Who can apply heat in a SNF?

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Having complaints from residents that are asking for heat to be applied and staff is telling them no it is against regulations. My last thoughts were that it had to be applied by a therapist and with a physician order. Please help as I don't like getting complaints from my residents, but want to be sure I am following regs correctly.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

Generally, only licensed staff can apply heat in a SNF setting. This is because there are so many things that can go wrong with frail elderly folks and heat---thermal burns being only one of the obvious issues. As a CNA in a hospital many years ago, I was permitted to make hot packs for patients, but that was then; I think the regulations are stricter now because so many people have suffered injuries due to the improper application of heating devices.

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Only PT with an order..but we have also had orders that permitted family members to appy heat.

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