#REGULATE_THERAPY_CENTRES

November 16, 2022

#REGULATE_THERAPY_CENTRES #FORMULATE_DISTRICT_LEVEL_COMMITTEES Dear parents, it is crucial to be aware of the guidelines that therapy centers must adhere to. Sudha Nambudiri explains it well, as published in the KERALA GAZETTE on 24th June 2020:   CHAPTER V GENERAL FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS TO BE FOLLOWED BY ALL THERAPY CENTRES  

1. All cases must be registered. This is done through a registration process, assigning a unique registration number for each client, along with socio-economic demographic details and contact information.
2. Daily case registers and follow-up registers must be maintained.
3. Assessment reports, including case history, should be properly filed.
4. The preparation of an Individualized Therapy Plan (ITP) and discussions with parents about ITP and home training must be conducted, and the parent's signature obtained.
5. Consent from parents/guardians/caretakers/clients should be obtained for the services provided. Separate consent should be obtained for photographs or videos of the person with disabilities.
6. The physical presence of parents/guardians/bystanders should be allowed inside the therapy room. If this is clinically not possible, sessions should be visible to parents through observation windows, CCTV, or other electronic/non-electronic means. In the case of a person with mental illness, Section 22, 23, 24 & 25 of the Mental Healthcare Act 2017 should be followed for the right to information, confidentiality, and access to medical records.
7. A periodic evaluation report should be generated every three months or on demand, and it should be issued and jointly signed by the parent/guardian/client/caretaker and the therapist.
8. A therapy summary for every person should be prepared at the time of completing therapy and also on the demand of the client/parent/guardian/caretaker. Copies should be maintained in the center.
9. All therapy-related documents should be duly signed by certified therapists with registration numbers. Daily data should be kept regarding the number of sessions conducted by each therapist.
10. All documents should be retained for a minimum of 5 years from the date of registration, in electronic form.
11. The name of professionals, their designation, qualification, working hours of the center, and fee structure should be prominently displayed at the center.
12. The name and qualifications of visiting professionals, if any, should also be displayed at the center, and minimum standards in the qualifications of visiting professionals should be met.
13. Direct therapy sessions should have a minimum of 30 minutes of direct client contact.
14. Ensure accessibility as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016.