HOME HEALTH AIDE JOB DESCRIPTION

DEFINITION:

The individual in this position provides personal care services to patients in the home setting. All services are provided under the supervision of a registered nurse.

LINE OF AUTHORITY:

Reports directly to and works under the direction of a Registered Nurse (R.N.)

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Successful completion of at least 75 hours of classroom and practical training with 16 hours supervised practical training. (Federal)
• Must receive training in topics described in 484.36, see policy on Home Health Aide training. (Federal)
• Adequate health status to perform described duties.
• Ability to safely handle body fluids and hazardous waste products.
• Must have ability to effectively communicate with patients and staff.
• Must meet personnel qualifications.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Provides direct and indirect personal care to the patient in the home setting under direction of a Registered Nurse (R.N.)
• Utilizes safety measures in provision of care.
• Maintains effective communication with supervisor regarding patient’s condition.
• Follows written assignment to deliver patient services developed by an appropriate health care professional. (RN, PT, ST)
• Documents and submits accurate accounts of services provided.
• Observes the patient for changes in condition and behavior and reports to supervisor.
• Removes patient’s medication container from the storage area; prepares necessary items, i.e. juice, water, cups, spoons, etc.; to assist the patient.
• Reading and recording temperature, pulse and respiration.
• Participates in case conferences.
• Maintains confidentiality of all patient and agency matters.
• Adheres to all agency policies.
• Recognize emergencies and have knowledge of emergency procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge regarding basic infection control procedures.
• Adheres to the role of the Home Health Aide in the home setting as defined in Florida statute for home health agencies. (Reference FAC, Chapter 59A-8.0095, Section 5)

 The Home Health Aide (H.H.A.) or Certified Nurse Assistant (C.N.A.) shall not change sterile dressings, irrigate body cavities such as giving an enema, irrigate a colostomy or wound, perform a gastric irrigation or enteral feeding, catherize a patient, administer medication, apply heat by any method, care for a tracheotomy tube, nor provide any personal health service which has not been included in the plan of care.

 Regulatory Reference: Federal Conditions of Participation Tag G202
Regulatory Reference: Federal Conditions of Participation Tag G203
Regulatory Reference: Federal Conditions of Participation Tag G204
Regulatory Reference: Federal Conditions of Participation Tag G206
Regulatory Reference: Federal AHCA Tag H242
Regulatory Reference: Federal AHCA Tag H245
Regulatory Reference: Federal AHCA Tag H248
Regulatory Reference: Federal AHCA Tag H254
Regulatory Reference: Federal AHCA Tag H255