S.C. Code Regs. § § 61-78.600.604

Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 10, October 25, 2024

Section 61-78.600.604 - Staffing (I)

A. A physician shall supervise the care and treatment of the patient while receiving Hospice treatment, care, and/or services.

B. Nursing care services shall be supervised by a staff registered nurse.

C. Minimum staffing for a Hospice Facility shall consist of one (1) registered nurse (RN) and one (1) additional direct care staff member on duty at all times. Staffing for Outpatient Services shall consist of a sufficient number of direct care staff on duty at all times to provide care to meet the needs of the patient population for all areas where direct care is provided. A Hospice Facility shall adhere to the following minimum staffing ratio:

1. Facilities with zero to ten (0 to 10) patients:

a. Two (2) staff members for shift one* (1);

b. Two (2) staff members for shift two* (2);

c. Two (2) staff members for shift three (3);

2. Facilities with eleven to twenty (11 to 20) patients:

a. Three (3) staff members for shift one* (1);

b. Two (2) staff members for shift two* (2);

c. Two (2) staff members for shift three (3);

3. Facilities with twenty-one to thirty (21 to 30) patients:

a. Four (4) staff members for shift one* (1);

b. Three (3) staff members for shift two* (2);

c. Three (3) staff members for shift three (3).

If staffing is scheduled in two 12-hour shifts, the minimum staffing ratios marked with an (*) above will be followed for the day and night shifts respectively.

D. For care provided in a Hospice Facility with more than thirty (30) patients, the Hospice Facility shall include additional staff at a ratio of 1:10.

E. Additional staff members shall be provided if it is determined by the Department that the minimum staff requirements are inadequate to provide appropriate care, treatment, and services and supervision to the patients of a Hospice.

S.C. Code Regs. § 61-78.600.604

Replaced and amended by State Register Volume 40, Issue No. 04, eff. 4/22/2016.