The DON may not provide direct care to residents if the daily census of the facility is what number or more?

The correct answer is based on regulations that govern the role of the Director of Nursing (DON) in nursing care facilities. When the daily census of residents reaches a certain threshold, it is mandated that the DON focuses on administrative duties rather than providing direct patient care to ensure that they can effectively oversee nursing staff and maintain quality standards of care.

In Arizona, the regulation stipulates that if the daily census reaches 60 or more residents, the DON is not permitted to engage in direct care. This rule is in place to ensure that the DON can dedicate sufficient time to management responsibilities, address the needs of the entire facility, and supervise nursing staff without the distraction of providing bedside care.

This safeguards the quality of care that residents receive, as having a dedicated administrative leader is crucial in high-census environments. The standard helps to ensure that resident needs and safety are prioritized through effective leadership and oversight.