III. ROLE AND FUNCTIONS OF LIFE CARE PLANNING

 A. Scope of practice/applications

As a member of a health care profession, the Life Care Planner must remain within the scope of practice for that profession as determined by state or national bodies. The functions associated with performing Life Care Planning are within the scope of practice for health care professionals, or evidenced by assessment.

Research analysis of data and evaluation of care recommendations are key elements in the functions of life care planning. In performing these elements, the Life Care Planner will communicate with a variety of health care professionals regarding a case. The Life Care Planner does not assume decision-making responsibility beyond the scope of his/her own professional discipline.

B. Specialization features

The Life Care Planner must have skill and knowledge in understanding the health care needs addressed in a Life Care Plan. Consultation with others and obtaining education are expected when the Life Care Planner must address health care needs that are new or unfamiliar. The Life Care Planner must be able to locate appropriate resources when necessary. The Life Care Planner provides a consistent, objective, thorough methodology for constructing the Life Care Plan, while relying on appropriate medical and other health related information, resources, and personal expertise for developing the content of the Life Care Plan. The Life Care Planner relies on state-of-the-art knowledge and resources to develop a Life Care Plan.

Specialized skills are required to successfully develop a Life Care Plan. These include, but are not limited to, the ability to research, critically analyze data, manage and interpret large volumes of information, attend to details, demonstrate clear and thorough written and verbal communication skills, develop positive relationships, create and use networks for gathering information, work autonomously, and demonstrate a professional demeanor and appearance.

C. Functions

1. Assessments – Assessment is the process of data collection and analysis involving multiple elements and sources.

a. Collects data that is systematic, comprehensive, and accurate.

b. Collects data about medical, health, biopsychosocial, financial, educational, and vocational status and needs.

c. Obtains information from medical records, client/family/significant others (when available or appropriate), and relevant treating or consulting health care professionals. If access to any source of information is not possible (e.g., denied permission to interview the client), this should be so noted in the report.

2. Plan Development Research

The determination of content and the cost research components of Life Care Planning require a consistent, valid and reliable approach to research, data collection, analysis, and planning. The Life Care Planner:

a. Determines current standards of care and clinical practice guidelines from reliable sources, such as current literature or other published sources, collaboration with other professionals, education programs, and personal clinical practice.

b. Researches options and costs for care, using sources that are reasonably available to the client.

c. Considers appropriate criteria for care options such as admission criteria, treatment indications or contraindications, program goals and outcomes, whether recommended care is consistent with standards of care, duration of care, replacement frequency, ability of the client to appropriately use services/products, and care is reasonably available.

d. A consistent method is used to determine available choices and costs.

e. When available and/or helpful in providing clarity, classification systems (e.g. ICD-9, CPT) are used to correlate care recommendations and costs.

f. Knowledge is maintained of care standards, services and products through continuing education, literature, exhibits, etc.

3. Data Analysis

a. Analyzes data to determine client needs and consistency of care recommendations with standards of care.

b. Assesses need for further evaluations or expert opinions.

4. Planning

a. Follows a consistent method for organizing data, creating a narrative Life Care Plan report and cost projections.

b. Develops and uses written documentation tools for reports and cost projections.

c. Develops recommendations for content of the Life Care Plan cost projections for each client and a method for validating inclusion or exclusion of content.

5. Collaboration

a. Develops positive relationships with all parties.

b. Seeks expert opinions, as needed.

c. Shares relevant information to aid in formulating recommendations and opinions.

6. Facilitation

a. Maintains objectivity and assists others in resolving disagreements about appropriate content for the Life Care Plan.

b. Provides information about the Life Care Planning process to involved parties to elicit cooperative participation.

7. Evaluation

a. Reviews and revises the Life Care Plan for internal consistency and completeness.

b. Reviews the Life Care Plan for consistency with standards of care and seeks resolution of inconsistencies.

c. Provides follow-up consultation to ensure that the Life Care Plan is understood and properly interpreted.

8. Testimony

If the Life Care Planner engages in practice that includes participation in legal matters, the Life Care Planner:

a. Acts as a consultant to legal proceedings related to determining care needs and costs.

b. May provide expert sworn testimony regarding development and content of the Life Care Plan.

c. Maintains records of research and supporting documentation for content of the Life Care Plan.