What is the minimum number of consecutive hours a Registered Nurse must be in the building each day, and on how many days per week?

• A. 12 consecutive hours a day, 5 days a week
• B. 4 hours a day, 7 days a week
• C. 8 consecutive hours a day, 7 days a week, unless a HHSC waiver is approved
• D. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Answer: (C)

The standard being tested is that a registered nurse must be in the building for eight consecutive hours each day, seven days a week. This ensures continuous RN oversight for resident care, allowing ongoing assessments, treatment supervision, and quick responses to needs across all shifts. A HHSC waiver can be requested if the facility can demonstrate equivalent safe care through approved arrangements, but without a waiver, eight hours daily every day is expected. The other options either reduce daily hours, omit weekend coverage, or imply 24/7 presence, which isn’t the baseline rule.