Section 1250. 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 or as indicated by the needs of the resident.

B. The resident's active health records (i) shall be kept confidential and inaccessible from unauthorized persons, (ii) shall be readily accessible in case of emergency, and (iii) shall be made available to authorized staff consistent with applicable state and federal statutes and regulations.

C. 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.

D. 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 or as indicated by the needs of the resident. This requirement does not apply to shelter care facilities and respite care facilities.

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

F. 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.

Historical Notes

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

Statutory Authority

§§ 16.1-309.9, 66-10, and 66-24 of the Code of Virginia.