New York Codes, Rules and Regulations
Title 14 - DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HYGIENE
Chapter XIV - Office for People With Developmental Disabilities
Part 686 - Operation of Community Residences
Section 686.9 - Staffing

(1) Personnel shall be available to supervise, operate and maintain the premises of a community residence in compliance with all applicable requirements.

(2) There shall be a staffing plan based upon such considerations as the number of individuals and their levels of functioning and need, support staff requirements, and physical plant demands.

(3) The community residence can make use of volunteers in any area where they may directly or indirectly enhance opportunities for the personal development and the quality of life for the persons living in the residence. However, volunteers shall not be substituted for paid personnel necessary to operate the residence in accordance with this Part. Family members and friends of persons living in the residence will not be considered volunteers for planning purposes.

(4) In addition, in a supervised community residence, staff availability is required at all times when individuals are present. However, arrangements at the site for less intensive supervisory coverage are permissible. These arrangements shall be based on an assessment of a given individual's specific ability to assume responsibility for herself or himself as documented in the plan of services and determined to be appropriate for that individual.

(1) A written staffing schedule exists at the site, which indicates that for the individuals supervision is available or on call 24 hours a day.

(2) There is a written plan for the utilization of volunteers (not to include family members or friends of persons living in the residence), if the community residence makes use of volunteers.