105. Mass. Code Regs. 150.011. - Social Services

“Social Services”
 
The law establishes that sufficient social services must be provided to meet all the social and emotional needs of patients. These social services are provided by the facility’s employees or through independent social workers. The social work staff must be based on the number of patients in the facility and the law sets a numeric guideline to follow. A plan that includes information regardingpersonal, interpersonal and situational problems influencing management and probable duration of stay is developed before admission and preferably with the help of the patient. Facilities maintain records of pertinent social information, action taken to meet social needs and written evidence of periodic case review on all patients.  Pertinent social data and information about personal and family problems shall be made available only to the attending physician or other key personnel who are directly involved in the patient's care, or to recognized health or welfare agencies. The law also establishes that each facility should have policies and procedures to assure the confidentiality of this information.