LAC 48:I.9537. Staffing

A. Levels I and II shall have a unit manager dedicated to the unit who is a registered nurse with specific training and experience in pediatric critical care. The Level I manager shall be certified in critical-care nursing. The registered nurse manager shall name a qualified alternate to act in his/her absence. 1. The staff to patient ratio shall vary with the acuity of the patients; however, the minimum shall be 1:3. 2. There shall be an organized written orientation program as well as an ongoing in-service/continuing education program. B. For the Level I units the respiratory therapy staff assigned to a unit shall be in-house 24 hours per day. 1. Biomedical technicians shall be available within one hour, 24 hours a day. 2. The unit clerk shall be readily available to the unit 24 hours a day. 3. A pharmacist and licensed radiographer shall be in- house 24 hours per day. 4. Social workers, physical therapists and nutritionists shall be assigned to the unit as applicable. C. For Level II Units the respiratory therapist shall be in-house 24 hours a day. 1. The biomedical technician shall be available within one hour, 24 hours a day. 2. The pharmacist and radiologist shall be on call 24 hours a day. 3. Unit clerks, social workers, physical therapists and nutritionists shall be available as applicable.