N.J. Admin. Code § 8:43D-5.5

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 12, June 17, 2024

Section 8:43D-5.5 - Staffing policies and procedures

(a) A facility shall develop written policies and procedures to ensure all staff are in good physical and mental health, of good moral character and that these policies and procedures reflect the applicable standards as set forth in this chapter.

(b) A facility shall develop written job requirements specifying licensure and certification as needed in the State of New Jersey and written job descriptions for all staff to ensure personnel are assigned duties based on their education, training and general professional competencies.

(c) A facility shall employ a full-time director of nursing or nursing administrator who is responsible for coordinating residents' nursing care.

1. At least one registered professional nurse shall be on duty at the facility on a 40-hour per week basis.

2. A registered nurse shall be available by telephone at all other times.

(d) A facility shall develop and implement a staff orientation and a staff training and education plan, including plans for each service and designation of person(s) responsible for training employees.

(e) A facility shall provide orientation to personnel providing personal care upon commencement of employment and at least annual in-service education regarding, at a minimum, the following:

1. The provision of services and assistance in accordance with the interdisciplinary plan of care;

2. Emergency plans and procedures;

3. The facility's infection prevention and control program; and

4. Quality assurance.

(f) Nurse staffing shall be in accordance with 8:43D-5.4 and 5.5.

(g) A facility shall exclude from working in a pediatric community transitional home personnel whom it employs or hires under contract, as well as volunteers, who present documentation from a primary care provider of having a reportable communicable disease or infection as specified in N.J.A.C. 8:57 until the person submits certification from a primary care provider that the person's condition will not endanger the health of residents or other employees.

(h) Evidence of conviction of a crime, in itself, shall not automatically preclude a person from serving as director or staff member or from working in the facility and shall not automatically result in the removal or termination of a director or staff member.

1. A facility shall submit a written justification to the Department, indicating and documenting why the person at issue should not be precluded from working or holding a leadership position at the facility;

2. The Department, in consultation with the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, after assessing the facts on a case-by-case basis, shall determine in accordance with the State Rehabilitated Convicted Offenders Act, 2A:168A-1 et seq., whether a person's conviction relates adversely to working with residents of a pediatric community transitional home.

(i) All individuals seeking employment shall submit a signed application, indicating the applicant's name, address and telephone number; education and work experience; and a certification indicating whether the applicant has ever been convicted of a crime or has criminal charges pending for any crime that, if convicted would result in a conviction of a crime which is higher than a disorderly persons offense. The employment application shall be updated to indicate the reasons for discontinuance of employment, if applicable.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:43D-5.5

Amended and Recodified from 8:43D-5.12 by 48 N.J.R. 2336(a), effective 11/7/2016