Are SNFs required to have RNs at all times?

[nurseinpa]

I was just wondering if SNFs were required to have an RN on site at all times or if they can staff with only LPNs and CNAs?

[noc4senuf]

Each state is different in any additions to the federal regs. The least you can have is 8 hours daily, but you always need to have an RN on-call if not in the building.

[susanthomas1954]

One federal reg that hasn't been mentioned is that if a hospice wants to admit a patient for respite or routine or general inpatient care, an RN must be in the building 24/7. The HOSPICE can be cited if they place a patient in a facility w/o 24 hr RN coverage.

ST

[morte, LPN, LVN]

i believe CT is 24/7 in building

[noc4senuf]

THe requirement of 24 hours for inpatient hospice care is for "hospice" centers, not SNF's. An RN needs to complete the plan of care, and make routine visits but, not be there 24/7.