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Family CouncilsWay cooler than student councils!
Nicole Howell
Executive Director
Regulatory Framework
• Skilled Nursing - SB 1551 (Dunn)
• Residential Care Facility for the Elderly - California Health & Safety Code• Section 1569.158• Federal OBRA regulations,
found at 42 CFR §483.15(c)
Here to help, not hurt
Family Councils• Speak with unified voice to improve the quality of care
for residents in LTC• Help prevent problems• Seek to address issues impacting all residents• Offer a forum to communicate with facility staff
The Have-To’s
• A meeting of family members, friends or representatives of two or more residents to confer in private without facility staff.
• No facility may prohibit the formation of a family council when requested by a member of the resident's family or the resident's representative.
• The family council shall be allowed to meet in a common meeting room of the facility at least once a month during mutually agreed upon hours
• Facilities shall in no way limit the rights of residents, family members and family council members to meet independently with outside persons or with facility personnel.
• Staff or visitors may attend family council meetings at the group's invitation
Facilities Get to Provide• Designated staff person who shall be responsible for
providing assistance and responding to written requeststhat result from family council meetings
• Respond in writing to written requests or concerns of thefamily council within 10 days
• Provide adequate space on a prominent bulletin board orother posting area for the display of notices, minutes,newsletters, or other information pertaining to theoperation or interest of the family council.
• Include notice of the meetings in quarterly mailings andshall inform family members, friends and representatives ofnew residents of the time, place and date of the meetings.
• Consider the views and act upon the grievances andrecommendations of a family council concerning proposedpolicy and operational decisions affecting resident careand life in the facility.
Tips for Success
• Collaboration is key• Put it in writing• Do your homework• Pick your battles• Stay on track, but don’t
be too formal• Involve residents• Keep the main thing,
the main thing
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