S.C. Code Regs. § 61-17.600.605 - Staff (I)
A.
Licensed Nursing Staff. An adequate number of licensed nurses shall be on duty
to meet the total nursing needs of residents. Licensed nursing staff shall be
assigned to duties consistent with their scope of practice as determined
through their licensure and educational preparation.
1. The facility shall designate a registered
nurse as a full-time Director of Nursing. Another registered nurse, who is
employed by the licensee, shall be designated in writing to act in his or her
absence. In facilities with a licensed bed capacity of twenty-two (22) or fewer
beds, the Director of Nursing may be included in the requirements of Section
605.A.2.
2. There shall be at
least one (1) licensed nurse per shift for each staff work area. If there are
more than forty-four (44) residents per staff work area, there shall be two (2)
licensed nurses on first shift and at least one (1) licensed nurse on second
and third shift.
3. At least one
(1) registered nurse shall be on duty in the facility, or on call, whenever
residents are present in the facility.
4. An Administrator who is a registered nurse
or licensed practical nurse shall not be included in meeting the staffing
requirements of this section.
B. Nonlicensed Nursing Staff. The required
number of nurse aides and other nonlicensed nursing staff shall be determined
by the number of residents assigned to beds at the facility. Additional staff
members shall be provided if the minimum staff requirements are inadequate to
provide appropriate care and services to the residents of a facility.
1. Nonlicensed nursing staff shall be
provided to meet at least the following resident-to-staff ratio schedule:
a. Nine to one (9 to 1) for shift one
(1);
b. Thirteen to one (13 to 1)
for shift two (2);
c. Twenty-two to
one (22 to 1) for shift three (3).
2. When nonstaff members are utilized as
sitters or attendants, they shall comply with facility policies and
procedures.
C. In those
facilities utilizing two (2) twelve-hour (12-hour) shifts, both the licensed
and nonlicensed staffing ratios for shift one (1) apply to the twelve-hour
(12-hour) shift occurring primarily during the day, and both the licensed and
nonlicensed staffing ratios for shift three (3) apply to the twelve-hour
(12-hour) shift occurring primarily during the night.
D. In settings and on a nonroutine basis
where there is more than one (1) type of level of care, for example, community
residential care, independent living, staff members from the nursing home may
temporarily provide assistance in special situations to one (1) or more of the
other areas, but at no time may staffing levels in any area of the nursing home
fall below minimum licensing standards or diminish the care and services
provided.
Notes
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