37.100.162    ADULT FOSTER CARE HOMES (AFCH): RESIDENT AGREEMENT

(1) The provider must enter into a written agreement with the prospective resident or the resident's legal representative prior to admission to the home. The provider must give the prospective resident or the resident's legal representative a copy of the agreement and must explain the agreement in full. The agreement must include at least the following items:

(a) a statement explaining light custodial care provided to the resident, as well as the limitations of an AFCH;

(b) a statement describing specific services the AFCH will provide;

(c) a statement describing transportation of the resident to and from medical appointments and activities;

(d) a statement explaining the resident's responsibilities including, but not limited to house rules, the grievance policy, and policy regarding pets;

(e) a statement explaining specific charges that will be made to the resident for care and an itemized statement of what expenses in addition to the cost for care will be charged to the resident including fines, penalties, or late fees that will be assessed against the resident;

(f) a statement that the agreed-upon provider rate will not be changed unless 30 days advance written notice is given to the resident or resident's legal representative, or both;

(g) criteria for requiring transfer or discharge of the resident;

(h) the provider's policy for refunding payment in the event of the resident's absence, discharge, or transfer from the AFCH and the provider's policy for refunding security deposits; and

(i) signature of AFCH provider, resident, and legal representative.

(2) A copy of the agreement must be filed in the resident's file.

(3) When there are changes in services, financial arrangements, or requirements governing the resident's conduct and care, a new resident agreement must be executed or the original agreement must be updated by addendum. New agreements and any addenda must be signed and dated by the provider, the resident, and the resident's legal representative.

(4) If there is a question as to whether the aged or disabled adult can be adequately cared for in an AFCH, the provider must contact the resident's practitioner for an evaluation and written recommendation stating that placement in the AFCH is the most appropriate level of care for the resident and that the resident meets the criteria set in ARM 37.100.136.

History: 50-5-103, 50-5-215, MCA; IMP, 50-5-103, 50-5-215, MCA; NEW, 1985 MAR p. 289, Eff. 3/29/85; TRANS, from Dept. of SRS, 1987 MAR p. 1492, Eff. 7/1/87; AMD, 1989 MAR p. 2207, Eff. 12/22/89; TRANS, from DFS, 1998 MAR p. 667; AMD, 2014 MAR p. 1098, Eff. 5/23/14.