Minnesota Administrative Rules

4655.1910 POLICIES CONCERNING PATIENTS.

Subpart 1.

Visiting hours.

Visiting hours shall be established as a written policy of the home and shall be posted in plain view of visitors. Unrestricted visiting hours are recommended.

Subp. 2.

Visits by a pastor.

A patient's or resident's pastor shall be permitted to visit at any time. Privacy for consultation, communion, or for interviews shall be the privilege of every patient or resident.

Subp. 3.

Visits to critically ill patients.

Relatives or guardians shall be allowed to visit critically ill patients in nursing homes at any time.

Subp. 4.

Telephones.

There shall be at least one non-coin-operated telephone which is accessible at all times in case of emergency. Patients and residents shall have access to a public telephone at a convenient location within the building.

Subp. 5.

Mail.

Patients and residents shall receive their mail unopened unless a legal guardian has requested in writing that the mail be reviewed. The outgoing mail shall not be censored.

Subp. 6.

Funds and possessions.

No home shall handle the personal major business affairs of a patient or resident without written legal authorization by the legal guardian.

Subp. 7.

Smoking.

Patients or residents shall not be permitted to smoke in bed except in the case of a bedfast patient while under the direct supervision of a staff member.

Subp. 8.

Pet animals.

Pet animals may be kept on the premises of a nursing home or boarding care home only in accordance with the provisions of part 4638.0200.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 144.56; 144A.02 to 144A.08

History:

17 SR 1279

Published Electronically:

January 19, 2005