Home Care Frequently Asked Questions
Assessments

Within five days after the date that home care services are first provided. (When a provider provides home care services to a client before the initial assessment by an RN is completed, the RN must complete a temporary plan with the client and orient staff assigned to deliver services as identified in the temporary plan).

The reassessment of a client must be conducted in the client's home no more than 14 days after the date that home care services are first provided. Ongoing client reassessment must be conducted as needed based on changes in the needs of the client and cannot exceed 90 days from the last date of the assessment. The reassessment may be conducted at the client's residence or through the utilization of telecommunication methods based on practice standards that meet the individual client's needs.

No, the Minnesota Nurse Practice Act does not allow an LPN to conduct comprehensive assessments of “patients”. An LPN can conduct a focused assessment, reporting changes and responses to interventions in an ongoing manner to a registered nurse.

No, based on Minnesota Statutes, section 144A.4791, subdivision 7, when services being provided are basic home care services, an individualized initial review of the client's needs and preferences must be conducted at the client's residence with the client or client's representative. This initial review must be completed within 30 days after the date that home care services are first provided. The next review must be conducted as needed based on changes in the needs of the client and cannot exceed 90 days from the date of the last review. The review may be conducted at the client's residence or through the utilization of telecommunication methods based on practice standards that meet the individual client's needs.

No. There can be no delegated nursing tasks under a basic license, therefore no nursing assessment is required. Instead, though, an individualized initial review of the client's needs and preferences must be conducted at the client's residence with the client or client's representative. This initial review must be completed within 30 days after the date that home care services are first provided.

Yes. Client monitoring and review must be conducted as needed based on changes in the needs of the client and cannot exceed 90 days from the date of the last review. The monitoring and review may be conducted at the client's residence or through the utilization of telecommunication methods based on practice standards that meet the individual client's needs.