2014 Nebraska Nurses Association Book of Reports

2014 Nebraska Nurses Association
The Nebraska assisted living regulations require that the older adult/resident’s condition be stable,
predictable and safe in an environment where their independence is maintained while providing
some assistance with daily activities. The older adult “directs their own care” and services are
outlined on a resident services agreement. A Registered Nurse Consultant is required to review
medication policies and procedures and to provide or oversee the training of medication aides who
typically serve as the direct care providers. Twenty-four hour licensed nursing care is not required
by regulations. The assisted living organizations plan operations and health care staffing within the
company’s defined model of care, which may vary from provider to provider. Some assisted living
organizations do employ part time and full time Registered Nurses who serve in the RN Consultant
role for residents, families and staff.
Nursing facilities are regulated by federal and state regulations. Twenty-four hour licensed nursing
care is required in the nursing facility. The nursing facility services are consistent from one provider
to another, although the culture of the organizations may vary.
In July 2013, representatives of the Nebraska Assisted Living Association and LeadingAge Nebraska
met to discuss forming a Future of Assisted Living Collaborative to begin discussing assisted living
in Nebraska and exploring the need for possible changes, with a special focus on the role of the
nurse in the assisted living setting. Representatives from the Nebraska Nurses Association (NNA)
and the Nebraska Action Coalition (NAC), and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human
Services Division of Public Health also participated. Following a facilitated discussion of the issues
from various perspectives, the group decided to form a Steering Committee for the purpose of
further research and identification of key focus areas.
The Steering Committee identified the following priorities:
explore the possible need for education
practices and exploration of whether the role should be expanded in the future
On May 9, 2014, the original Collaborative group reconvened to hear the Steering Committee’s
report and identify a plan for moving forward. All agreed the next step was to expand the group
to include a wider variety of stakeholders and to meet on November 18, 2014 to continue the
discussion and planning.
RECOMMENDATION(S):
WHEREAS, the NNA has an obligation to maintain the integrity of nursing practice and public
safety in the State of Nebraska, and the means to publish educational resources in a costeffective
and efficient manner, and
WHEREAS, NNA has access to direct contact information for all registered and licensed
practical nurses in the State of Nebraska and
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