Pennsylvania Code & Bulletin
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

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The Pennsylvania Code website reflects the Pennsylvania Code changes effective through 53 Pa.B. 8238 (December 30, 2023).

Pennsylvania Code



CHAPTER 559. NURSING SERVICES

Sec.


559.1.    Nursing department.
559.2.    Director of nursing.
559.3.    Nursing personnel.
559.4.    Staffing schedules.
559.5.    Nursing notes.

Authority

   The provisions of this Chapter 559 issued under Chapter 8 of the Health Care Facilities Act (35 P. S. § §  448.801a—448.820), specifically sections 448.801a and 448.803; and section 2102(a) and (g) of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. §  532(a) and (g)), unless otherwise noted.

Source

   The provisions of this Chapter 559 adopted January 23, 1987, effective March 25, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 376, unless otherwise noted.

§ 559.1. Nursing department.

 The ASF shall have an organized nursing department under the supervision of a registered nurse who has responsibility and accountability for nursing services.

§ 559.2. Director of nursing.

 The director of nursing shall be currently licensed as a registered nurse in this Commonwealth and be responsible and accountable to the person in charge of the ASF for:

   (1)  Delivery of nursing services to patients.

   (2)  Development and maintenance of nursing service goals and objectives, standards of nursing practice, nursing policy and procedure manuals and written job descriptions for each level of personnel.

   (3)  Coordination of nursing services with other patient services.

   (4)  Establishment of a means of assessing the nursing care needs of patients and staffing to meet those needs.

   (5)  Staff development.

Source

   The provisions of this §  559.2 amended October 22, 1999, effective November 22, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 5583. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (256573).

§ 559.3. Nursing personnel.

 (a)  An adequate number of licensed and assistive personnel shall be on duty to assure that staffing levels meet the total nursing needs of patients based on the number of patients in the facility and their individual nursing care needs. Class B and Class C ASFS which provide surgical services to pediatric patients shall have nursing staff with documented experience in the postoperative care of these patients.

 (b)  At least one registered nurse shall be in attendance during the hours patients are present. Nursing personnel shall be assigned to duties consistent with their education, training and experience.

 (c)  Registered professional nurses or licensed practical nurses practicing at an ASF shall be licensed to practice in this Commonwealth. There shall be a procedure to verify the licensure status of the nurses.

Source

   The provisions of this §  559.3 amended October 22, 1999, effective November 22, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 5583. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (256573) to (256574).

§ 559.4. Staffing schedules.

 (a)  There shall be staffing schedules reflecting actual nursing personnel required for the ASF. Staffing patterns should reflect consideration of nursing goals, standards of nursing practice and the needs of the patients.

 (b)  Schedules which contain an indication of personnel attendance by date, and time of actual attendance shall be kept on file for a minimum of 1 year.

§ 559.5. Nursing notes.

 Nursing notes shall be pertinent, accurate and concise so that they contribute to the continuity of patient care. Nursing records and reports shall become part of the patient’s medical record.



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