Our Policy

Senior Care Referral Services

Title:

Senior Care Referral Services for Residential Living Facilities

Purpose:

This policy outlines the procedures and guidelines for referring seniors to residential living facilities through Senior Care Referral Services. The policy ensures that all referred facilities are approved by the California State Department of Social Services (CDSS), prioritizing the safety, well-being, and dignity of seniors.

Scope:This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and partners of Senior Care Referral Services involved in the referral process. It ensures that all facilities recommended to seniors and their families meet the regulatory standards set by the DSS.

Policy Statement:

  1. Referral Criteria:
    • Senior Care Referral Services shall only refer seniors to residential living facilities that are licensed and approved by the California State Department of Social Services.
    • All referred facilities must comply with the health and safety regulations as mandated by the DSS.
    • Facilities must provide a range of care levels, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing, based on the senior’s needs.
  2. Verification of Facility Approval:
    • Before making any referrals, employees must verify the facility’s approval status with the DSS.
    • Verification should include checking the facility’s current licensing status, compliance with state regulations, and any records of violations or complaints.
    • The verification process should be documented and kept on file for each facility referred.
    • The verification process will also include the vetting process by an employee, contractor, and/or partner of Senior Care Referral Services
  3. Referral Process:
    • The referral process shall include a comprehensive assessment of the senior’s needs, preferences, and financial situation.
    • The senior and their family shall be provided with a portfolio of at least 3 DSS-approved facilities that match their needs.
    • Senior Care Referral Services will assist in coordinating tours, providing detailed information about each facility, and answering any questions the senior or their family may have.
  4. Ongoing Monitoring:
    • Senior Care Referral Services will periodically review the status of facilities in their referral network to ensure continued compliance with DSS standards.
    • Any facility that loses its DSS approval or fails to meet the required standards shall be immediately removed from the referral list.
  5. Confidentiality:
    • Senior Care Referral Services shall maintain the confidentiality of all personal information provided by seniors and their families.
    • Information shared with facilities must comply with privacy laws, including HIPAA, and only be shared with the explicit consent of the senior or their legal representative.
  6. Ethical Standards:
    • Employees must adhere to the highest ethical standards, avoiding conflicts of interest, and ensuring that all referrals are made in the best interest of the senior.
    • Any financial or non-financial incentives from facilities to influence referral decisions are strictly prohibited.
  7. Training:
    • All employees involved in the referral process must receive training on this policy, the standards set by the DSS, and the ethical guidelines governing senior care referrals.
    • Ongoing education and updates will be provided as regulations and industry standards evolve.
  8. Senior Care Referral Services No-Cost Referral Policy
    1. At Senior Care Referral Services, we are committed to providing our services to seniors and their families at no cost. We believe in offering guidance and support without adding financial burdens to those seeking care.
  9. Free Referral Services: Seniors and their families will not be charged for any referral services provided by Senior Care Referral Services. Our goal is to ensure that you receive the best possible care options without any financial obligations.
  10. Facility-Paid Fees: All referral fees are paid by the accepting facility or care provider. Our service is funded through these agreements, allowing us to maintain our commitment to free services for seniors and their families.
  11. Transparency: We are dedicated to transparency in our operations. Seniors and their families will be informed that our service is free of charge and that our compensation is solely from the facilities or care providers.
  12. No Influence on Recommendations: Our referrals are based on the needs and preferences of seniors and their families, not on the fees received from facilities. We maintain a high standard of integrity, ensuring that our recommendations are in the best interest of those we serve.

Responsibilities:

  • Referral Staff: Responsible for ensuring that all referred facilities meet DSS standards and for maintaining up-to-date knowledge of approved facilities.
  • Compliance Officer: Oversees the implementation and enforcement of this policy, including regular audits and training sessions.
  • Management: Ensures that the referral process aligns with company values, ethical standards, and state regulations.

All individuals covered under this policy must undergo and successfully pass a Live Scan fingerprinting and background check prior to starting any role that involves physical contact with clients.

Procedures for Senior Care Referral Services Employees, Contractors and/or Partners:

  1. Pre-Employment Screening:
    • All candidates for employment, contractual work, or partnerships must complete a Live Scan fingerprinting and background check as a condition of their offer.
    • The background check will include, but is not limited to, criminal history, employment verification, education verification, and reference checks.
  2. Live Scan Fingerprinting:
    • Candidates will be required to submit fingerprints through the Live Scan process.
    • Fingerprints will be submitted to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for criminal history checks.
  3. Background Check Components:
    • Criminal history check (local, state, and federal levels).
    • National sex offender registry check.
    • Verification of social security number and identity.
    • Verification of employment history and education.
    • Reference checks from previous employers or professional contacts.
  4. Disqualification Criteria:
    • Any individual with a history of crimes involving violence, abuse, or exploitation will be automatically disqualified from roles involving client contact.
    • Other criminal offenses will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the nature of the offense, time elapsed since the offense, and relevance to the position.
    • False or misleading information provided during the application process will result in disqualification.
  5. Ongoing Monitoring:
    • Employees, contractors, and partners must immediately notify [Organization Name] of any criminal charges or convictions that occur during their employment or contract period.
    • Periodic re-screening may be conducted at the discretion of [Organization Name].
  6. Confidentiality:
    • All information obtained through Live Scan and background checks will be kept confidential and used solely for the purpose of evaluating the suitability of individuals for roles involving client contact.
    • Information will be securely stored and only accessible to authorized personnel.
  7. Compliance:
    • Compliance with this policy is mandatory. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, contract, or partnership.

Effective Date

This policy is effective as of August 08, 2024, applies to all employees, contractors, and partners from that date forward.

Review and Amendments

This policy will be reviewed annually and may be amended as necessary to comply with legal requirements or to enhance the safety and security of clients.

This policy shall be reviewed annually or as needed to ensure compliance with changes in state regulations or industry standards. Revisions must be approved by senior management.

Approval:

Approved by:
Wendy Hagen
Owner/Manager
August 08, 2024

This policy ensures that Senior Care Referral Services provides safe, reliable, and state-compliant referrals, prioritizing the well-being of seniors in California.