Who is responsible for completing the initial assessment in assisted living facilities?

The responsibility for completing the initial assessment in assisted living facilities typically falls to a Registered Nurse. This is due to their extensive training in clinical assessment, care planning, and understanding complex health issues, which are all crucial for evaluating a new resident's health status and care needs.

A Registered Nurse possesses the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct a comprehensive assessment that includes gathering health history, performing physical examinations, and identifying any immediate medical or psychosocial needs. Additionally, they can effectively integrate these findings into a personalized care plan that addresses the specific requirements of each resident.

In contrast, while Nurse Practitioners are also qualified to assess and manage patient care, in many assisted living facilities, their role might be more focused on ongoing medical management rather than the initial assessment. Licensed Practical Nurses, although an essential part of the healthcare team, typically have a more limited scope of practice and would not be responsible for the comprehensive initial evaluations that a Registered Nurse performs. Healthcare Administrators primarily focus on the operational aspects of the facility rather than direct patient care assessments.