Section 325.20714. Patient councils.

(1) The home shall permit the formation of a patient  council  by interested patients and, at the time of admission to the home, shall inform patients and their representatives of either the right to establish a patient council if one does not exist or to participate in the activities of an operating patient council in the home.

(2)   The patient council shall be entitled to meet privately or to invite members of the home's staff, members of patients' families, patients' friends,  and  members  of community organizations to participate in meetings of the patient council.

(3)    The home shall designate a staff person to serve as liaison to the patient council, to attend council meetings as requested, and to make available support services and assistance to the council, such as the typing of minutes and correspondence; provision of policies, procedures, and other documents related to the operation of the home; and such other assistance as may be reasonably requested. The home shall provide space for meetings and necessary assistance to patients requiring assistance to

attend meetings.

History: 1981 AACS; 1983 AACS.