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records are

(1) legibly written in ink or typed, suitable for photocopying;

(2) readily available to authorized personnel during operating hours of the agency;

(3) protected from damage;

(4) if computerized, have a security mechanism in place to ensure confidentiality;

(5) retained for five years after the date of discharge, or, in the case of a minor, three years after the patient turns 21 years of age; agency policy and procedures must provide for record retention even if the home health agency discontinues operation;

(6) disposed of using a method that will prevent retrieval and subsequent use of information; and

(7) transferred with the patient if the patient transfers to another agency or health facility; the transferred record may be a copy or an abstract and a summary report. (Eff. 9/6/96, Register 139; am 5/14/2021, Register 238) Statutory Authority: Authority: AS 18.05.040 AS 47.32.010 AS 47.32.030 7 AAC 12.563. Contracts. (a) A home health agency may contract with another facility or agent to perform services or provide resources to the agency. The services provided under contract that are regulated under 7 AAC 12.500 — 7 AAC 12.590 must meet the requirements of this chapter. (b) A home health agency’s contract with another facility or agent to provide home health care or services must

(1) be in writing;

(2) be signed and dated by the agency and the contractor;

(3) specify the respective functions and responsibilities of the contractor and the agency, including the frequency of services to be provided by the contractor;

(4) include, if applicable, the current license or registration number of the contractor;