Rhode Island General Laws Title 23. Health and Safety § 23-17.5-35. Staffing plan

(b)(1) The staffing pattern shall include provisions for registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, medication technicians, licensed physical therapists, licensed occupational therapists, licensed speech-language pathologists, mental health workers who are also certified nurse assistants, physical therapist assistants, and other personnel as required.

(2) The number and type of nursing personnel shall be based on resident care needs and classifications as determined for each residential area.  Each nursing facility shall be responsible to have sufficient qualified staff to meet the needs of the residents.

(3) At least one individual who is certified in basic life support must be available twenty-four (24) hours a day within the nursing facility.

(4) Each nursing facility shall include direct caregivers, including at least one certified nursing assistant, in the process to create the master plan of the staffing pattern and the federally mandated facility assessment.  If the certified nursing assistants in the nursing facility are represented under a collective bargaining agreement, the bargaining unit shall coordinate voting to allow the certified nursing assistants to select their representative.