Nevada Administrative Code Chapter 654 - ADMINISTRATORS OF FACILITIES FOR LONG-TERM CARE

Overview of NAC Chapter 654

NAC Chapter 654 regulates the licensing, responsibilities, and professional conduct of administrators who manage long-term care facilities in Nevada. This includes nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other residential care facilities.

The chapter is designed to ensure that administrators are qualified, competent, and adhere to standards that protect residents’ health, safety, and rights.

Key Sections of NAC Chapter 654

1. Definitions

Clarifies terms such as:

Administrator: Person responsible for day-to-day management of a long-term care facility.

Long-term care facility: Facility providing nursing, personal care, or assisted living services.

Licensee: Entity that holds the official state license to operate the facility.

2. Licensing Requirements

To become a licensed administrator in Nevada, an applicant must:

Be at least 21 years old.

Have completed approved education and training programs in health care administration or long-term care.

Pass a state examination demonstrating knowledge of regulations, resident care, and facility management.

Meet good moral character requirements, meaning no criminal history that affects fitness for the role.

Licenses are issued by the Nevada State Board of Examiners for Long-Term Care Administrators.

3. Renewal and Continuing Education

Administrators must renew licenses periodically, usually every two years.

Continuing education is required to ensure administrators stay current on healthcare regulations, ethics, and best practices.

4. Responsibilities of Administrators

Administrators are responsible for:

Resident Care – Ensuring residents receive proper medical, nursing, and personal care.

Staff Management – Hiring, training, and supervising staff to meet professional standards.

Facility Operations – Maintaining records, budgets, policies, and procedures.

Regulatory Compliance – Following all federal, state, and local laws, including health and safety regulations.

Reporting – Promptly reporting incidents, abuse, neglect, or violations to the appropriate authorities.

5. Professional Conduct and Ethics

Administrators must:

Act in the best interests of residents.

Avoid conflicts of interest or personal gain from resident services.

Maintain confidentiality of residents’ medical and personal information.

Cooperate with state inspections and audits.

6. Grounds for Disciplinary Action

The Nevada State Board can suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a license if an administrator:

Violates any law or regulation governing long-term care facilities.

Demonstrates gross incompetence or negligence in resident care.

Fails to report abuse, neglect, or unsafe conditions.

Commits fraud or misrepresentation on licensing applications.

Engages in unethical or unprofessional conduct.

7. Penalties and Enforcement

Penalties can include:

License suspension or revocation.

Fines or civil penalties.

Legal action if residents are harmed due to negligence.

The Board enforces these rules to protect public health and safety in long-term care facilities.

8. Training and Examination Programs

The Board approves training programs that cover:

State and federal long-term care laws.

Resident rights and quality of care standards.

Financial and administrative management of a facility.

Ethics and professional responsibilities.

Administrators must pass the state exam before practicing independently.

Key Takeaways

AreaSummary
PurposeEnsure administrators of long-term care facilities are qualified and uphold resident safety and care standards.
LicensingMust meet education, exam, and moral character requirements.
ResponsibilitiesResident care, staff supervision, regulatory compliance, facility management.
Professional ConductEthical behavior, confidentiality, reporting obligations.
Disciplinary ActionsSuspension, revocation, fines, or legal action for violations.

In short, NAC Chapter 654 ensures that only qualified, ethical, and competent individuals manage long-term care facilities in Nevada, protecting vulnerable residents from harm while maintaining professional standards.

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