Arkansas Long Term Care Administrator Practice Exam

What is the required staffing ratio of direct care staff during the night shift?

1. 1 direct care staff to every 10 residents

2. 1 direct care staff to every 12 residents

3. 1 direct care staff to every 14 residents

4. 1 direct care staff to every 16 residents

The correct answer is: 1 direct care staff to every 14 residents

The required staffing ratio of direct care staff during the night shift in long-term care facilities is 1 direct care staff to every 14 residents. This specific ratio is established to ensure that there is adequate staff available to meet the residents' needs during nighttime hours, which can often be critical due to the potential for emergencies or heightened care requirements among residents. During the night shift, the activity level tends to decrease as most residents are asleep, but having a sufficient number of direct care staff is still crucial for monitoring residents, attending to nighttime needs, and ensuring safety. Therefore, the ratio helps maintain a balance between providing quality care and ensuring that staff are not overburdened. Understanding this regulation is vital for long-term care administrators, as it impacts both the quality of care residents receive and the ability to comply with state regulations governing staffing levels in healthcare facilities.