What is the legal nurse to resident ratio in LTC in WI? Is it up to the corporate office, and how does it benefit the residents?
I’ve interviewed at two facilities (waunakee, Stoughton) had clinical at one (madison), and all ratios were 1:20. I’m not sure about any legal mandates for ratios.
While I don't have any information on WI, here is a 2020 study referencing CMS-recommended >>minimum<< staffing for NHs. Note that it calls for RN + LVN + CNA levels in the minimum #'s & discusses acuity. There are a lot of good info and references in this paper that may help you in your discussions about staffing.
The legal nurse to resident ratio in LTC in Wisconsin:
(a) 1:5 during waking hours. A group home shall have at least one staff member awake and providing supervision for every 5 or fewer residents present in the group home during waking hours. (b) 1:8 during sleeping hours.
Yes, it is for corporate offices, and it is of great benefit to the residents, because the number of nurses needed for the whole population is sufficient.
There is no legal ratios. For the most part they staff to the needs of the facility. Most facilities staff at the bare minimums. It is all about money. Medicare and Medicaid do not pay the full costs of the residents care. Medicare pays more than Medicaid, so there is a push for Medicare patients.
Thank you
