Rule 111-8-50-.01. Definitions

Unless a different meaning is required by the context, the following terms as used in these rules and regulations shall have the meaning hereafter respectively ascribed to them:

1. (a) "Administrator" means an individual who is licensed by the Georgia State Board of Nursing Home Administrators and who has the necessary authority and responsibility for management of the facility;
2. (b) "Department" means the Department of Community Health of the State of Georgia;
3. (c) "Long-term Care Facility" or "Facility" means any intermediate care home, skilled nursing home or intermingled home now or hereafter subject to regulation and licensure by the Department;
4. (d) "Resident" means any person residing in and receiving treatment in a long-term care facility;
5. (e) "Guardian" means a resident's legal guardian or conservator, or the parent of a minor resident who does not have a duly appointed guardian;
6. (f) "Representative" means a person authorized by a resident or his guardian to act for the resident as an official delegate or agent;
7. (g) "Long-term Care Ombudsman" or "Ombudsman" means a person certified as a community ombudsman or the state ombudsman pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 31-8-52et seq.;
8. (h) "Complainant" means resident, applicant for residency, guardian or representative, who presents a grievance or complaint;
9. (i) "Physician" shall mean a person duly licensed to practice in this State by the Composite State Board of Medical Examiners, under the provisions of O.C.G.A. § 43-34-1et seq.;
10. (j) "Person in Charge" means either the administrator of a facility or the person authorized by the administrator to be in charge when the administrator is not present;
11. (k) "Medical Necessity Review" means a review of the social and medical needs of a resident, whose stay is being paid by Medicaid or Medicare or other third party payor, to determine the appropriate level of care of such resident;
12. (l) "Referee" means a volunteer jointly chosen by the complainant and the administrator;
13. (m) "Grievance" means a complaint presented pursuant to Rule .14 of these regulations.

Authority: O.C.G.A. §§ 31-2-4et seq., 31-8-102, 31-8-124 and 31-8-127.

History. Original Rule entitled "Definitions" adopted. F. Feb. 20, 2013; eff. Mar. 12, 2013.