Illinois Nursing Home Administrators (NHA) Practice Exam

What minimum staffing requirement must be met in a nursing facility?

1. 24/7 nursing staff availability

2. staff employed must have specialized training in geriatrics

3. staff must include a physician at all times

4. staff must include at least a registered nurse

The correct answer is: staff must include at least a registered nurse

The minimum staffing requirement that must be met in a nursing facility is that staff must include at least a registered nurse. This is important because registered nurses (RNs) are essential to ensuring that the facility meets the health and safety needs of residents. RNs have the training and qualifications necessary to assess patient conditions, implement care plans, administer medications, and provide overall medical oversight. Having at least one registered nurse on staff helps to maintain the quality of care and ensures that residents receive adequate medical attention and support. This requirement is designed to protect the health and welfare of residents, as RNs are trained to respond to medical emergencies and support the clinical needs of the population they serve. Other options, while they may reflect best practices or desirable features of a nursing facility, do not define the legal minimum requirement for staffing. For instance, while 24/7 availability of nursing staff might enhance care, it is not a health regulation, and specialized training in geriatrics, although important for quality care, is not mandated for all staff. Similarly, having a physician present at all times is not a requirement; clinical governance typically allows for RNs and other licensed professionals to manage day-to-day patient care independently.