Section 1020. Residents' health records

A. Each resident's health record shall include written documentation of (i) the initial physical examination, (ii) an annual physical examination by or under the direction of a licensed physician including any recommendation for follow-up care, and (iii) documentation of the provision of follow-up medical care recommended by the physician.

B. Each physical examination report shall include:

1. Information necessary to determine the health and immunization needs of the resident, including:

a. Immunizations administered at the time of the exam;

b. Vision exam;

c. Hearing exam;

d. General physical condition, including documentation of apparent freedom from communicable disease including tuberculosis;

e. Allergies, chronic conditions, and handicaps, if any;

f. Nutritional requirements, including special diets, if any;

g. Restrictions on physical activities, if any; and

h. Recommendations for further treatment, immunizations, and other examinations indicated.

2. Date of the physical examination; and

3. Signature of a licensed physician, the physician's designee, or an official of a local health department.

C. Each resident's health record shall include written documentation of (i) an annual examination by a licensed dentist and (ii) documentation of follow-up dental care recommended by the dentist based on the needs of the resident.

D. Each resident's health record shall include notations of health and dental complaints and injuries and shall summarize symptoms and treatment given.

E. Each resident's health record shall include, or document the facility's efforts to obtain, treatment summaries of ongoing psychiatric or other mental health treatment and reports, if applicable.

F. Written procedure shall provide that residents' active health records shall be:

1. Kept confidential from unauthorized persons and in a file separate from the case record;

2. Readily accessible in case of emergency; and

3. Made available to authorized staff consistent with applicable state and federal laws.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 29, Issue 25, eff. January 1, 2014.

Statutory Authority

G. Residents' inactive health records shall be retained and disposed of as required by The Library of Virginia.

§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-25.1 of the Code of Virginia.