Standards of Practice

People enjoying life in a Texas Residential Care Home

These standards have been developed to supplement already existing standards of the profession and organization and to provide guidance to the providers caring for the geriatric population and persons with disabilities.

Providers are expected to abide by the standards of their respective professions as well as to these standards developed specifically for their practices in an Assisted Living/Residential Care Home.

While the "primary client" usually is the person whose care needs have resulted in a referral to an Assisted Living/Residential Care Home, all others affected by her/his care needs should be considered part of the "client system".
The Assisted Living/Residential Care Home provider shall respect the resident's and the family's right to privacy by protecting all information, which is given in confidence, and all information of a confidential nature. It shall be made clear to the client the limits of confidentiality as appropriate.
The Assisted Living/Residential Care Home provider shall strive to provide quality care using an individualized care plan developed in conjunction with all persons involved in her/his care.
The Assisted Living/Residential Care Home provider shall act in a manner that insures her/his own integrity as well as the integrity of the client system. Further, the Assisted Living/Residential Care Home provider shall make a report to the appropriate authority in accordance with National and State laws and regulation if provider determines the health, safety, and integrity of the resident is a risk (i.e. abuse, neglect or self-neglect).
All fees for Assisted Living/Residential Care Home services are to be stated in written form and discussed with the person accepting responsibility for payment prior to the initiation of services.
Advertising and marketing of services shall be conducted within all guidelines and laws governing advertising of services in Assisted Living/Residential Care Home settings.
The Assisted Living/Residential Care Home provider who accepts a fiduciary responsibility shall avoid any activities, which might comprise a conflict of interest.
The Assisted Living/Residential Care Home provider shall be familiar with laws relating to employment practices and shall not knowingly participate in practices that are inconsistent with these laws.
The Assisted Living/Residential Care Home provider shall provide full disclosure in writing regarding business, professional or personal relationships she/he has with each recommended business, agency or institution (i.e. DME company, pharmacy, physical therapy, etc.)
The Assisted Living/Residential Care Home provider shall participate in continuing education programs and is encouraged to be a member of her/his respective professional organization in order to enhance professional growth and provide the highest quality of care.
The Assisted Living/Residential Care Home provider shall not exploit professional relationships with clients and families for personal gain.