Section 481.53.1. Definitions.

The use of the word “shall” indicates mandatory standards. The definitions set out in Iowa Code section 135J.1 shall be considered to be incorporated verbatim in the rules. As used in this chapter:

“Bereavement service” is support offered during the bereavement period to the family and friends of someone who has died.

“Care setting” means the place in which care is being given, for example, patient’s home, a hospital, a care facility or another place of residence.

“Family” means the immediate kin of the patient, including a spouse, parent, stepparent, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, child, or stepchild. Additional relatives or individuals with significant personal ties to the hospice patient may be included in the hospice patient’s family.

“Home care provider” means a care agency that contracts with the hospice to provide services in the home of the hospice patient. The providers may include, but are not limited to, home health aides, homemakers, nurses, occupational therapists or physical therapists.

“Primary caregiver” means the person with major responsibility for providing care to a hospice patient.

“Protocols” are defined as written sets of directions to be followed in performing procedures. These may be routine or may describe specific actions staff must follow when particular events occur.

“Psychosocial needs” involve a person’s mental and emotional life related to behavior to other people.

“Social services” are services provided by someone who has a bachelor’s or higher degree in social work.

“Spiritual counselor” may be clergy, a hospice employee, a volunteer or someone chosen by the patient.

“Utilization review” means a program to assess the kind of care delivered and to identify needs which may not have been met.