The Department of Public Welfare published proposed Personal Care Home Regulations in the October 5th edition of the Pennsylvania Bulletin, Volume 32, No. 40. There is a 30-day comment period from the date of publication.
The Department lists the following areas as "significant provisions:"
- Reportable Incidents
- Waivers
- Resident-Home Contract
- Resident Rights
- Staffing
- Administrator Training and Orientation
- Staff Training and Orientation
- Bedrooms
- Safe Management Techniques
- Initial Assessment and Annual Assessment
- Development of the Support Plan
- Secured Unit requirements
- Medications Administration
In the section that discusses affected individuals, groups, and organizations, it states that there are 1,786 licensed personal care homes in Pennsylvania, with a licensed capacity of approximately 80,000 beds. Unlike the mental health and mental retardation systems, the majority of homes are operated for profit.
For a copy of the proposed regulations, access www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol32/32-40/1769.html or contact Lynn Keltz or Rebecca May Cole.