481—51.9(135B) Nursing services.
	51.9(1) The hospital shall have an organized nursing service that provides complete and efficient nursing care to each patient. The authority, responsibility and function of each nurse shall be clearly defined.
	51.9(2) Registered nurses shall utilize the nursing process in the practice of nursing, consistent with accepted and prevailing practice. The nursing process is ongoing and includes:
	a. 	Nursing assessments about the health status of an individual or group.
	b. 	Formulation of a nursing diagnosis based on analysis of the data from the nursing assessment.
	c. 	Planning of nursing care, which includes determining goals and priorities for actions that are based on the nursing diagnosis.
	d. 	Nursing interventions implementing the plan of care.
	e. 	Evaluation of the individual’s or group’s status in relation to established goals and the plan of care.
	51.9(3) A licensed practical nurse(s) may participate in the nursing process as described in subrule 51.9(2) consistent with accepted practice by assisting the registered nurse or physician.
	51.9(4) All nurses employed in a hospital who practice nursing as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse shall hold an active Iowa license or hold an active license in another state and be recognized for licensure in this state pursuant to the nurse licensure compact in Iowa Code section 152E.1.
	51.9(5) There shall be a director of nursing service with administrative and executive competency who holds an active Iowa license or holds an active license in another state and is recognized for licensure in this state pursuant to the nurse licensure compact in Iowa Code section 152E.1.
	51.9(6) Nursing management shall have had preparation courses and experience in accordance with hospital policy commensurate with the responsibility of the specific assignment.
	51.9(7) All unlicensed personnel performing patient-care service shall be under the supervision of a registered nurse, have duties defined in writing by the hospital, and be instructed in all duties assigned to them.
	51.9(8) The nursing service shall have adequate numbers of licensed registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and other personnel to provide nursing care essential for the proper treatment, well-being, and recovery of the patient.
	51.9(9) Written policies and procedures shall be established for the administrative and technical guidance of the personnel in the hospital. Each employee shall be familiar with these policies and procedures.
	51.9(10) Each hospital shall have a minimum of one registered nurse on duty at all times.
[ARC 7573C, IAB 2/7/24, effective 1/18/24]