The licensee must:

(1) Maintain a current record for each client consistent with chapter 70.02 RCW;

(2) Ensure that client records are:

(a) Accessible in the licensee's office location for review by appropriate direct care personnel, volunteers, contractors, and the department;

(b) Written legibly in permanent ink or retrievable by electronic means;

(c) On the licensee's standardized forms or electronic templates;

(d) In a legally acceptable manner;

(e) Kept confidential;

(f) Chronological in its entirety or by the service provided;

(g) Fastened together to avoid loss of record contents (paper documents); and

(h) Kept current with all documents filed according to agency time frames per agency policies and procedures.

(3) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, include documentation of the following in each record:

(a) Client's name, age, current address, and phone number;

(b) Client's consent for services and care;

(c) Payment source and client responsibility for payment;

(d) Plan of care according to WAC 246-335-440, depending upon the services provided;

(e) Signed or electronically authenticated and dated notes documenting and describing services provided during each client contact;

(f) Supervision of home care services according to WAC 246-335-445; and

(g) Other documentation as required by this chapter.

(4) For clients receiving a one-time visit, provide the documentation required in WAC 246-335-440(5) in lieu of the requirements in subsection (3) of this section;

(5) Consider the records as property of the licensee and allow the client access to his or her own record; and

(6) Upon request and according to agency policy and procedure, provide client information or a summary of care when the client is transferred or discharged to another agency or facility.

(7) The licensee must keep client records for:

(a) Adults - Three years following the date of termination of services;

(b) Minors - Three years after attaining age eighteen, or five years following discharge, whichever is longer; and

(c) Client death - Three years following the last date or termination of services if client was on services when death occurred.

(d) Home care agencies under contract with DSHS or the AAA may keep client records for a longer period of time as established in the terms of the contract.

(8) The licensee must:

(a) Store client records in a safe and secure manner to prevent loss of information, to maintain the integrity of the record, and to protect against unauthorized use;

(b) Maintain or release records in accordance with chapter 70.02 RCW; and

(c) After ceasing operation, retain or dispose of client records in a confidential manner according to the time frames in subsection (7) of this section.