Thursday, May 17, 2012

New Law Requiring Disclosure if Long Term Care Facility Does Not Have Emergency Power Generator


A new law signed by governor Fallin today requires nursing facilities and specialized facilities that do not have emergency power generators available or a written disaster plan on file during an emergency situation shall provide a written disclosure to any resident or resident's caregiver stating that the facility does not have either a generator available or a written disaster plan on file during an emergency situation upon admittance into the facility.
The law also requires all nursing facilities, assisted living centers, residential care homes and specialized facilities to have an emergency evacuation plan in place.  Such plan shall be coordinated and on file at the local emergency management agency.  Such plan shall also be filed with the State Department of Health.
The law also amends 63 O.S. 2011, Section 1-1962 to state no licensed health care facility, licensed physician, advanced practice registered nurse, physician assistant, or state agency employee acting in the performance of his or her duties shall refer a client for personal care services or for companion or sitter services except to an agency licensed to provide such services.  For purposes of this subsection, "licensed health care facility" shall include acute care hospitals, long-term acute care hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, residential care homes, home care agencies, adult day care centers and hospice agencies.
This act shall become effective November 1, 2012.

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