22VAC40-61-560: Plan for participant emergencies

A. The center shall have a plan for participant emergencies that includes:

1. Procedures for handling medical emergencies, including identifying the staff person responsible for (i) calling the rescue squad, ambulance service, participant's physician, or Poison Control Center and (ii) providing first aid and CPR when indicated.

2. Procedures for handling mental health emergencies such as, but not limited to, catastrophic reaction or the need for a temporary detention order.

3. Procedures for making pertinent medical information and history available to the rescue squad and hospital, including a copy of the current medical administration record, advance directives, and Do Not Resuscitate Orders.

4. Procedures to be followed in the event that a participant is missing, including (i) involvement of center staff, appropriate law-enforcement agency, and others as needed; (ii) areas to be searched; (iii) expectations upon locating the participant such as medical attention; and (iv) documentation of the event.

5. Procedures to be followed in the event of a vehicle emergency to include notifying the center or emergency personnel, telephone numbers for vehicle repair, and options for alternate transportation. Procedures to be followed in the event that a participant's scheduled transportation does not arrive or the participant is stranded at the center shall also be developed. The center shall ensure that these procedures are in place for transportation provided by both the center and contracted services if appropriate.

6. Procedures for notifying the participant's family, and legal representative.

7. Procedures for notifying the regional licensing office as specified in 22VAC40-61-90.

B. If the center serves participants who wander, a door bell or alarm shall be installed or attached to alert staff to wandering participants.

C. Staff shall be trained on all requirements of subsection A of this section during orientation and during a semi-annual review.

D. The plan for participant emergencies shall be readily available to all staff, family members, and legal representatives.