§ 23-17.5-35. Staffing plan.
(a) There shall be a master plan of the staffing pattern for providing twenty-four-hour (24) direct care nursing service; for the distribution of direct care nursing personnel for each floor and/or residential area; for the replacement of direct care nursing personnel; and for forecasting future needs.
(b)(1) The staffing pattern shall include provisions for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, medication technicians, licensed physical therapists, licensed occupational therapists, licensed speech-language pathologists, mental health workers who are also certified nurse assistants, physical therapist assistants, and other personnel as required.
(2) The number and type of nursing personnel shall be based on resident care needs and classifications as determined for each residential area. Each nursing facility shall be responsible to have sufficient qualified staff to meet the needs of the residents.
(3) At least one individual who is certified in basic life support must be available twenty-four (24) hours a day within the nursing facility.
(4) Each nursing facility shall include direct caregivers, including at least one certified nursing assistant, in the process to create the master plan of the staffing pattern and the federally mandated facility assessment. If the certified nursing assistants in the nursing facility are represented under a collective bargaining agreement, the bargaining unit shall coordinate voting to allow the certified nursing assistants to select their representative.
History of Section.P.L. 2021, ch. 23, § 1, effective May 27, 2021; P.L. 2021, ch. 24, § 1, effective May 27, 2021.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Chapter 23-17.5 - Rights of Nursing Home Patients
Section 23-17.5-1. - Condition of admission.
Section 23-17.5-2. - Care of patient.
Section 23-17.5-3. - Physician.
Section 23-17.5-4. - Rules of nursing homes.
Section 23-17.5-5. - Services and charges.
Section 23-17.5-6. - Care by physician — Disclosure of patient’s medical condition.
Section 23-17.5-7. - Experimentation.
Section 23-17.5-8. - Grievances.
Section 23-17.5-10. - Performance of services by patients.
Section 23-17.5-11. - Participation in activities.
Section 23-17.5-12. - Visitors.
Section 23-17.5-13. - Personal services.
Section 23-17.5-14. - Right to privacy.
Section 23-17.5-15. - Financial affairs.
Section 23-17.5-16. - Married patient.
Section 23-17.5-17. - Transfer to another facility.
Section 23-17.5-18. - Development of responsibilities.
Section 23-17.5-19. - Discrimination.
Section 23-17.5-20. - Posting of law.
Section 23-17.5-21. - Penalties.
Section 23-17.5-22. - Enforcement.
Section 23-17.5-23. - Severability.
Section 23-17.5-25. - Notice on bed-hold policy and readmission.
Section 23-17.5-26. - Smoke-free environment.
Section 23-17.5-27. - Heat relief.
Section 23-17.5-28. - Pain assessment.
Section 23-17.5-29. - Hospice.
Section 23-17.5-30. - Family councils.
Section 23-17.5-31. - Reimbursement of monies prepaid to deceased patient’s estate.
Section 23-17.5-32. - Minimum staffing levels.
Section 23-17.5-33. - Minimum staffing level compliance and enforcement program.
Section 23-17.5-34. - Nursing staff posting requirements.
Section 23-17.5-35. - Staffing plan.