The director of nursing may serve as a nurse-in-charge if the average daily occupancy is less than what number?

The correct threshold for the average daily occupancy, under which the director of nursing may serve as the nurse-in-charge, is indeed 60. This regulation is established to ensure that nursing homes maintain adequate staffing levels and provide quality care to residents. When occupancy is lower, the administrative and care responsibilities can be more feasibly managed by the director of nursing, who possesses the leadership skills and clinical expertise necessary for such a role. In settings with fewer residents, it may be acceptable for higher-level personnel to take on additional responsibilities since fewer staff are needed for effective operation, making it easier to maintain oversight without compromising care.

Occupancy thresholds like this one are designed to ensure that nursing homes can deliver safe and effective care, reflecting a balance between administrative duties and direct patient care needs. As facilities approach higher occupancy numbers, the demand for specialized nursing roles typically increases, necessitating that dedicated nursing staff be in place to maintain quality standards of care and compliance with regulatory requirements.