Louisiana Administrative Code
Title 48 - PUBLIC HEALTH-GENERAL
Part I - General Administration
Subpart 3 - Licensing and Certification
Chapter 62 - Therapeutic Group Homes
Subchapter I - Facility Operations
Section I-6293 - Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Universal Citation: LA Admin Code I-6293

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 9, September 20, 2024

A. General Safety Practices

1. A provider shall not maintain any firearms or chemical weapons at any time.

2. A provider shall ensure that all poisonous, toxic and flammable materials are safely stored in appropriate containers and labeled as to the contents. Such materials shall be maintained only as necessary and shall be used in such a manner as to ensure the safety of clients, staff and visitors.

3. Adequate supervision/training shall be provided where potentially harmful materials such as cleaning solvents and/or detergents are used.

4. A provider shall ensure that a first aid kit is available in the facility and in all vehicles used to transport clients.

5. Medication shall be locked in a secure storage area or cabinet.

6. Fire drills shall be performed at least once a month.

B. Emergency Preparedness

1. A disaster or emergency may be a local, community-wide, regional or statewide event. Disasters or emergencies may include, but are not limited to:
a. tornados;

b. fires;

c. floods;

d. hurricanes;

e. power outages;

f. chemical spills;

g. biohazards;

h. train wrecks; or

i. declared health crisis.

2. Continuity of Operations. The provider shall have a written emergency preparedness plan to maintain continuity of the providers operations in preparation for, during and after an emergency or disaster. The plan shall be designed to manage the consequences of all hazards, declared disasters or other emergencies that disrupt the providers ability to render care and treatment, or threatens the lives or safety of the clients.

3. The provider shall follow and execute its emergency preparedness plan in the event of the occurrence of a declared disaster or other emergency. The plan shall include, at a minimum:
a. provisions for the evacuation of each client, delivery of essential services to each client, whether the client is in a shelter or other location or the provider has elected to shelter in place;

b. provisions for the management of staff, including provisions for adequate, qualified staff as well as for distribution and assignment of responsibilities and functions;

c. provisions for back-up staff;

d. the method that the provider will utilize in notifying the client's family or caregiver if the client is evacuated to another location either by the provider or with the assistance or knowledge of the provider. This notification shall include:
i. the date and approximate time that the facility or client is evacuating;

ii. the place or location to which the client(s) is evacuating which includes the name, address and telephone number; and

iii. a telephone number that the family or responsible representative may call for information regarding the provider's evacuation;

e. provisions for ensuring that supplies, medications, clothing and a copy of the service plan are sent with the client, if the client is evacuated; and

f. the procedure or methods that will be used to ensure that identification accompanies the client. The identification shall include the following information:
i. current and active diagnosis;

ii. medication, including dosage and times administered;

iii. allergies;

iv. special dietary needs or restrictions; and

v. next of kin, including contact information.

4. If the state, parish or local Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (OHSEP) orders a mandatory evacuation of the parish or the area in which the provider is serving, the provider shall ensure that all clients are evacuated according to the providers emergency preparedness plan.

5. The provider shall not abandon a client during a disaster or emergency. The provider shall not evacuate a client to a shelter without ensuring staff and supplies remain with the client at the shelter, in accordance with the client's treatment plan.

6. Emergency Plan Review and Summary. The provider shall review and update its emergency preparedness plan at least annually.

7. The provider shall cooperate with the department and with the local or parish OHSEP in the event of an emergency or disaster and shall provide information as requested.

8. The provider shall monitor weather warnings and watches as well as evacuation order from local and state emergency preparedness officials.

9. All TGH employees shall be trained in emergency or disaster preparedness and shall be knowledgeable of the providers emergency preparedness policies and procedures. Training shall include orientation, ongoing training and participation in planned drills for all personnel.

10. Upon request by the department, the TGH shall submit a copy of its emergency preparedness plan and a written summary attesting how the plan was followed and executed. The summary shall contain, at a minimum:
a. pertinent plan provisions and how the plan was followed and executed;

b. plan provisions that were not followed;

c. reasons and mitigating circumstances for failure to follow and execute certain plan provisions;

d. contingency arrangements made for those plan provisions not followed; and

e. a list of all injuries and deaths of clients that occurred during execution of the plan, evacuation or temporary relocation including the date, time, causes and circumstances of the injuries and deaths.

11. At any time that the TGH has an interruption in services or a change in the licensed location due to an emergency situation, the provider shall notify the HSS no later than the next business day.

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 36:254 and R.S. 40:2009.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Louisiana may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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