Section 220. Nursing services

A. Each nursing facility shall implement written resident care policies and procedures which support an active program of nursing care directed toward assisting all residents to achieve outcomes consistent with their highest level of self-care and independence.

B. All medications and treatments will be administered as prescribed in the resident's medical plan of care.

C. Services shall be provided to prevent clinically avoidable complications, including, but not limited to:

1. Pressure ulcer development;

2. Contracture;

3. Loss of continence;

4. Dehydration; and

5. Malnutrition.

D. Each resident shall be given proper daily personal attention and care, including skin, nail, hair and oral hygiene, in addition to any specific care ordered by the attending physician. Provision of daily personal care shall be documented in the clinical record.

E. Each resident shall be dressed in clean clothing and be free of odors. Each resident shall be encouraged to wear day clothing when out of bed.

F. Each resident shall receive tub or shower baths as often as needed, but not less than twice weekly. Residents whose medical conditions prohibit tub or shower baths shall have a sponge bath daily.

G. Residents who are incontinent shall have a partial bath, clean clothing and linens each time their clothing or bed linen is soiled.

H. The attending physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant and the resident's family or responsible party shall be notified of any changes in a resident's condition which indicate a need to alter medical treatment.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 13, Issue 17, eff. July 1, 1997.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-127 of the Code of Virginia.