12VAC5-391-440. General facility requirements.
A. All construction of new buildings and additions, renovations or alterations of existing buildings for occupancy as a hospice facility shall conform to state and local codes, zoning and building ordinances and the Uniform Statewide Building Code.
In addition, hospice facilities shall be designed and constructed according to section 3.2 of Part 3 of the 2018 Guidelines for Design and Construction of Residential Health, Care, and Support Facilities of the Facility Guidelines Institute.
B. All buildings shall be inspected and approved as required by the appropriate regional state fire marshal's office or building and fire regulatory official. Approval shall be a Certificate of Use and Occupancy indicating the building is classified for its proposed licensed purpose.
C. The facility must have space for private patient family visiting and accommodations for family members after a patient's death. Patients shall be allowed to receive guests, including small children, at any hour.
D. Patient rooms shall not exceed two beds per room and must be at grade level or above, enclosed by four ceiling-high walls. Each room shall be equipped for adequate nursing care, the comfort and privacy of patients, and with a device for calling the staff member on duty.
E. Designated guest rooms for family members or patient guests and beds for use by employees of the facility shall not be included in the bed capacity of a hospice facility provided such beds and locations are identified and used exclusively by staff, volunteers or patient guests.
Employees shall not utilize patient rooms nor shall bedrooms for employees be used by patients.
F. Waste storage shall be located in a separate area outside or easily accessible to the outside for direct pickup or disposal. The use of an incinerator shall require permitting from the nearest regional permitting office for the Department of Environmental Quality.
G. The facility shall provide or arrange for under written agreement, laboratory, x-ray, and other diagnostic services, as ordered by the patient's physician.
H. There shall be a plan implemented to assure the continuation of essential patient support services in case of power outages, water shortage, or in the event of the absence from work of any portion of the workforce resulting from inclement weather or other causes.
I. No part of a hospice facility may be rented, leased or used for any purpose other than the provision of hospice care at the facility.
J. A separate and distinct entrance shall be provided if the program intends to administer and provide its community-based hospice care from the facility so that such traffic and noise shall be diverted away from patient care areas.
K. The hospice facility shall maintain a complete set of legible "as built" drawings showing all construction, fixed equipment, and mechanical and electrical systems, as installed or built.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-162.5 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 21, Issue 23, eff. November 1, 2005; amended, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 11, eff. March 2, 2011; Volume 37, Issue 14, eff. April 15, 2021.
12VAC5-391-445. Additional building regulations and standards.
A. Water shall be obtained from an approved water supply system. Hospice facilities shall be connected to sewage systems approved by the Department of Health or the Department of Environmental Quality.
B. Each hospice facility shall establish a monitoring program for the internal enforcement of all applicable fire and safety laws and regulations.
C. The hospice facility's food services shall comply with 12VAC5-421, as applicable.
D. A hospice facility's pharmacy services shall comply with Chapters 33 (§ 54.1-3300 et seq.) and 34 (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia and 18VAC110-20.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-162.5 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 11, eff. March 2, 2011.
12VAC5-391-446. Financial controls and patient funds.
A. All financial records, including resident funds, shall be kept according to generally accepted accounting principles.
B. Hospice facilities choosing to handle patient funds shall, upon receipt of a patient's written delegation of this responsibility:
1. Give the patient at least a quarterly accounting of financial transactions made on his behalf and shall permit the patient access to the records of financial transactions made on his behalf at least once a month;
2. Purchase a surety bond or otherwise provide assurance for the security of all personal funds deposited with the facility; and
3. Provide for separate accounting of patient funds.
C. In the event the hospice facility is sold, the provider shall verify that all patient funds have been transferred or returned to the patient and shall obtain a signed receipt from the new owner of all patient funds transferred. Upon receipt, the new owner shall provide an accounting of resident funds transferred to the respective patient.
D. When a patient with funds deposited with the facility leaves or is discharged, the facility shall give a final accounting, within 30 days, of those funds to the patient or the individual administering the patient's estate and, if appropriate, refund any money due.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-162.5 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 11, eff. March 2, 2011.
12VAC5-391-450. Required staffing.
A. There shall be an individual, designated in writing, responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of the hospice facility. Such individual shall report directly to the program administrator and shall be qualified to perform the duties identified in 12VAC5-391-180 C.
B. The facility shall provide 24-hour nursing services sufficient to meet the total nursing needs of its patients according to individual plans of care, including treatments, medication, and diet as prescribed, and shall keep patients comfortable, clean, well-groomed, and protected from avoidable accidents, injuries, and infections.
C. The hospice facility shall have a sufficient number of trained and supervised staff to meet the needs of each patient. At least two staff, one of which is a licensed nurse, must be on duty when patients are present. However, facilities with six or fewer beds may staff with a single licensed nurse provided compliance with subsection B of this section is maintained.
If the nurse on duty is not a registered nurse, then a registered nurse must be on call and able to respond to emergent calls within 20 minutes.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-162.5 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 21, Issue 23, eff. November 1, 2005; amended, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 11, eff. March 2, 2011.
12VAC5-391-460. Pharmacy services.
A. Whether medications and biologicals are obtained from community or institutional pharmacies, the hospice facility is responsible for assuring availability for medications and biologicals, including 24-hour emergency services, for its patients and for ensuring that pharmaceutical services are provided according to accepted professional principles and appropriate federal and state laws.
B. The facility shall comply with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy regulations related to pharmacy services in long-term care facilities (i.e., Part XII (18VAC110-20-520 et seq.) of the Regulations Governing the Practice of Pharmacy).
C. Each hospice facility shall develop and implement policies and procedures for the handling of drugs and biologicals, including procurement, storage, administration, medication errors, self-administration, disposal and accounting of drugs and other pharmacy products.
D. Each facility shall have a written agreement with a qualified pharmacist to provide consultation on all aspects of the provision of pharmacy services in the facility.
The consultant pharmacist shall make regularly scheduled visits, at least quarterly, to the facility for a sufficient number of hours to carry out the function of the agreement.
E. Each prescription container shall be individually labeled by the pharmacist for each patient or provided in an individualized unit dose system.
F. No drug or medication shall be administered to any patient without a valid verbal order or a written, dated and signed order from a physician, dentist, podiatrist, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant licensed in Virginia.
G. Verbal orders for drugs or medications shall only be given to a licensed nurse, pharmacist or physician.
H. Each patient's medication regimen shall be reviewed by a pharmacist licensed in Virginia. Any irregularities identified by the pharmacist shall be reported to the physician and the director of nursing, and their response documented.
I. Medication orders shall be reviewed at least every 60 days by the attending physician, nurse practitioner, or physician's assistant.
J. Prescription and nonprescription drugs and medications may be brought into the facility by a patient's family, friend, or other person provided:
1. The individual delivering the drugs and medications assures timely delivery, in accordance with the facility's written policies, so that the patient's prescribed treatment plan is not disrupted;
2. Each drug or medication is in an individual container; and
3. Delivery is not allowed directly to an individual patient.
In addition, prescription medications shall be:
4. Obtained from a pharmacy licensed by the state or federal authority; and
5. Securely sealed and labeled by a licensed pharmacist according to 18VAC110-20-330 and 18VAC110-20-340.
K. Any hospice licensed by the Department of Health or exempt from licensure pursuant to § 32.1-162.2 of the Code of Virginia with a hospice patient residing at home at the time of death shall notify every pharmacy that has dispensed partial quantities of a Schedule II controlled substance for a patient with a medical diagnosis documenting a terminal illness, as authorized by federal law, within 48 hours of the patient's death.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-162.5 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 21, Issue 23, eff. November 1, 2005; amended, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 11, eff. March 2, 2011; Volume 32, Issue 14, eff. April 7, 2016.
12VAC5-391-470. Restraints.
A. Periodic or continuous mechanical or physical restraints during routine care of a patient shall not be permitted, nor shall patients be restrained for employee convenience or as a substitute for care, treatment, or services. In cases of extreme emergencies, when a patient is a danger to himself or others, mechanical or physical restraints may be used as ordered by a physician or other health care provider.
B. Only those devices specifically designed as restraints may be used. Makeshift restraints shall not be used under any circumstances.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-162.5 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 21, Issue 23, eff. November 1, 2005.
12VAC5-391-480. Dietary and food service.
A. This section is not applicable to family members preparing meals or bringing food into the facility.
B. The facility shall provide dietary services to meet the daily nutritional needs of patients.
C. The hospice facility shall employ sufficient assigned food service personnel trained to provide a hygienic dietary service that meets the daily nutritional and special dietary needs of patients and provides palatable and attractive meals.
D. When meals are catered, such meals shall be obtained from a food service establishment licensed by the Virginia Department of Health. There shall be a current written contract with the food service establishment pursuant to 12VAC5-391-230.
E. The hospice facility shall contract with or employ a consulting registered dietitian, who meets the qualifications of § 54.1-2731 of the Code of Virginia, to provide guidance to the facility's food service personnel on methods for maintaining the dietary service, planning of nutritionally balanced meals, and assessing the dietary needs of individual patients. The dietitian's duties shall include the following:
1. Developing menus, including therapeutic diets prescribed by a patient's physician;
2. Developing, revising, and annually reviewing dietary policies, procedures and job descriptions;
3. Assisting in planning and conducting regularly scheduled inservice training that includes, but is not limited to:
a. Therapeutic diets;
b. Food preparation requirements; and
c. Principles of sanitation.
4. Visiting patients on a regular basis to discuss nutritional problems, depending upon their needs and level of care, and recommending appropriate solutions.
F. Menus shall meet the dietary allowances of the Food and Nutritional Board of the National Academy of Sciences, as adjusted for age, sex, and activity level.
G. A copy of a diet manual containing acceptable practices and standards for nutrition must be kept current and on file in the food preparation area.
H. Food service facilities shall be located in a designated area and shall include the following rooms or spaces:
1. Kitchen;
2. Dishwashing;
3. Food storage; and
4. Dining room.
I. At least three meals, served at regular intervals, shall be provided daily to each patient, unless contraindicated as documented by the attending physician in the patient's medical record.
J. Special attention shall be given to preparation and prompt serving in order to maintain correct food temperatures for serving.
K. Between meal snacks of nutritional value shall be available upon request to each patient according to their plan of care.
L. Therapeutic diets shall be prepared and served as prescribed by the attending physician.
M. Employees assigned to other duties in the facility and visitors shall not be allowed in the food preparation area during food preparation and patient meal service hours, except in cases of emergency.
N. Weekly menus, including therapeutic diets, substitutes, and copies of menus, as served, shall be retained on file for 12 months.
O. Disposable dinnerware or tableware shall be used only for emergencies, for infection control, as part of special activities, or as indicated in a patient's plan of care.
P. For hospice facilities with 13 or more patient beds:
1. The dietary and food service operation shall meet all applicable sections of 12VAC5-421; and
2. There shall be a food service manager, qualified as allowed in 12VAC5-421-60, responsible for the full-time management and supervision of the dietary service.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-162.5 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 21, Issue 23, eff. November 1, 2005; amended, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 11, eff. March 2, 2011.
12VAC5-391-485. Maintenance and housekeeping.
A. The hospice facility shall be maintained and equipped to provide a functional, sanitary, safe, and comfortable environment.
B. A documented preventive maintenance program shall be established to ensure that equipment is operative and that the interior and exterior of the building or buildings are maintained in good repair and free from hazards and litter.
C. The administrator shall designate an employee responsible for carrying out these functions and for training and supervising housekeeping and maintenance personnel.
D. The heating, ventilation and air conditioning system shall be capable of maintaining temperatures between 70°F and 80°F throughout patient areas.
E. The hospice facility shall have an effective pest control program either by maintenance personnel or by contract with a pest control company.
F. The hospice facility shall provide adequate space, equipment and supplies for any special services to be offered.
G. All furniture shall be kept clean and safe for use.
H. Over bed tables shall be available as needed.
I. Stretchers and wheelchairs shall be stored out of the path of normal traffic.
J. A sufficient number of wheelchairs and chairs shall be provided for patients whose physical conditions indicate a need for such equipment.
K. Refuse containers shall be emptied and cleaned at frequent intervals.
L. Hazardous cleaning solutions, compounds and substances shall be labeled, stored and kept under lock in a safe place separate from other materials.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-162.5 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 11, eff. March 2, 2011.
12VAC5-391-490. Laundry services.
A. A quantity of linens shall be available at all times to provide for proper care and comfort of residents.
B. Linens and other laundry must be handled, stored and processed to control the spread of infection.
C. Clean linen shall be stored in a clean and dry area accessible to patient rooms.
D. Soiled linen shall be stored in covered containers in separate, well-ventilated areas and shall not accumulate in the facility.
E. Soiled linen shall not be sorted, laundered, rinsed or stored in bathrooms, patient rooms, kitchens or food storage areas.
F. Soiled linen shall not be placed on the floor.
G. Arrangement for laundering patient's personal clothing shall be provided. If laundry facilities are not provided on premises, commercial laundry services shall be utilized.
H. Laundry facilities shall include:
1. A soiled laundry receiving, holding, and sorting room with hand-washing lavatory; and
2. A clean laundry storage, issuing, and holding room or area.
I. On-premise laundry service facilities shall include:
1. A laundry processing room with commercial-type equipment capable of processing seven days needs within a regularly scheduled workweek and a hand-washing lavatory;
2. A storage space for laundry supplies; and
3. A clean laundry inspection and mending room or area.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-162.5 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 21, Issue 23, eff. November 1, 2005.
12VAC5-391-495. Transportation.
The hospice facility shall assist a patient in obtaining transportation when it is necessary to obtain medical, psychiatric, dental, diagnostic or other services outside the facility.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-162.5 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 11, eff. March 2, 2011.
12VAC5-391-500. Pet care.
A. The hospice facility shall implement policies regarding pets, whether the pet is visiting or in residence.
B. The hospice facility shall ensure that any patient's rights, preferences, and medical needs are not compromised by the presence of an animal. Except for working service animals, pets shall not be allowed in dining and kitchen areas when food is being prepared or served.
C. All pets, whether visiting or in residence, shall be in good health, clean and well-groomed, show no evidence of carrying disease, have a suitable temperament, and pose no significant health or safety risks to patients, staff, volunteers, or visitors.
D. For pets in residence, the facility shall:
1. Disclose to potential and current patients the types of pets and the conditions under which pets are allowed in residence;
2. Maintain documentation of disclosure of pet policies in the patients' records;
3. Ensure that, before living in the facility, the pet's owner provides current documentation that the pet has had all recommended or required immunizations;
4. Ensure that regular pet examinations and immunizations are maintained; and
5. Ensure that resident pets are properly cared for and that the pet and its housing or bedding are kept clean.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-162.5 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 21, Issue 23, eff. November 1, 2005; amended, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 11, eff. March 2, 2011.
12VAC5-391-510. Safety and emergency preparedness.
A. A written emergency preparedness plan shall be developed, reviewed, and implemented when needed. The plan shall address responses to natural disasters, as well as fire or other emergencies that disrupts the normal course of operations. The plan shall include, but not be limited to:
1. The continuation of essential patient support services in case of power outages, water shortages, or in the event of absences from work of any portion of the workforce resulting from inclement weather or other causes;
2. The preparation of patients for potential or imminent emergencies and disasters;
3. Alerting emergency personnel and sounding alarms;
4. Using, maintaining and operating emergency equipment;
5. Accessing patient emergency medical information;
6. Utilizing community support services;
7. A sheltering plan that addresses, but is not limited to:
a. Sheltering in place as well as off-site relocation arrangements;
b. Implementing evacuation procedures; and
c. A letter of agreement with off-site sheltering locations;
8. A transportation plan including:
a. Agreements with entities for relocating patients;
b. Number and type of vehicles required; and
c. Procedures for providing appropriate medical support and medications during relocation; and
9. A staffing plan for relocated patients, including:
a. The number and type of staff needed to provide appropriate care to relocated patients; and
b. Plans for relocating staff or assuring transportation to the sheltering facility.
B. All staff shall participate in periodic emergency preparedness training.
C. Staff shall have documented knowledge of, and be prepared to implement, the emergency preparedness plan in the event of an emergency.
D. At least one telephone shall be available in each area to which patients are admitted, in each patient room, with additional telephones or extensions as are necessary to ensure availability in case of need.
E. In the event of a disaster, fire, medication error, suspicious death, emergency or any other condition that may jeopardize the health, safety and well-being of patients, the facility shall notify the department of the conditions and status of the patients and the hospice facility as soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours after the incident.
F. The hospice facility shall have a policy on smoking.
Statutory Authority
§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-162.5 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 11, eff. March 2, 2011.