105. Mass. Code Regs. 155.010. - Responsibilities of the Facility, Home Health Agency, Homemaker Agency, and Hospice Program

“Responsibilities of the Facility, Home Health Agency, Homemaker Agency, and Hospice Program”
 
This section establishes the responsibilities each facility, home health agency, homemaker agency and hospice program has in regards to patient abuse, neglect, mistreatment or misappropriation of patient’s property.  Each facility must report all such suspected cases to the Department and immediately begin to conduct its own internal investigation into the allegation.  Each facility must also immediately initiate steps to prevent further potential harm to patients or residents while the investigation is in progress.   All information, which may be relevant to the Department’s investigation into the allegation, must be made available. 
In addition, the facility must make all reasonable efforts to facilitate the Department's attempts to interview any and all potential witnesses who may have information relevant to the Department's investigation.  Facilities must have written policies and procedures in regards to patient abuse reporting. These policies must also be posted in a visible location on each floor, to inform the public of the patient abuse policies and statute. Facilities also have the responsibility to review and report harmful incidents affecting patients.  In addition, facilities must train their personnel on these policies.  All facilities shall contact the registry prior to hiring a nurse aide in order to determine whether the prospective employee has met the federal requirements for competency or has a history of patient abuse.