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 70579 - Psychiatric Unit Staff

(a) If a psychiatrist is not the administrative director of the psychiatric unit, a psychiatrist who is certified or eligible for certification in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, shall be responsible for the medical care and services of the unit, including all those acts of diagnosis, treatment, or prescribing or ordering of drugs which may only be performed by a licensed physician.

(b) A clinical psychologist shall be available on a full-time, part-time or consulting basis. The clinical psychologist shall function on such terms and conditions as the facility shall establish.

(c) A registered nurse with two years experience in psychiatric nursing shall be responsible for the nursing care and nursing management of the psychiatric unit.

(d) There shall be registered nurses with training and experience in psychiatric nursing on duty in the unit at all times.

(e) There shall be sufficient nursing staff, including registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, psychiatric technicians and mental health workers to meet the needs of the patients.

(f) A qualified therapist should be employed to conduct the therapeutic activity program. Therapists that may be involved in the program include occupational, music, art, dance and recreation therapist.

(g) A social worker shall be employed on a full-time, regular part-time or consulting basis.