Medicare Benefit Policy Manual (Pub. 100-02), Ch. 2 § 40.2
Nursing Services
40.2 - Nursing Services
(Rev. 253, Issued: 12- 14-18, Effective: 01-16-19, Implementation: 01- 16-19)
In accordance with 42 CFR 412.27(d)(3) and 42 CFR 482.62(d), IPFs must have a
qualified director of psychiatric nursing services. In addition to the director of nursing,
there must be adequate numbers of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and
mental health workers to provide nursing care necessary under each patient’s active
treatment program and to maintain progress notes on each patient.
(1) The director of psychiatric nursing services must be a registered nurse who
has a master’s degree in psychiatric or mental health nursing, or its equivalent from a
school of nursing accredited by the National League for Nursing, or be qualified by
education and experience in the care of the mentally ill. The director must demonstrate
competence to participate in interdisciplinary formulation of individual treatment plans;
to give skilled nursing care and therapy; and to direct, monitor, and evaluate the nursing
care furnished.
(2) The staffing pattern must ensure the availability of a registered nurse 24 hours
each day. There must be adequate numbers of registered nurses, licensed practical
nurses, and mental health workers to provide the nursing care necessary
under each patient’s active treatment program.