Iowa Administrative Code
Agency 481 - Inspections and Appeals Department
Inspections Division
Chapter 51 - Hospitals
Rule 481-51.24 - Long-term Care Service

(1) Long-term care service definition. Long-term care service means any building or distinct part of a building utilized by the hospital for the provision of a service that would fall within the definition of a health care facility in Iowa Code chapter 135C if it was not operating as part of a hospital licensed under Iowa Code chapter 135B.

(2) Long-term care service general requirements. The general requirements for the hospital's long-term care service are the same as required by Iowa Code chapter 135C or rules promulgated thereunder for the category of health care facility involved. Exceptions to those rules requiring distinct parts to be established may be waived where it is found to be in the best interest of the long-term care resident and of no detriment to the patients in the hospital. Requests for waivers to other applicable rules may be made in accordance with the appropriate health care facility rules.

(3) Long-term care service staff. Where a hospital operates a freestanding nursing care facility, it shall be under the administrative authority of a licensed nursing home administrator who will be responsible to the hospital's administrator. Where a hospital operates a distinct part long-term care unit under the hospital license, a licensed nursing home administrator is not required. Other staffing requirements for the hospital's long-term care service are the same as required by Iowa Code chapter 135C or rules promulgated thereunder.