Louisiana § RS 40:2116.31 - Scope; purpose; definitions

§ RS 40:2116.31. Scope; purpose; definitions

            A. The provisions of this Part shall apply to all providers of home care services in the state of Louisiana. The purpose of this Part is to assure the provision of high quality home care to the residents of Louisiana in a coordinated and cost-effective manner through the promulgation of minimum standards by the Louisiana Department of Health.

            B. For the purpose of this Part unless the context clearly otherwise requires:

            (1) "Authorized healthcare provider" means a physician, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or physician assistant licensed, certified, registered, or otherwise authorized to order home healthcare services consistent with state law.

            (2) "Clinical record" means those documents maintained on all patients accepted for care by a home health agency. The records will be retained in accordance with existing state law.

            (3) "Department" means the Louisiana Department of Health.

            (4) "Home health agency" means a state-owned and -operated agency, or a subdivision of such an agency or organization, or a private nonprofit organization, or a proprietary organization which provides for the skilled home health care to the public, under the order of an authorized healthcare provider and in the place of residence of the person receiving the care, which includes at least skilled nursing and one other service listed in the minimum standards which may be physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, medical social services, home health aides, or such others as may be listed in the minimum standards.

            (5) "Home health aide services" means semi-skilled assistance by qualified personnel with activities of daily living provided to the patient who requires assistance in at least two areas of functioning and monitoring of vital signs, reporting to a professional under a written plan of care, and requiring clinical note for each patient visit.

            (6) "Secretary" means the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health.

            (7) "State agency" means the division of licensing and certification of the office of the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health.

            Acts 1966, No. 25, §1, eff. July 11, 1966 at 3:15 P.M. Amended by Acts 1977, No. 680, §12; Acts 1979, No. 566, §2; Acts 1985, No. 912, §1; Acts 1995, No. 1252, §1; Acts 2021, No. 181, §1, eff. June 11, 2021.