Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. 1. Any agency employee who discovers within the course of rendering care, any suspected abuse and/or neglect will immediately report such occurrences to the ABUSE HOT LINE PHONE NUMBER (800) 962-2873, and them to their immediate supervisor. An Incident/Accident Report will be completed. 2. Agency supervisor/designee will initiate an investigation and document results. Abuse hotline notification is verified. 3. The agency will maintain a list of private and public community agencies that provide, or arrange for, assessment of suspected or alleged abuse/neglect victims. This list will be maintained in the community resource file. POSSIBLE SIGNS/SYMPTOMS OF: Physical Abuse, Neglect or Exploitation: Physical indications of abuse, neglect or exploitation occur more commonly in clusters of symptoms than as a single symptom. The presence of two (2) or more of the following may be indicative of physical abuse, neglect or exploitation: Bruises/welts clustered together and in regular patterns possibly in unusual locations, Bilateral bruises or parallel injuries Multiple fractures/injuries in various stages of healing Injuries around the face, ears and neck Injuries in the “bathing suit” zone (trunk, abdomen, genitalia, buttocks and upper thighs) Patchy hair loss History of frequent visits to the Emergency Department Injuries inconsistent with explanation Injuries during pregnancy Neglect: Dehydration, Malnutrition, Signs of over-medication, Poor hygiene (excessive dirt and/or odor on the patient’s body or clothing), Lack of needed medical attention, Emotional Abuse, Neglect or Exploitation: Emotional Abuse, Neglect or Exploitation: Fear of strangers, Paranoia, depression or anger, Hunger for attention and socialization. Financial Abuse, Neglect or Exploitation: Unexplained loss of Social Security and/or pension checks, Lack of payment for utilities, Checks being signed by another person without permission, Lack of adequate food and medications. L-18 Home Health Agency Client Assessments