Preface

September 2016

In 1995 a task force comprised of knowledgeable and committed professionals was formed to develop a comprehensive set of guidelines that would provide a “best practices” resource for healthcare professionals serving individuals residing in the SCDDSN Regional Centers. In May of 1996 the first edition of the SCDDSN Healthcare Guidelines was published. These guidelines were thoroughly reviewed and revised in the interim period with a 2nd, 3rd, and 4th editions being published in 1998, 2001, and 2006 respectively. Testimony from consumers, family and staff has resoundingly acknowledged the positive impact these guidelines have had on the health of our consumers. These guidelines have once again been reviewed and revised to keep pace with the rapid advances being made in the healthcare arena. A 5th edition of the SCDDSN Healthcare Guidelines has now been published.

On behalf of all whose lives have been positively affected by these Healthcare Guidelines, we want to offer our sincerest appreciation to those skilled professionals whose focused efforts have produced the Healthcare Guidelines and those dedicated individuals who have utilized the knowledge contained in these Healthcare Guidelines to improve the quality of healthcare provided to our consumers.

The revisions for the 5th edition were led by Deborah Natvig, RN, PhD and Robin Welsh, MD, DDSN Medical Consultant and USC School of Medicine Child Psychiatrist. Assisting Dr. Natvig and Dr. Welsh in the review, revisions, and development of new guidelines were:

• Anita Linder, RN, MSN, APRN – DDSN Nursing Consultant
• Amy McLean, RN – Nurse Administrator - Pee Dee and Saleeby Centers
• Lynn Smith, RN – Nursing QA and Education - Whitten Center
• Debbie Smoak, RD, LD, Nutritionist III – Whitten Center
• Mika Moore-Walpole, OTR/L - SCDDSN Coordinator of Dysphagia Services

It is our hope that the 5th edition of the SCDDSN Healthcare Guidelines will build upon the improvements in our healthcare delivery system which were facilitated by the previous editions.

Susan Kreh Beck, Ed.S., NSCP            David A. Goodell
Associate State Director, Policy         Associate State Director, Operations

Health Care Guidelines(PDF)

South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs

(5th Edition)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction (PDF) and Summary of Changes in 5th Edition (PDF)
2. Acute Illness (PDF)
3. Cancer Screening (PDF)
4. Cardiovascular Screening (Coronary Heart Disease, Stroke, and Hypertension) (PDF)
5. Dental Services (PDF)
6. Diabetes Screening (PDF)
7. Dysphagia and Associated Disorders (PDF)
8. Health Care Coordination (PDF)
9. Medical Documentation (PDF)
10. Nursing Documentation (PDF)
11. Nutrition and Hydration Management - New Guideline (PDF)
12. Preventive Health Care Recommendations for Adults (PDF)
13. Referral and Transfer to and From Acute Care Facilities (PDF) Seizure Management (PDF) Skin Integrity (PDF)
14. Seizure Management (PDF)
15. Skin Integrity (PDF)