Rule 18-2-2.5 - EMERGENCY SERVICESA.Definition and PurposeEmergency Services - social, financial and supportive assistance to help elderly individuals through a crisis, life-threatening or unexpected emergency situation which demands or requires immediate action or intervention. Emergency Services can be temporary, short-term or extended assistance designed to satisfy the unmet needs of elderly individuals. /emergency Services can include food, clothing medical supplies, equipment, and other items needed in a crisis situation.
The purpose of Emergency Service is to:
1. Offer immediate response to identified needs of older persons for which no other resource is available;2. Allow older individuals to remain in their homes through the provision of needed services in crisis situations;3. Provide much needed temporary assistance to help alleviate a sudden or urgent, unexpected crisis;4. Maintain proper health of older individuals in their homes; and5. Solve emergencies or crisis situations that plague elderly individuals.B.EligibilityPersons 60 and older with a Level II score of 22 or above on the screening instrument are eligible for Emergency Services; priority is given to case managed clients.
C.Unit of ServiceA unit of service is counted for emergency assistance activities (listed below provided to a client:
1. Food (other than the services of the meals program);2. Medical, orthopedic and convalescent supplies and equipment;3. Medication (prescription(s) filled);5. Emergency transportation (other than services provided through the regular transportation programD.Minimum Program RequirementsAll Area Agencies on Aging and providers of emergency services must adhere to the following requirements:
1.Service Activitiesa. The Case Manager or designated staff shall (if needed): 1) complete purchase request;2) ensure the purchase is made for the client(s) n accordance with established purchasing procedures;3) make arrangements for the delivery of the services, supplies or equipment; and4) thoroughly document all activities and services provided.b. Staff providing emergency services shall have means of identification (badges, agency cards, or ID'S).c. Sufficient documentation by the AAA is needed to justify the need for emergency transportation when providing the service.d. The AAA Director shall make the final decision on whether or not to supply the needed services or item based on the recommendations from the case manager/assistant or other designated staff person.e. The client shall be allowed the opportunity to contribute to the cost of the service.2.Location of ServicesEmergency services shall be provided, but not limited to the following places:
b. service provider's office;c. designated focal point or centralized facility accessible to elderly individuals; and d. the Area Agency on Aging.3.Access to ServiceA client may enter the service system at any point through an appropriate referral service to be determined eligible for services.
4.Delivery Characteristicsa. Each client shall have a case record that includes: (1) Screening/Intake/Assessment instrument;(2) Authorization Releases, if required;(3) Health/medical information;(4) Approval/termination of services;(5) Documentation of client's inability to pay for the needed services;(6) Documentation of services provided;(7) Plan of care, if applicable; and(8) Name and address of a contact person.b. Emergency services shall be made available when needed by the client, seven days per week, 24 hours a day, including holidays, if needed.c. The emergency services provider, case manager/assistant or designated staff shall have a system to distinguish emergency from non-emergency situations.d. The transportation drivers shall have a safe driver's record and a valid driver's license as required by the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol.e. Emergency services shall be coordinated with existing services provided by the agency.f. Volunteers shall be utilized to provide emergency services when necessary.5.Staffinga. All staff included in the service must have good physical and emotional health with the ability to carry out or perform assigned duties.b. There shall be a designated staff person to supervise the day-to-day operations of the program.c. There shall be adequate staff to achieve the purpose/goal of the program.d. There shall be a designated staff person or an established system to provide emergency service after hours, weekends and holidays.e. Volunteers shall be supervised same as the regular staff.6.Traininga. All emergency services staff shall receive orientation to the Agency, State Unit on Aging, and the program's operational policy and procedures.b. All staff involved in the service shall receive training in emergency procedures, first aid, CPR, community resources, Heimlich technique, referral process and case record documentation.c. Volunteers shall be trained same as the regular staff. 7.Monitoringa. The MDHS Monitoring Unit shall monitor the Area Agency on Aging emergency service program annually.b. The Area Agency on Aging shall monitor the emergency service provider annually.8.Prohibited Service Activitiesa. Consumption of client's food or drink.b. Breach of confidentiality.c. Acceptance of gifts or tips.d. Friends or relatives of emergency service staff brought to client's home.e. Smoking in client's home.f. Solicitation of money or goods from clients.g. Consumption of alcoholic beverages prior to or during service delivery.h. Discussion of personal problems, religious or political beliefs with client.Older Americans Act of 1965, As Amended 2006 ( Public Law 109-365 ), Section 373(e) (1)