048-10 Wyo. Code R. §§ 10-4 - Definitions

The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of these rules. Where the context in which words are used in these rules indicates that such is the intent, words in the singular number shall include the plural and vice versa. Throughout these rules gender pronouns are used interchangeable. The drafters have attempted to utilize each gender pronoun in equal numbers, in random distribution. Words in each gender shall include individuals of the other gender.

For purpose of these rules, the following shall apply:

(a) "Acceptable plan of correction" means the Licensing Division approved the plan to correct the deficiencies identified during an on-site survey conducted by the Survey Division or its designated representative. The plan of correction shall be a written document and shall provide:

(i) Who is responsible for the correction;

(ii) What was done or will be done to correct the problem;

(iii) Who will monitor to ensure that the situation does not develop again; and

(iv) An appropriate date, not to exceed sixty (60) days after the last day of survey, for the correction of deficiencies.

(b) "Branch office" means a location or site from which a home health agency provides services within a portion of the total geographic area served by the parent agency. The branch office is a part of the home health agency and is located sufficiently close to share administration, supervision, and services in a manner that renders it unnecessary for the branch to independently meet the licensure as a home health agency. Exception: Branch offices located out of state will be individually licensed in the State of Wyoming.

(c) "Client" means a person served by, or using the services of a home health agency, either with or without charge.

(d) "Complaint Investigations" means those investigations required to be performed by the Long Term Care Ombudsman per W.S. § 9-2-1301 through W.S. § 9-2-1309 or by the State Survey Agency as per the agreement dated June 18, 1985 between the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the State of Wyoming.

(e) "Health Care Services" includes, but is not limited to, nursing, physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, medical social work, home health aide, and dietary services. All staff shall be licensed in accordance with Wyoming State Statutes.

(f) "Home Health Agency" means any group, public agency, private organization, or any individual person who is primarily engaged in arranging for and directly providing two or more health care services to persons at their residence.

(g) "License" means the authority granted by the Licensing Division to operate a Home Health Agency.

(h) "Licensee" means any person, association, partnership, or corporation to whom a Home Health Agency license is issued.

(i) "Licensing" Division means the Department of Health, Office of Health Quality.

(j) "Primarily Engaged" means a relationship between a provider of services and a client whereby a provider offers to arrange for or directly provide health care services at a clients residence and the client accepts the offer. When this relationship is agreed upon, the provider becomes primarily engaged in providing health care services to the client.

(k) "Program Administration" means the rules and regulations promulgated by the Department of Health and developed by the Program Division for the day-to-day operation of the Home Health Agency per W.S. § 9-2-1208.

(l) "Program Division" means the Department of Health, Division on Aging.

(m) "Provider" means a licensed home health agency.

(n) "State Survey Agency" means the Department of Health, Office of Health Quality which has the primary responsibility to determine whether health care providers/suppliers do or do not meet federal certification standards to participate in the Medicaid and/or Medicare programs as per the agreement between the Secretary of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the State of Wyoming dated June 18, 1985.

(o) "Survey" means an on-site evaluation conducted by the Survey Division or its designated representative to determine compliance with State rules and regulations for Home Health Agencies.

(p) "Survey Division" means the Department of Health, Office of Health Quality.

Notes

048-10 Wyo. Code R. §§ 10-4