Current through Rules and Regulations filed through September 23, 2024
(1) In a format provided by the Department, each center shall complete and submit for approval a disaster preparedness plan that contains a set of procedures for responding to internal and external disasters or emergency situations.
(2) The disaster preparedness plan shall identify the staff position responsible for implementing the plan, obtaining necessary emergency medical attention or intervention for participants, and coordinating with the local emergency management agency.
(3) A standardized format shall be used throughout the plan that clearly describes how the emergency procedures should be carried out for each potential disaster. The emergency procedures should answer the questions of "who, what, when, where, and how," and allow the center to be ready to act effectively and efficiently in an emergency situation.
(4) The plan shall contain a section that outlines the frequency of rehearsal and the procedures to be followed during rehearsal. Each aspect of the plan must be rehearsed on an annual basis.
(5) Each center shall forward a copy of the plan to the local emergency management agency.
(6) Each center shall review and update its disaster preparedness plan as needed, but at a minimum on an annual basis.
(7) Each center shall maintain the following records and make them available to authorized Department employees upon request:
(a) A copy of the disaster preparedness plan and any subsequent changes thereto, which shall also be available for immediate access by center staff;
(b) Records of rehearsals of the disaster preparedness plan to include the names of all participants, staff and volunteers participating in the rehearsals; and
(c) Records of incidences, which required implementation of the disaster preparedness plan, including a written incident report and a written critique of the performance under the plan.
(8) Each center shall notify the Department within one business day when an emergency situation occurs which dictates implementation of the disaster preparedness plan. Such notification to the Department may initially be verbal and shall be followed-up in writing within three business days.
(9)
Fire Safety. Adult day centers shall ensure that facilities where services are provided meet all applicable standards for fire and safety requirements. Fire safety must be observed at all times.
(a) The building must be kept in good repair; electrical, heating and cooling systems must be maintained in a safe manner. Electrical appliances, devices and lamps must be used in a manner that prevents overloaded circuits. Any extension cords in excess of six (6) feet must be shielded or protected and shall not be used in lieu of permanent wiring.
(b) Each center must develop and conspicuously post throughout the center an emergency evacuation plan.
(c) Fire drills shall be conducted at least quarterly and all staff and participants shall participate in the drills. Drills shall be held at expected and unexpected times and under varying conditions to simulate the unusual conditions that can occur in an actual emergency. Documentation of the fire drills shall be maintained by the center and shall include the date and time of such drills, the staff and participants included in the drill, and the actual evacuation time.
(d) Storage items must be arranged to minimize fire hazard. Gasoline, volatile materials, paint, and similar products must not be stored in the building housing participants unless approved in writing by the local fire marshal.
(e) Outside areas designated for smoking shall have ashtrays of noncombustible material and safe design.
(f) Portable fire extinguishers shall be maintained in operable condition at all times, inspected once a year by a qualified technician, and shall be labeled indicating the condition and date of last inspection.
(g) Each center shall be equipped with a sufficient number of smoke detectors, operated by house current or hardwired into the center's electrical service. Center staff shall consult local fire safety authorities to determine the appropriate number and placement of the smoke detectors.
(h) The use of unvented heaters, open flame heaters or portable space heaters is prohibited.
(i) The Department may require an appropriate fire safety inspection of any center at any time, including, but not limited to, when the physical plant undergoes a substantial change, such as repairs, renovations, or additions, or the Department has reason to believe that fire safety violations exist and that participants may be at risk.
(10)
Emergency Procedures. Each center shall establish written emergency policies and procedures. Emergency procedures shall include at least the following:
(a) A written plan and/or agreement for emergency care;
(b) A written plan and/or agreement for emergency transportation;
(c) An easily located file for each participant containing at least the following:
1. Name and telephone number of the participant's physician;
2. Hospital preference;
3. Insurance information;
4. Medications and allergies;
5. Current diagnoses and history;
6. Name and telephone number of emergency contact;
7. Copy of any Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care; and
8. Photograph (for participant identification).
(d) A written plan for notification of local law enforcement when a participant has been missing for more than thirty (30) minutes.
(11) The Department may suspend any requirements of these rules and the enforcement of any rules where the governor of the state of Georgia has declared a public health emergency.
O.C.G.A. §
49-6-81.
