California Nursing Home Administrator License Practice Exam

Which requirement applies to staff in larger licensed facilities?

1. At least one nurse on staff at all times

2. A dedicated medication management team

3. Awake staff available at night

4. Regular assessments of resident needs

The correct answer is: Awake staff available at night

In larger licensed facilities, having awake staff available at night is crucial for ensuring the safety and responsiveness of care for residents. Larger facilities typically accommodate more residents, which increases the likelihood of emergencies or the need for immediate assistance during nighttime hours. Therefore, maintaining awake staff provides a critical layer of supervision and support, ensuring that residents have access to help if needed, which ultimately enhances the overall quality of care and safety within the facility. While the other options relate to important aspects of nursing home operations and resident care, they do not specifically address the requirement that is most critical for night staffing in larger licensed facilities. For instance, having at least one nurse on staff at all times is a common requirement, however, it may not be a specific regulatory mandate for all large facilities. A dedicated medication management team enhances medication administration safety and efficacy, but its necessity can vary based on the facility's size and organizational structure. Regular assessments of resident needs is essential for person-centered care but does not pertain specifically to the staffing requirement at night in larger settings.