Nursing Services- Staff Ratio Requirements for the State of Iowa

f. Additional staffing, above the minimum ratio, may be required by the department commensu­rate with the needs of the individual residents.  (III)

g. The minimum hours of resident care personnel required for residents needing intermediate nurs­ing care shall be 2.0 hours per resident day computed on a seven-day week. A minimum of 20 percent of this time shall be provided by qualified nurses. If the maximum medical assistance rate is reduced below the 74th percentile, the requirement will return to 1.7 hours per resident per day computed on a seven-day week. A minimum of 20 percent of this time shall be provided by qualified nurses. (II, III)

h. The health service supervisor’s hours worked per week shall be included in computing the 20 percent requirement.

i. A nursing facility of 75 beds or more shall have a qualified nurse on duty 24 hours per day, seven days a week.  (II, III)

j. In facilities under 75 beds, if the health service supervisor is a licensed practical nurse, the fa­cility shall employ a registered nurse, for at least four hours each week for consultation, who must be on duty at the same time as the health service supervisor. (II, III)