The Mental Health Team in Home Health Care: The Psychiatric Nurse and Social Worker Roles

Abstract

A growing service in home health care is the provision of mental health services to mentally ill individuals who may or may not have medical problems. Mental health programs are being started by home health care agencies all over the country, and accompanying this growth is increased confusion and strain in the roles of the psychiatric nurse and the social worker. This article looks at the definition of the mental health patient and the Medicare regulations defining the psychiatric nurse and social worker roles and responsibilities. A clear understanding of the intent of these regulations will help clarify the role of each professional as members of the mental health team.