20 CAR § 413-312 – Standard — Staff treatment of clients

(a) The facility must develop and implement written policies and procedures that prohibit mistreatment, neglect, or abuse of the client.
(b) Staff of the facility must not use physical, verbal, sexual, or psychological abuse or punishment.
(c) Staff must not punish a client by withholding food or hydration that contributes to a nutritionally adequate diet.
(d) The facility must prohibit the employment of individuals with a conviction or prior employment history of child or client:
1. (1) Abuse;
2. (2) Neglect; or
3. (3) Mistreatment.
(e) The facility must ensure that all allegations of mistreatment, neglect, or abuse, as well as injuries of unknown source, are reported immediately to the county sheriff’s office and to the office of the Attorney General.
(f) The facility must have evidence that all alleged violations are thoroughly investigated and must prevent further potential abuse while the investigation is in progress.
(g) The results of all investigations must be reported to the administrator or designated representative or to other officials in accordance with state law within five (5) working days of the incident and, if the alleged violation is verified, appropriate corrective action must be taken.