5. Who Makes the First Visit
- 6. Time Frames
- 7. If the Plan Must Change After the First Visit
- 8. When a Time Frame Cannot Be Met
- 9. Tracking and Review
- 10. Responsibilities
- 11. Records and Compliance Monitoring
- 12. Staff Training
- 13. References
- 14. Related Policies and Forms
- 15. Approval
- 16. Revision History
An inspector may ask
- What is your time frame for the first visit after a referral? Where is it written?
- Show me the referral time and the first visit time for these five patients.
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