Patient Classification System Clause Samples

Patient Classification System a. The Hospital shall establish and maintain a reliable and valid Patient Classification System. b. The Patient Classification Committee shall be composed of at least fifty percent (50%) Staff Nurses who provide direct patient care. A Staff Nurse member and a Nursing Management member shall serve as co-chairs of the committee. The Association shall appoint the Staff Nurse co-chair. The co- chairs shall agree on the appropriate clinical specialties to be represented by members of the committee. c. The Patient Classification Committee shall meet at least monthly if a new Patient Classification System is being established and then until all Nurses are trained in its use. Otherwise, the committee shall meet at least quarterly. d. The Responsibilities of the Patient Classification Committee shall include: (1) Participate in the development and implementation of the Patient Classification System. (2) Participate in the assessment, continued planning and evaluation of the Patient Classification System. (a) Per Title 22 regulations, the Patient Classification System must be reviewed at least yearly. (b) Members of the Patient Classification Committee must have access to all data and trend information generated by the Patient Classification System, including Variance reports showing the difference between the actual and required staff on a day to day and shift by shift basis. (3) Conduct validity and reliability studies of the Patient Classification System at least annually. (4) Establish means by which Staff Nurses may have regular input into the Patient Classification System. Such means must be publicized quarterly. The Patient Classification Committee shall respond in a timely manner to Staff Nurses providing such input and such response shall include the disposition of the Nurse’s concerns. (5) Make changes/adaptations in the Patient Classification System as needed to assure that the system accurately captures patient acuity and care needs. (6) Recommend the type and extent of Patient Classification System training for Staff Nurses. (7) Participate in ongoing Patient Classification System training for Staff. (8) Determine the guidelines for implementation and operation of the Patient Classification System as a staffing tool. (9) If the Patient Classification Committee is unable to reach a consensus on an issue or issues within its scope as defined above, such issue(s) shall be referred to the Chief Nursing Officer who will meet with the committee to discuss the...