1. (a) A Qualified Professional shall be available by telephone or page. A direct care staff shall be able to reach the facility within 30 minutes at all times.
2. (b) If children or adolescents are cared for in separate units/buildings, the minimum staffing numbers shall apply to each unit/building.

3. (c) The minimum number of direct care staff required when children or adolescents are present and awake is as follows:

   1. (1) three direct care staff shall be present for up to six children or adolescents;
   2. (2) four direct care staff shall be present for seven, eight or nine children or adolescents; and
   3. (3) five direct care staff shall be present for 10, 11 or 12 children or adolescents.
4. (d) During child or adolescent sleep hours three direct care staff shall be present of which two shall be awake and the third may be asleep.
5. (e) In addition to the minimum number of direct care staff set forth in Paragraphs (a)-(d) of this Rule, more direct care staff may be required in the facility based on the child or adolescent's individual needs as specified in the treatment plan.

History Note: Authority G.S. 122C‑26; 143B‑147;
Eff. April 1, 2006;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. July 20, 2019.