NAC449.2712. Residents requiring use of oxygen.

     1. A person who requires the use of oxygen must not be admitted to a residential facility or be permitted to remain as a resident of a residential facility unless he or she:

     (a) Is mentally and physically capable of operating the equipment that provides the oxygen; or

     (b) Is capable of:

          (1) Determining his or her need for oxygen; and

          (2) Administering the oxygen to himself or herself with assistance.

     2. The caregivers employed by a residential facility with a resident who requires the use of oxygen shall:

     (a) Monitor the ability of the resident to operate the equipment in accordance with the orders of a physician; and

     (b) Ensure that:

          (1) The resident’s physician evaluates periodically the condition of the resident which necessitates his or her use of oxygen;

          (2) Signs which prohibit smoking and notify persons that oxygen is in use are posted in areas of the facility in which oxygen is in use or is being stored;

          (3) Persons do not smoke in those areas where smoking is prohibited;

          (4) All electrical equipment is inspected for defects which may cause sparks;

          (5) All oxygen tanks kept in the facility are secured in a stand or to a wall;

          (6) The equipment used to administer oxygen is in good working condition;

          (7) A portable unit for the administration of oxygen in the event of a power outage is present in the facility at all times when a resident who requires oxygen is present in the facility; and

          (8) The equipment used to administer oxygen is removed from the facility when it is no longer needed by the resident.

     3. The administrator of a residential facility shall ensure that the caregivers who may be required to administer oxygen have demonstrated the ability to operate properly the equipment used to administer oxygen.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Health by R003-97, eff. 10-30-97)