Home Health & Hospice Week

Observation is required for these subject areas.

Under §484.80 Condition of participation: Home health aide services, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services specifies in (c) Standard: Competency evaluation that "an individual may furnish home health services on behalf of an HHA only after that individual has successfully completed a competency evaluation program as described in this section.

(1) The competency evaluation must address each of the subjects listed in paragraph (b)(3) of this section. Subject areas specified under paragraphs (b)(3)(i), (iii), (ix), (x), and (xi) of this section must be evaluated by observing an aide's performance of the task with a patient. The remaining subject areas may be evaluated through written examination, oral examination, or after observation of a home health aide with a patient."

The required subject areas in §484.80(b)(3) are:

(i) Communication skills, including the ability to read, write, and verbally report clinical information to patients, representatives, and caregivers, as well as to other HHA staff.
(iii) Reading and recording temperature, pulse, and respiration.
(ix) Appropriate and safe techniques in performing personal hygiene and grooming tasks that include -

        (A) Bed bath;
        (B) Sponge, tub, and shower bath;
        (C) Hair shampooing in sink, tub, and bed;
        (D) Nail and skin care;
        (E) Oral hygiene;
        (F) Toileting and elimination.

(x) Safe transfer techniques and ambulation.
(xi) Normal range of motion and positioning.
§484.80(c)(1) also includes other requirements.

Note: See the full §484.80(c)(1) section at www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2017-01-13/pdf/2017-00283.pdf.