Ala. Admin. Code r. 746-X-6-.05

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 746-X-6-.05 - Standards For Accredited Facilities

(1) Certified Practitioner-in-Charge.

(a) Each facility location must be supervised by at least one licensed practitioner-in-charge in each discipline for which service is provided.

(b) The practitioner may supervise no more than 2 locations, provided they are no more than 75 miles apart.

(2) Services Provided. The facility must be equipped to provide the following services to the public, for each discipline accredited:

(a) Casting, measuring, fitting, delivery of devices

(b) Repairs, adjustments, replacements of devices

(c) All facilities must have individual Medicare and Medicaid provider numbers as required by Medicare and Medicaid.

(3) Physical Requirements. The facility shall be a permanent, commercial building that was constructed and is maintained appropriately to provide safe and sanitary conditions for the protection of the patient and the personnel providing orthotic/prosthetic care.

(a) The facility must be licensed by local cities, counties, and other governmental entities as applicable.

(b) The facility must have a telephone for contact

(c) The facility must have regular mail service

(4) Patient Areas. The patient areas of the facilities must meet the following requirements:

(a) All patient fitting rooms have doors, screens or curtains to assure privacy and meet HIPPA requirements for privacy

(b) Patient chairs are fitted with arm-rests

(c) Patient fitting rooms contain examination tables with disposable covers or readily disinfected surfaces

(d) At least one room is fitted with parallel bars of at least eight feet in length with a full length mirror at one end. Facilities that exclusively provide orthotic services or sell HME/mastectomy supplies may have other appropriate walking aids

(e) Protective gloves and disinfectives suitable for blood-borne and other pathogens are available and used in each patient area

(f) Patient examination and treatment rooms shall be cleaned following each patient visit

(g) Patient areas shall meet all ADA access requirements

(5) Laboratory Areas. The laboratory (workshop) must meet the following requirements:

(a) All equipment (machinery) must meet local and OSHA requirements

(b) OSHA air quality standards are met

(c) Flammable materials are handled and stored according to OSHA and local regulations

(d) OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards are closely followed

(e) Safety equipment (e.g. safety glasses/goggles, dust-masks) are available and used at all appropriate times

(f) The facility has a safety manual and regular scheduled safety training for all employees

(6) Satellite Offices. All satellite offices must be listed and registered.

(a) All satellites must be ADA accessible

(b) All satellites must be HIPPA compliant

(c) All satellites must have private exam and/or walking room(s).

(7) Record Keeping. The facility must adhere to the following record-keeping requirements:

(a) Clinical records are maintained according to HIPPA practice standards

(b) Only personnel having the need to know their contents have access to patient records

(c) Records are not available to anyone outside the facility without a signed patient consent

(d) Patient records are stored in file cabinets fitted with locks or in separate lockable file rooms

(8) Insurance. The facility must carry general liability, malpractice, product liability in addition to other insurance as required by local statute or best-business practices.

(9) Quality Assurance. The facility maintains a quality assurance program that includes, but is not limited to the following:

(a) Upon receipt of orthotic/prosthetic device, patients are given oral and written instructions relating to use, safety, wearing times, cleaning and servicing as appropriate

(b) Patients are required to sign a receipt for their device at delivery, noting their satisfaction relative to comfort and function as well as the receipt of patient instructions

(c) A written patient survey that provides all patients the opportunity to comment on the quality, timeliness and efficacy of the services and products provided. This survey also allows patients to comment on the manner of treatment they received from all staff-business, reception and/or practitioner.

(d) Patients are provided a method for anonymous complaints to either facility personnel or others in keeping with compliance requirements of Medicare, etc.

(e) Facility provides for regular follow-up to check on patient progress, satisfaction and/or problems

(f) Written records of each patient contract are maintained in a confidential file

(10) Compliance Officer. One person is designated as the Compliance Officer to assure that:

(a) The facility and practitioners comply with:

1. Code of Ethics

2. Employee Handbook

3. Federal and State rules and regulations to prevent fraud and abuse

(b) Staff Education and Training includes:

1. Proper documentation procedures

2. Proper billing and coding practices

(c) All compliance issues raised, and their resolution, are recorded and reported

(d) Review and update program, at least annually

Ala. Admin. Code r. 746-X-6-.05

New Rule: Filed October 22, 2003; effective November 26, 2003.

Authors: Joseph C. Elliott, Glenn Crumpton

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, § 34-25A-1 -14.