481—53.12(135J) Social services. Medical social services must be provided by a qualified social worker, under the direction of a physician. Social work services must be based on the patient’s psychosocial assessment and the patient’s and family’s needs and acceptance of these services.
	53.12(1) Education and experience. A qualified social worker is a person who:
	a. 	Has a master of social work (MSW) degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; or
	b. 	Has a baccalaureate degree in social work from an institution accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; or
	c. 	Has a baccalaureate degree in psychology, sociology, or other field related to social work and is supervised by an MSW as described in paragraph 53.12(1)“a”; and
	d. 	Has one year of social work experience in a health care setting; or
	e. 	Has a baccalaureate degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, was employed by the hospice before December 2, 2008, and is not required to be supervised by an MSW.
	53.12(2) The social worker shall at least:
	a. 	Consider the emotions and social support system of the patient;
	b. 	Identify patient social service needs;
	c. 	Participate on the IDT to develop and amend the plan of care;
	d. 	Provide services in accordance with the plans of care developed by the IDT;
	e. 	Document services provided and observations made regarding patient and family response and status; and
	f. 	Cooperate and communicate with other providers and the family to enhance the continuity of care.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 135J.3(2).
[ARC 6975C, IAB 4/5/23, effective 5/10/23]