La. Admin. Code tit. 48 § I-8745

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 9, September 20, 2024

Section I-8745 - Required Staffing

A. Each ABI facility shall be staffed to sufficiently safeguard the health, safety and welfare of the clients, as required by these regulations.

B. At a minimum, the following staff positions are required; however, one person may occupy more than one position.

1. Director

a. Each facility shall have a qualified director who is an employee of the facility. Responsibilities include the day-to-day management, supervision, operation of the facility and ensuring the individual service plan is implemented and carried out.

i. It is the responsibility of the director to contact the clients representative, if applicable, and request assistance to help the client in adjusting to the facility at the first indication of an adjustment problem.

b. During periods of temporary absence of the director, there shall be a responsible staff person designated to be in charge that has the knowledge and authority to handle any situation that may occur.

c. Director Qualifications. The director shall, at least, meet one of the following criteria upon date of hire:

i. a bachelors degree from an accredited university or college plus two years of experience in the fields of health, social services, geriatrics, management or administration; or

ii. a masters degree from an accredited university or college in geriatrics, health care administration, or in a human service related field or their equivalent; or

iii. in lieu of a degree, six years of experience in health, social services, geriatrics, management, administration or a combination of undergraduate education and experience for a total of six years.

d. The director shall be at least 21 years of age.

2. Nursing Director. The nursing director or an equally qualified RN shall be available by telecommunications or able to be on-site as needed 24 hours/day.

a. Qualifications. Each facility shall have a nursing director who is currently licensed as a registered nurse in Louisiana without restrictions.

b. Responsibilities. The responsibilities of a nursing director are to advance community integration through:

i. overseeing the medication management program, including staff training to implement the program;

ii. assisting the client in the restoration and maintenance of maximal health;

iii. consulting the primary physician to advance the client with their medication management program;

iv. advancing understanding of their unique medical and pharmacological needs;

v. improving the clients quality of life; and

vi. ensuring nursing care is provided in accordance with the clients individual service plan.

3. Designated Recreational/Activity Staff. There shall be an individual designated to organize and oversee the recreational and social program(s) of the facility.

4. Direct Care Staff

a. An ABI facility shall have staff sufficient in number and qualifications on duty at all times to meet the needs of clients.

b. An ABI facility that operates on a 24-hour basis shall have staff on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

c. Direct care staff may include care assistants, social workers, activities personnel or other staff who provide direct care services to clients on a regular basis. If employed at more than one facility, direct care staff shall notify each facility of employment and shall ensure their schedule does not overlap.

La. Admin. Code tit. 48, § I-8745

Promulgated by the Department of Health, Bureau of Health Services Financing, LR 432177 (11/1/2017).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 36:254 and 40:2120.31-40.