California Code of Regulations
Title 22 - Social Security
Division 5 - Licensing and Certification of Health Facilities, Home Health Agencies, Clinics, and Referral Agencies
Chapter 1 - General Acute Care Hospitals
Article 6 - Supplemental Services
Section 70405 - Acute Respiratory Care Service Staff

(a) A physician shall have overall responsibility for the acute respiratory care service. When possible this physician shall be certified or eligible for certification in pulmonary disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine or be certified or eligible for certification by the American Board of Anesthesiology. If such specialists are not available, a physician who is certified or eligible for certification as an internist by the American Board of Internal Medicine with interest and experience in acute respiratory care may direct and coordinate the service.

(b) A minimum of one other physician experienced in acute respiratory care shall be available to the unit.

(c) Consultants in the specialties of medicine and surgery shall be available to the unit.

(d) A registered nurse with at least six months nursing experience in the care of acute respiratory failure patients shall be responsible for the nursing care and nursing management of the unit.

(e) A registered nurse:patient ratio shall be 1:4 or fewer on all shifts.

(f) Sufficient other licensed nursing personnel who have experience in acute respiratory care nursing shall provide additional support in a total nurse:patient ratio of 1:2 or fewer on each shift.

(g) Sufficient respiratory care practitioners and/or respiratory care technicians shall provide support for resuscitation and maintenance of the mechanical ventilators in a ratio of 1:4 or fewer on each shift.

(h) A physical therapist and a social worker should be available on a regular basis.