Section 180-RICR-10-00-3.12 - MedicalA. Medical Rounds 1. Any resident requesting an appointment with the Home physician shall do so through the nursing unit Charge Nurse.2. Medical Rounds are conducted daily Monday through Sunday.B. Professional Medical Services 1. Residents shall consider the Home's physician as their attending physician and should take all prescribed medications and follow all advice and regimen laid down by the Home physician and medical staff. If a resident refuses treatment, the resident shall be informed of the medical consequences of this action. If a resident is mentally incapable of making a competent decision, approval will be sought from the guardian, next-of-kin, or other person of record legally entitled to give such approval. If the Rhode Island Veterans Home physician orders the hospitalization of a resident, the Veterans Administration Hospital will be notified of the order in accordance with established policy. Residents may choose to use Private Hospitals when they have coverage. a. If admission to a Veterans Administration facility cannot be accomplished, the Home's physicians shall arrange transfer to another medical facility for essential treatment or medical procedures. Residents are responsible for all costs incurred in a private facility.b. If a resident requests the services of a private physician or private hospital, the resident or guardian shall be responsible for all costs (including transportation).2. Residents requesting services of an eye doctor, foot doctor, oral surgeon or other specialist not on the staff, shall consult first with the Medical Department.a. The Medical Department should be informed of an appointment with the Physician of the Resident's choice.b. Payment for such private medical services shall be the responsibility of the resident, guardian, or his family.C. Alcohol Control 1. Alcohol consumption by staff on the grounds is strictly prohibited.2. A resident's alcohol consumption shall be limited by his or her Treatment Team if it interferes with the resident's health or social adjustment, and/or interferes with the safety and well-being of others. Alcohol consumption is permitted if part of a religious observance or ceremony.3. The Home's Administrator may order restrictions to clinically obtain and promote sobriety of a resident utilizing the following procedure: a. 1st situation - 14 days restricted to facility and grounds b. 2nd situation - 30 days restricted to facility and grounds c. 3rd situation - 60 days restricted to facility and grounds d. 4th situation - 90 day restricted to facility and grounds4. All offenses will be reviewed by the Treatment Team to determine if there is a need for continuous supervision. Residents who present as a danger to self or others may be discharged due to safety issues. The resident will be offered substance abuse treatment and counseling sessions by social services.D. Illegal Substances. Narcotics prohibited by federal law may not be used by residents or staff members on the grounds.E. Dental Services. Residents requiring dental services, shall contact the charge nurse of their respective ward. Costs incurred for dental services provided outside the facility are the responsibility of the resident.F. Medical Communications 1. When a resident receives any communication from the Veterans Administration, Social Security Administration, or any other agency requesting resident to report for medical examination or for any reason, residents must refer communication to the medical office immediately. Residents will complete the proper release form on admission.2. If a resident receives a Veterans Administration ID card, it shall be the resident's responsibility to turn this card into the medical office. It is essential that this procedure be followed so the Home can arrange appointments and suitable means of transportation.G. Medical Devices. Residents in need of a medical device (surgical supports, artificial limbs, hearing aids, leg braces, etc.) shall consult first with the Home physician. If approved by the Home physician, the resident shall request the assistance of the medical department. The resident shall not independently arrange these services.H. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The HIPAA Privacy Rule (the Rule) enhances the privacy protections afforded to individual consumers at all levels of health care treatment, payment, and healthcare operations. The Rule requires health care providers, health plans, and health care clearinghouses to carefully monitor the use and disclosure of an individual's protected health information (PHI). The Rule requires the RIVH to provide patients with a notice of the patient's privacy rights and the privacy practices of the RIVH called a Notice of Privacy Practices (Notice). All necessary forms and notices shall be provided upon admission.180 R.I. Code R. 180-RICR-10-00-3.12
Adopted effective 1/20/2019