Sec. 817.7. Staffing

(a) Medical director and medical staff.

(1) The medical director, as defined in Part 800 of this Title, shall oversee the development and revision of medical policies, procedures and ongoing training for matters such as routine medical care, specialized services, and medical and psychiatric emergency care, and supervision of medical staff.

(2) Programs providing treatment for persons with co-existing medical or psychiatric conditions in addition to their substance use disorder shall have an appropriately qualified physician, physician's assistant, nurse practitioner, psychiatrist or psychologist on-site or through telepractice, pursuant to Part 830 of this Title, for a sufficient number of hours each week to provide evaluation, treatment and supervision of such other services for these patients.

(3) There shall be at least one full-time registered professional nurse and additional licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, registered physician's assistants, and nurse practitioners sufficient to provide the services required. Such personnel shall be available to all patients at all times.

(4) The medical director may also serve as a physician of another service which is provided by the facility. The general severity of the condition of the population served, including comorbid conditions, complications and general functioning, may indicate the need for staff in addition to those identified in this section.

(b) Staff sharing.

Staff may be either specifically assigned to the inpatient service or may be part of the staff of the facility within which the inpatient service is located. However, if these staff members are part of the general facility staff, they must have specific training and experience in the treatment of substance use disorder specific to the services provided. The percentage of time that each shared staff is assigned to the inpatient service must be documented.

(c) Supervision and training.

Each program must provide clinical supervision and ensure and document a plan for staff training based on individual employee needs. Subject areas appropriate for training shall be identified by the office.

(d) Program director.

There shall be a director of the program who is a qualified health professional with at least:

(1) four years experience in the human services field;

(2) two years experience in the provision of substance use disorder treatment services;

(3) two years of administration and supervisory experience prior to appointment as director; and

(4) two years of adolescent services experience.

(e) Other clinical staff.

(1) At least 50 percent of all clinical staff shall be qualified health professionals as defined in Part 800 of this Title. CASAC Trainees may be counted towards satisfying the 50 percent requirement provided, however, that such individuals shall not be considered qualified health professionals for any other purpose under this Part.

(2) Clinical staff members who are not qualified health professionals shall have qualifications appropriate to their assigned responsibilities as set forth in the inpatient service's written personnel policies, shall be subject to appropriate staff supervision, and shall receive regular and continuing education and training.

(3) There shall be at least one clinical staff member, as defined in Part 800 of this Title, designated to provide activities therapy.

(4) There shall be at least one counselor for every 8 patients, at least 50 percent of whom shall be qualified health professionals. Counseling staff shall be scheduled for a minimum of 1½ shifts 5 days per week, and 1 shift per day for the remaining 2 days per week.

(5) There shall be clinical staff available to all patients at all times. During late evening and night shifts, there shall be at least two clinical staff members on duty. This staff shall be awake at all times, make frequent rounds and be available to patients who awaken during the night.

(6) There shall be at least one full time equivalent licensed mental health counselor or social worker licensed and currently registered as such by the New York State Education Department experienced in chemical dependence and adolescents. If qualified to do so, this individual may also perform the family therapist function required in paragraph (7) of this subdivision.

(7) There shall be at least one full time equivalent family therapist who is a social worker licensed and currently registered as such by the New York State Education Department or a licensed marriage and family therapist. If qualified to do so, this individual may also perform the social worker function required in paragraph (6) of this subdivision.

(8) There shall be sufficient clinical staff to achieve an overall ratio of at least one full time equivalent staff for each four patients.

(f) Additional required staff.

(1) Maintenance and security. There shall be sufficient staff available to ensure that the program facility and all equipment utilized therein is maintained in such a manner as to provide patients with a clean and safe environment.

(2) Volunteers and interns. In addition to staffing requirements of this Part, a program may utilize volunteers, students and trainees, on a salaried or non-salaried basis. Such personnel shall be provided close professional staff supervision and appropriate education from both internal and external sources.

(3) Health coordinator. Each program shall have a qualified individual designated as the Health Coordinator who will ensure the provision of education, risk reduction, counseling and referral services to all patients regarding HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis, hepatitis, sexually transmitted diseases, and other communicable diseases.

(4) Community support specialist. There shall be at least one community support specialist for every 30 patients or portion thereof who shall be responsible for coordinating care for the patient and assisting in discharge planning.

(5) Intake/admissions coordinator. There shall be one staff member designated to perform an intake/admissions coordinator function.