In October 2016, a task force of medical respite care experts produced the first set of standards for medical respite programs. The task force was charged by the Respite Care Providers’ Network Steering Committee with developing standards that (1) align with other health industry standards related to patient care, (2) reflect the needs of the patients being served in the medical respite care setting, (3) promote quality care and improved health, and (4) are achievable for a range of medical respite care programs with varying degrees of resources. To remain responsive to changes in medical respite care, health care practices, and policy, the RCPN formed a workgroup in 2021 to review and revise the standards. Regular and consistent review ensures the Standards reflect the growth, changes, and newly established evidence to guide best practices in medical respite care. Information and feedback of 30 programs across the United States were used to guide the revision process.
Link: https://nhchc.org/clinical-practice/medical-respite-care/
Author: National Health Care for the Homeless Council