SCOPE, PURPOSE, AND IMPLEMENTATION

(a) The purpose of this chapter is to ensure that home and community support services agencies in this state deliver the highest possible quality of care. This chapter and the rules adopted under this chapter establish minimum standards for acceptable quality of care, and a violation of a minimum standard established or adopted under this chapter is a violation of law. For purposes of this chapter, components of quality of care include: (1) client independence and self-determination; (2) humane treatment; (3) continuity of care; (4) coordination of services; (5) professionalism of service providers; (6) quality of life; (7) client satisfaction with services; and (8) person-centered service delivery. (b) The executive commissioner shall protect clients of home and community support services agencies by adopting rules relating to quality of care and quality of life. (c) The department shall protect clients of home and community support services agencies by: (1) regulating those agencies; (2) strictly monitoring factors relating to the health, safety, welfare, and dignity of each client; (3) imposing prompt and effective remedies for violations of this chapter and rules and standards adopted under this chapter; (4) enabling agencies to provide person-centered services that allow clients to maintain the highest possible degree of independence and self-determination; and (5) providing the public with helpful and understandable information relating to agencies in this state.