Section 481.58.26. Resident activities program.

         58.26(1) Organized activities. Each nursing facility shall provide an organized resident activity program for the group and for the individual resident which shall include suitable activities for evenings and weekends. (III)

            a.               The activity program shall be designed to meet the needs and interests of each resident and to assist residents in continuing normal activities within limitations set by the resident’s physician. This shall include helping residents continue in their individual interests or hobbies. (III)

            b.               The program shall include individual goals for each resident. (III)

            c.               The program shall include both group and individual activities. (III)

            d.               No resident shall be forced to participate in the activity program. (III)

            e.               The activity program shall include suitable activities for those residents unable to leave their rooms. (III)

            f.                The program shall be incorporated into the overall health plan and shall be designed to meet the goals as written in the plan.

         58.26(2) Coordination of activities program.

            a.               Each nursing facility shall employ a person to direct the activities program. (III)

         1    b.             2Staffing for the activity program shall be provided on the minimum basis of 35 minutes per licensed bed per week. (II, III)

            c.               The activity coordinator shall have completed the activity coordinators’ orientation course offered through the department within six months of employment or have comparable training and experience as approved by the department. (III)

            d.               The activity coordinator shall attend workshops or educational programs which relate to activity programming. These shall total a minimum of ten contact hours per year. These programs shall be approved by the department. (III)

            e.               There shall be a written plan for personnel coverage when the activity coordinator is absent during scheduled working hours. (III)

         58.26(3) Duties of activity coordinator. The activity coordinator shall:

            a.               Have access to all residents’ records excluding financial records; (III)

            b.               Coordinate all activities, including volunteer or auxiliary activities and religious services; (III)

            c.               Keep all necessary records including:

             (1)             Attendance; (III)

             (2)             Individual resident progress notes recorded at regular intervals (at least quarterly). A copy of these notes shall be placed in the resident’s clinical record; (III)

             (3)             Monthly calendars, prepared in advance. (III)

            d.               Coordinate the activity program with all other services in the facility; (III)

            e.               Participate in the in-service training program in the facility. This shall include attending as well as presenting sessions. (III)

         58.26(4) Supplies, equipment, and storage.

            a.               Each facility shall provide a variety of supplies and equipment of a nature calculated to fit the needs and interests of the residents. (III) These may include: books (standard and large print), magazines, newspapers, radio, television, and bulletin boards. Also appropriate would be box games, game equipment, songbooks, cards, craft supplies, record player, movie projector, piano, outdoor equipment, etc.

            b.               Storage shall be provided for recreational equipment and supplies. (III)

            c.               Locked storage should be available for potentially dangerous items such as scissors, knives, and toxic materials. (III)

1       Emergency, pursuant to Iowa Code section 17A.5(2)“b”(2).

2       Objection filed 2/14/79; see Objection at end of chapter.