N.J. Admin. Code § 10:161B-11.2

Current through Register Vol. 57, No. 1, January 6, 2025

Section 10:161B-11.2 - Staffing

(a) All opioid treatment programs shall have a medical director who shall be ASAM certified, or certified by its successor board, by June 1, 2012 in accordance with N.J.A.C. 10:161B-1.4. The medical director or other designated program physician shall be available on site or by telephone during all operating hours of the opioid treatment program. A physician, licensed to practice in the State of New Jersey, who worked a minimum of five years at least 20 hours per week and has completed the ASAM/AATOD clinician's training course, may be considered for a waiver of the above provision.

(b) All opioid treatment programs shall employ a full-time director of substance abuse counseling services who meets the qualifications of N.J.A.C. 10:161B-1.8.

(c) All opioid treatment programs shall employ a director of nursing services who meets the requirements of N.J.A.C. 10:161B-1.5.

(d) All opioid treatment programs shall employ counseling staff who meet the requirements of N.J.A.C. 10:161B-1.9(a)1. An opioid treatment program shall employ an adequate number of counseling staff to provide services in accordance with N.J.A.C. 10:161B-10.1(b), and as necessary to address the individualized needs of each client, including documented responses to changes in client status or failure to achieve treatment goals and outcomes.

(e) Only physicians, registered professional nurses, or licensed practical nurses (working under the on-site supervision of a registered professional nurse), pharmacists or other persons authorized under New Jersey statutes or rules may dispense or administer medications in a facility providing opioid treatment program services.

(f) A registered professional nurse shall be present onsite during every hour in which medication is administered. A registered professional nurse or licensed practical nurse shall be assigned to the medicating area to observe client status prior to medicating.

1. Clients observed or suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or other psychoactive drugs shall be assessed by the registered professional nurse or physician to determine the appropriateness of medicating.

2. If the registered professional nurse is administering medication on the medication line, an additional registered professional nurse is not required.

(g) An opioid treatment program shall employ adequate nursing staff to:

1. Monitor medication stations and client status;

2. Assist the medical director and other program physicians or advanced practice nurses in conducting initial physical examinations, and follow up examinations or nursing assessments;

3. Perform and document related nursing activities; and

4. Provide nursing progress notes in each client record on at least a quarterly basis.

N.J. Admin. Code § 10:161B-11.2

Amended by 48 N.J.R. 2791(a), effective 12/19/2016