The short answer
The nursing home administrator is the licensed manager responsible for running the entire facility: operations, budget, staffing levels, hiring, policies, regulatory compliance and responding to inspections and complaints. In New York the administrator must hold a state nursing home administrator license. The administrator answers to the facility's owners or governing body.
Responsibilities
- Day-to-day management of every department: nursing, dietary, housekeeping, maintenance, social work, activities and admissions
- Budget and staffing levels, including use of agency staff
- Compliance with federal and New York regulations, including responding to Department of Health inspections
- Making sure allegations of abuse, neglect and injuries of unknown origin are reported to the state and investigated
- The grievance process and responses to family concerns
When to go to the administrator
- When the director of nursing has not resolved a serious or repeated problem
- Staffing concerns, such as too few aides on nights and weekends
- A threatened transfer or discharge
- Billing and admission agreement issues
- Suspected abuse or neglect, along with a report to the Department of Health
Put the concern in writing and keep a copy. If the administrator does not act, file a complaint with the Department of Health.
The rules behind this
- 42 C.F.R. § 483.70 (administration)
- 42 C.F.R. § 483.12(c) (reporting alleged violations)
Related questions
This guide provides general information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change; confirm current requirements with the facility, the New York State Department of Health or a professional. Attorney Advertising.