Section 325.21604. Specialized nursing services.

Specialized nursing services in a mental illness nursing home or nursing facility shall comply with all of the following provisions:

(a)   Be directed by a registered nurse who has at least 1 year of work experience in the care of mentally ill patients or who, in the opinion of the physician specialist on the staff of the facility, is qualified to

supervise the nursing care and other specialized   services  necessary  for the care of mentally ill patients, particularly those with aberrant behavior.

(b)   Provide that nursing care for patients on all shifts in the facility shall be in the charge of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse experienced in the care of mentally ill patients.

(c)    Provide that the nursing staff shall receive orientation of the provision of nursing care and other specialized services necessary to the care of mentally ill patients. Nursing personnel shall receive specialized inservice training on a regular and continuing basis.

(d)   Provide, in addition to personnel required for compliance with nurse staffing requirements for licensure and skilled  nursing  facilities  certification,  additional licensed and unlicensed personnel required to meet the needs of individual patients, but not less than an average of 3.35 hours of nursing care per patient per day.

History: 1981 AACS.