Section 300.1240  Additional Requirements

In addition to the staffing requirements, in Section 300.1230, the following staffing requirements also apply to all Skilled Nursing Facilities and Intermediate Care Facilities:

a)         There shall be a licensed nurse designated as being in charge of nursing services on all shifts when neither the director of nursing or assistant director of nursing are on duty.  If registered nurses and licensed practical nurses are on duty on the same shift, this person shall be a registered nurse. This person may be a charge nurse on one of the nursing units.   (A, B)

b)         There shall be at least one person awake, dressed and on duty at all times in each separate nursing unit.  (A, B)

c)         There shall be at least one registered nurse on duty seven days per week, 8 consecutive hours, in a skilled nursing facility.  (A, B)

d)         There shall be at least one registered nurse or licensed practical nurse on duty at all times in an intermediate care facility or a skilled nursing facility.  (A, B)

e)         There shall be at least one registered nurse or licensed practical nurse on duty on each floor housing residents in a skilled nursing facility.  (A, B)

f)         The need for licensed nurses on each nursing unit in a skilled nursing facility and each floor or nursing unit in an intermediate care facility will be determined on an individual case basis, dependent upon the individual situation.  If such additional staffing is required, the Department will inform the facility in writing of the kind and amount of additional staff time required, and the reason why it is needed.

g)         The need for an additional licensed nurse to serve as a "house supervisor" will be determined on an individual case basis.  If the Department determines that there is a need for a registered nurse in a skilled nursing facility or a licensed practical nurse in an intermediate care facility on certain shifts whose sole duties will consist of supervising the nursing services of the facility, the Department shall notify the facility in writing when and why such a person is needed.  This person shall not perform the duties of a charge nurse while serving as the "house supervisor".

(Source:  Amended at 16 Ill. Reg. 17089, effective November 3, 1992)