SECTION 377:30-3-17. Health care services

(a)   The health care program at each group home must be designed to protect and promote the physical and mental well being of residents. Each facility shall secure a written agreement or contract with a health authority (physician, health administrator or health agency) for the purpose of providing health care of residents.

(b)   Each facility shall have a plan for 24-hour emergency medical, dental, and mental health care availability that includes arrangements for the following:

(1)   on-site emergency first aid and crisis intervention;

(2)   emergency evacuation of the juvenile from the facility;

(3)   use of an emergency medical vehicle;

(4)   use of one or more designated hospital emergency rooms or other appropriate health facilities;

(5)   emergency on-call physician, dentist, and mental health professional services when the emergency health facility is not located in a nearby community; and

(6)   security procedures providing for the immediate transfer of juveniles, when appropriate.

(c)   Group home staff shall be capable of responding to health-related situations within a four-minute response time. A training program established by the health authority in cooperation with the group home supervisor shall provide the following:

(1)   recognition of signs and symptoms and knowledge of action required in potential emergency situations;

(2)   administration of first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and current CPR certification;

(3)   methods of obtaining assistance;

(4)   recognition of signs and symptoms of mental illness, retardation, and chemical dependency;

(5)   procedures for patient transfers to appropriate medical facilities or health care providers; and

(6)   recognition of the signs and symptoms of communicable diseases and information on care for staff and juveniles.

(d)   All medical information is confidential pursuant to OAC 377:10-1-4 through 377:10-1-7.

(e)   In cases of serious illness, surgery, death or injury, the residents' next-of-kin must be notified immediately, either directly by a group home staff member or through the local worker.

(f)   Medication shall be distributed or administered by staff members trained in medication administration in accordance with the physician's orders. Facility staff shall keep records of all medications distributed by facility staff. The group home supervisor or designee shall maintain and audit records monthly.

[Source: Added at 14 Ok Reg 1891, eff 6-2-97; Amended at 16 Ok Reg 3004, eff 7-12-99]