Adult Protective ServicesBasic Skills Training

Presented by:

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

Division of Aging and Adult Services

Module IIDay Three

Determining whether a report is APS or a licensure issue.

DHSR procedure when their staff receive a report.

Other sources of referrals specific to facilities.

Reporting responsibilities after a screening decision is made.

Reports for Individuals in Facilities

Important points re: Screening APS reports for individuals in facilities:

Notifying Supervisory Agencies

Reasons to notify Supervisory Agencies:

Handling complaints about licensure issues.

Reporting indicator of Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation in facilities when APS report is screened out (call followed by letter within 5 days).

Who to Notify in Supervisory Agency

Type of Facility Who to Notify

Nursing Home/Combination Facility

Complaints Investigation Branch, DHSR

Mental Health Residential Section, DHSR

Mental Health Licensure & Facility Certification

Adult Care Home Adult Homes Specialist, County DSS

No advance notice of initial visit

Inform administrator on arrival

Go directly to resident’s room

If resistance from facility, explain legal authority

Discuss with Adult Homes Specialist prior to visit, if person lives in an Adult Care Home

Evaluations in Facilities

Important points for initiating evaluation in facilities:

Steps in Evaluation

A complete evaluation includes:

Medical, psychological and/or psychiatric evaluations, when needed

(review facility records)

Consultation with others

(other residents, staff, visitors)

A visit to the disabled adult

Notices after Case Decision Made re:Facility Residents

Person How to Notice

Administrator of facility Notice to the Administrator limited to:

A. Acknowledging report on specified individual

B. Specific Allegations

C. Whether evidence of abuse/neglect/ exploitation was found

D. Whether need for APS was substantiated

E. How conclusion was reached

Complainant (Same as previously covered)

DSS in client’s county of Use Written Reportresidence (When APS reportis substantiated)

Who to Notify in Supervisory Agency

Appropriate supervisory agency ® DHSR or Adult Homes Specialist

When evidence of exploitation found in Medicaid-funded facility

® Provider Administration Reviews Unit, DMA

When violation of other statutes, rules and regulations

® Federal, State and Law Enforcement Agencies

When evidence indicates a person has abused, neglected or exploited a disabled adult

® District Attorney

Adult Protective ServicesBasic Skills Training

Presented by:

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

Division of Aging and Adult Services

Module II

Family Assessment and Change Process

Receive and Screen Referral

Evaluate the Need for Protective Services

Obtain Service Authorization

Plan and Mobilize Essential Services

Close Protective Services Case

Close Protective Services Case

Reassess need for P.S.

P.S. Still needed P.S. no longer needed

Case Remains open Determine need for other

services

Reassess Other services Other servicesneeded/consented to not needed

Make appropriate referrals Close P.S. case

Close P.S. case

Thorough

Accurate

Clear

Timely

Factual

Documentation

Characteristics of Good Documentation:

Intake documentation of the APS report. Documentation of a thorough evaluation (6

areas). Documentation of the case decision. Documentation that the complainant has been

notified. Documentation of service eligibility.

APS Records

All APS records should contain:

• Written Report to the District Attorney.

• Documentation of authorization for services or refusal of services.

• Written Reports to DHSR, DMA, county of residence, and notice to facility administrator.

• Any court documents.

• Expert evaluations by other professionals.

• Notice to administrator or mental health facility.

• Notice to adult’s guardian when evaluation conducted in state mental health facility.

Additional Information in Record

When appropriate, the Record also should contain: