South Carolina Long Term Health Care Administrator Practice Test

For facilities with a licensed bed capacity of how many beds can the Director of Nursing be included in staffing requirements?

1. 21 beds

2. 22 beds

3. 23 beds

4. 24 beds

The correct answer is: 22 beds

In South Carolina, there are specific regulations regarding the staffing requirements for nursing facilities, particularly concerning the Director of Nursing (DON). A licensed bed capacity of 22 beds is the threshold that allows for the DON to be included in the staffing requirements. This means that for facilities with this capacity, the Director of Nursing is counted as part of the nursing staff, facilitating compliance with state regulations while ensuring adequate leadership in nursing care. The significance of this specific number lies in the way it balances staffing needs and management oversight, enabling smaller facilities to maintain quality care without compromising on the mandated standards for patient-to-staff ratios. For institutions with a capacity below 22 beds, different ratios apply, and having the Director of Nursing included in those numbers becomes a regulatory requirement that acknowledges the unique needs of smaller facilities. Understanding this specific threshold is essential for health care administrators in the long-term care field, as it assists in resource allocation and compliance with state regulations, ensuring facilities can provide optimal care and maintain their operational licenses.