In Missiour, is a Nurse required for Alzheimer Lock-downed unit in an LTC?

[OzarksgalCNA]

Edited because I can't spell Missouri...LOL Lesson-don't eat PB & J and type at the same time.

The place I work is getting ready to open the Alzheimer's Hall....it will be a locked down unit (except that showers are outside the doors) and will be staffed by 2 CNA's (so they say) but no nurse. Some of us were wondering if this was even legal? One of our CNA's worked a locked down unit by himself and got pretty beat up because there was no one to come help him.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

I'm pretty sure you need a licensed person no matter what state you're in. And, you can't legally lock the doors because of fire code. They can be secured but have to be able to be opened in the event of an emergency.

[OzarksgalCNA]

Based on what I saw at another LTC owned by the same company, the unit doors needed a code to get out.

I just found this information at this website:

http://www.cga.ct.gov/2005/rpt/2005-R-0839.htm

1. Minimum requirements for nursing staff must be based on the ratio of three hours of nursing care per resident per 24 hours. Licensed nursing staff and nursing aides can be included in the ratio. Staffing requirements are based on resident census.

2. An RN or LPN must be present on all shifts.

3. If the designated A/D Unit is not freestanding, licensed nursing staff may be shared with the rest of the facility for purposes of meeting the minimum staffing requirements.

4. Only staff trained in the care of persons with Alzheimer’s and other dementia can be assigned to the unit.

5. A minimum of two staff members must be on the A/D Unit at all times.