(a) The psychiatric nursing service shall be under the direction of a registered nurse who shall meet at least the following qualifications:
(1) Master's degree in psychiatric nursing or related field with experience in administration; or
(2) Baccalaureate degree in nursing or related field with experience in psychiatric nursing and two years of experience in nursing administration; or
(3) Four years of experience in nursing administration or supervision and with experience in psychiatric nursing.
(b) The director of nurses shall not be designated to serve as charge nurse.
(c) Sufficient registered nursing personnel shall be provided to:
(1) Assist the director of nurses for evening and night services and when necessary for day services.
(2) Give direct nursing care based on patient need.
(3) Have a registered nurse on duty at all times.
(4) Plan, supervise and coordinate care given by licensed vocational nurses, psychiatric technicians and other mental health workers.
(d) Each nursing unit shall have a registered nurse, licensed vocational nurse or psychiatric technician on duty at all times.
(e) Licensed vocational nurses and psychiatric technicians may be utilized as needed to assist registered nurses in ratios appropriate to patient needs.
(f) Mental health workers may be utilized as needed to assist with nursing procedures.
Credits
Note: Authority cited: Sections 1275 and 131200, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 1276, 1316.5, 131050, 131051 and 131052, Health and Safety Code.
1. Change without regulatory effect amending subsections (c)(4)-(e) and adding new Note filed 3-12-2013 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2013, No. 11).
This database is current through 5/10/24 Register 2024, No. 19.
Cal. Admin. Code tit. 22, § 71215, 22 CA ADC § 71215
