Innovations and Efficiencies in Home-Based Care: HCCI Solutions Suite for NPHI Members-Home Care Nursing Protocols

Home Care Nursing Protocols

Pdf Summary

This document discusses the importance of reducing clinician burden and empowering team members to work to the top of their licensure in a home-based practice. It provides nursing protocols for various common needs that arise in home care. <br /><br />For urinary symptoms, the registered nurse (RN) is responsible for triaging calls, ordering necessary tests, and informing the healthcare provider. They have authority to make determinations on lab orders under supervision. <br /><br />When it comes to physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), and speech therapy, the RN can grant verbal authorization for the continuation of home health services requested by a facility or home health nurse. They document the orders and forward the message to the treating provider.<br /><br />Regarding home health services, the RN has authority to grant verbal authorization for additional nursing services requested by a home health agency or facility. They obtain necessary information, document it, and forward the message for approval from the treating provider.<br /><br />For medication refills, routine refills are set up for a 1-year supply. Prescriptions are set up for 90 days with 3 refills, except for antibiotics, opioids, PRN inhalers, or new medications or dose adjustments. Discrepancies are checked by the RN or certified medical assistant (CMA), who contacts the patient or facility to clarify medication and dosage. Changes are documented and routed to the provider for clarification. <br /><br />In the case of wound care, the RN has authority to authorize new orders for wound treatment or additional nurse visits requested by a facility or home health agency. They obtain and document necessary information and forward the encounter to the treating provider for guidance. <br /><br />Please note that this summary does not constitute medical advice and the document is for educational and informational purposes only.

Keywords

clinician burden

empowering team members

home-based practice

nursing protocols

urinary symptoms

registered nurse

physical therapy

occupational therapy

speech therapy

home health services