SECTION 310:667-15-7. Special-care units

(a)   Areas providing specialized nursing care shall be well defined by policies and procedures specific to the nursing services such as intensive care, coronary care, obstetrics, nursery, emergency services, and renal units.

(b)   Specific policies and procedures shall supplement basic hospital nursing policies and procedures for special-care units. Nursing policies and procedures of special-care units shall be in accordance with current standards of practice and shall include but not be limited to:

(1)   Protocol for resuscitation and disaster situations.

(2)   Immediate availability of emergency equipment and drugs.

(3)   Appropriate and safe storage of pharmaceuticals and biologicals.

(4)   Programs for maintenance and safe operation of all equipment.

(5)   Appropriate infection-control measures.

(6)   Control of visitors and nonessential personnel.

(7)   Documentation of quality improvement.

(c)   Special-care unit nursing services shall be integrated with other hospital departments and services.

(d)   Supervision of nursing care in the unit shall be provided by a registered nurse with relevant education, training, experience, and demonstrated current competence.

(e)   All nursing personnel shall be prepared for their responsibilities in the special-care unit through orientation, ongoing inservice training, and continuing education programs. A planned, formal training program shall be required for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses and shall be of sufficient duration and substance to cover applicable patient care responsibilities in the specialcare unit.

[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 1555, eff 4-12-95 (emergency); Added at 12 Ok Reg 2429, eff 6-26-95]