Section 481.53.9. Nursing services.

Nursing services shall be planned and provided or supervised by a registered nurse who has a current Iowa license to practice nursing. The service shall be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

       53.9(1) A registered nurse shall assess patient and family nursing needs and develop a nursing plan of care to meet these needs.

       53.9(2) The nursing service staff shall:

        a.           Participate in IDT meetings to develop and amend the plan of care;

        b.           Provide nursing service in accordance with the overall plan of care developed by the IDT;

        c.           Consult with the patient and family regarding how to meet nursing and nursing-related needs of the patient;

        d.           Document nursing care given and observations made regarding patient, family reactions and status;

        e.           Consult with other care providers and the family to enhance continuity of care;

        f.            Develop and implement nursing service objectives, policies and procedures;

        g.           Develop job descriptions for all nursing personnel;

        h.           Establish staff schedules to meet patient and family needs and ensure 24-hour service;

        i.            Develop and implement orientation and training programs;

        j.            Develop and implement performance evaluation for the nursing staff;

        k.           Assign duties to nurses consistent with their education and experience; and

        l.            Facilitate periodic meetings of the professional nursing staff to evaluate the nursing care provided by hospice personnel.

       53.9(3) Persons who are employed by, volunteer with or work under contract to a licensed hospice organization may administer medications only if they are also a licensed nurse, a licensed physician or a certified medication aide.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 135J.3(2).