Home Health Care Agency Policy & Procedures

Home health care agencies specialize in caring for all types of patients, but what they all share is the desire to assist people in need. With this mission in mind a manual for all employees to follow is pertinent. Each agency has a different set of policies and procedures. Whether you are in the health care industry or are benefiting from this profession, it is important to be aware of all guidelines.

State to State

• The policies and procedures of an agency are largely, in part, based on the laws of the state in which it resides. Each state has different laws, which are created by the Department of Health. Indiana, for example is governed by the Indiana State Department of Health. Check the agency's record with the state to assure it is up to code. To prepare a policy and procedures manual, an agency must mirror the laws presented by the state.

Writing It

• Think of a policy and procedures manual as important as a business plan. A business plan allows a health care agency, among other things, to receive funding. A manual allows an agency to run smoothly and stay in business by ensuring that it is covering all the bases.

  Start out with topics that are crucial such as patient rights, medication management and human resources. To be proactive about guidelines, think about what could go wrong and prevent it. As a new business you could also purchase a general manual to save you some time. These manuals are available on many websites. (See "Resources" for links). There are many areas covered in manuals, some relate to the business operations while others focus on patient management. In order to have a complete manual, an agency must use many different resources. Learn from a successful home health agency in your state, or contact the state health department, and research downloadable manuals and reference books. Some notable books on the topic include; "Handbook of Home Health Care Administration;" "Health Care in the United States: Organization, Management, and Policy," by Howard P. Greenwald (2010), and "New Developments in Home Care Services for the Elderly: Innovations in Policy, Program, and Practice," by Leonard Kaye (1995).

  With any industry it is important to stay abreast of the changes and improvements. According to FRANdata, the home health care industry grew by 13 percent each year between 2006-2008. With growth comes knowledge, so use the The National Association of Home Care and Hospice's website to stay in tune with the industry. (See "Resources" for a link) The association will keep you in line with your industry so you are always in the know. Each state has a council that you can join for support.

  Writing and researching a home health agency policy and procedures manual is a lengthy and important process that must be completed prior to going into business. Have each employee read and sign on the manual so they are responsible for its contents. It creates a necessary, unified understanding among all employees. The manual must also be updated as business and industry needs change or need improving. Treat it as a new friend in a booming industry.

Researching it

• As a patient or a loved one of a patient it is helpful to know where to look for the most important information. Take a good look at the Table of Contents and devise a plan based on what you are most concerned about. The most important information regarding the general knowledge of procedures will be in the following sections: Patient Bill of Rights and Responsibilities, Advance Directives, Agreement for Services, Emergency Intervention, Admission of Patients and Code of Ethics. To learn about the care of the patients, look for sections titled: Pain Management, Care Planning, Patient Visits, Patient/Family Education, and Medical Management.

  Besides going over these and other select sections, see the list of forms you need to fill out. This helps to assure that all forms all filled out so that there is not any guessing when it comes down to patient care. It also helps familiarize a loved one and/or patient with basic terms. Base your choice of a home health agency, on the answers you find in their manual.