Free South Carolina Nursing Home Administrator State Examination Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the South Carolina Nursing Home Administrator State Examination practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1A South Carolina facility houses two unrelated adults and provides organized skilled nursing care for more than 24 hours. Under Regulation 60-17, how is this operation classified?

   1. A. A nursing home
   2. B. A respite residence
   3. C. An institutional infirmary
   4. D. An outpatient service

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Section 101 defines a nursing home as "a facility with an organized nursing staff to maintain and operate organized facilities and services to accommodate two (2) or more unrelated individuals over a period exceeding twenty-four (24) hours." The described operation meets that definition.

   Reference: Sc Reg 61 17 — § 101.RR, p. 5

2. 2A compliance issue was cited under the same section 30 months after an earlier citation, despite a change in the facility's licensee. How must it be treated?

   1. A. As a first violation because ownership changed
   2. B. As a repeat violation
   3. C. As a consultation finding only
   4. D. As an expired violation because more than 24 months passed

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Section 101 states, "Repeat Violation. The recurrence of any violation cited under the same section of the regulation within a thirty-six-month (36-month) period. The time period determinant of repeat violation status is not interrupted by licensee changes." Thirty months is within that period.

   Reference: Sc Reg 61 17 — § 101.BBB, p. 6

3. 3The administrator schedules a quarterly review. Which timing interval meets Regulation 60-17's definition of quarterly?

   1. A. Every 6 to 8 days
   2. B. Every 25 to 35 days
   3. C. Every 81 to 99 days
   4. D. Every 12 to 13 months

   Answer: C

   Explanation: Section 101 defines quarterly as an activity performed "at least four (4) times a year within intervals ranging from eighty-one to ninety-nine (81 to 99) days." The other intervals are the regulation's weekly, monthly, and annual timing concepts.

   Reference: Sc Reg 61 17 — §§ 101.H, 101.OO, 101.AAA, and 101.VVV, pp. 2, 5, and 7

4. 4A resident wears a device that sounds an alarm when she rises but does not restrict her movement. How does Regulation 60-17 classify the device?

   1. A. A chemical restraint
   2. B. A mechanical restraint
   3. C. A physical restraint
   4. D. Not a restraint

   Answer: D

   Explanation: Section 101 provides that "devices that trigger electronic alarms to warn staff that a resident is leaving a chair, bed, or room that do not restrict freedom of movement are not considered restraints." This device only alerts staff.

   Reference: Sc Reg 61 17 — § 101.HHH, p. 6

5. 5Before adding licensed beds in renovated space, what approval must a South Carolina nursing home obtain?

   1. A. Authorization from the Department
   2. B. Approval from the resident council
   3. C. Certification from the consulting pharmacist
   4. D. Consent from the county ombudsman

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Section 201 states, "No facility shall establish new care or services or occupy additional beds or renovated space without first obtaining authorization from the Department." Department authorization must precede occupancy.

   Reference: Sc Reg 61 17 — § 201.D, p. 9

6. 6Two nursing homes under the same owner are on separate, noncontiguous properties. What licensing arrangement is required?

   1. A. One license if both use the same administrator
   2. B. A separate license for each nursing home
   3. C. One license if both offer the same level of care
   4. D. A single amended license listing both addresses

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Section 201 provides, "Multiple nursing homes owned by the same entity but not located on the same adjoining or contiguous property shall be separately licensed." Common ownership does not eliminate separate licensing.

   Reference: Sc Reg 61 17 — § 201.F.4, p. 10

7. 7A 15-bed facility is calculating its annual DPH licensing fee. What base amount does Regulation 60-17 require?

   1. A. $300
   2. B. $375
   3. C. $400
   4. D. $500

   Answer: C

   Explanation: Section 202 requires "twenty dollars ($20.00) per licensed bed, or four hundred dollars ($400.00), whichever is greater." Fifteen beds times $20 is $300, so the $400 minimum controls.

   Reference: Sc Reg 61 17 — § 202.A, p. 12

8. 8DPH granted a licensing-standard exception to the current operator. The facility is sold to a new licensee. What happens to the exception?

   1. A. It transfers automatically for one renewal cycle
   2. B. It remains valid until the next inspection
   3. C. It transfers if residents are notified
   4. D. It does not transfer unless DPH approves it

   Answer: D

   Explanation: Section 203 states, "In the event of a licensee change, exceptions are not transferable to the new licensee unless approved by the Department." The new licensee needs DPH approval.

   Reference: Sc Reg 61 17 — § 203, p. 12

9. 9DPH arrives without prior notice to investigate a licensed nursing home. What should the administrator recognize?

   1. A. The investigation may proceed without advance notice
   2. B. The visit requires 24-hour written notice
   3. C. The visit may occur only during annual renewal
   4. D. The facility may limit access to public areas

   Answer: A

   Explanation: Section 302 states, "All facilities, proposed facilities, or unlicensed facilities are subject to inspection or investigation at any time without prior notice." The unannounced visit is authorized.

   Reference: Sc Reg 61 17 — § 302.B, p. 12

10. 10DPH cites deficiencies and requests a written plan of correction. Who must sign that plan?

    1. A. The medical director
    2. B. The Administrator
    3. C. The director of nursing
    4. D. The governing-body chair

    Answer: B

    Explanation: Section 302 requires an acceptable written plan of correction "that shall be signed by the Administrator and returned by the date specified by the Department." Therefore the Administrator signs it.

    Reference: Sc Reg 61 17 — § 302.D, pp. 12-13