Nursing Home Reform Act

Nursing homes that receive federal funds must comply with the Nursing Home Reform Act. The federal Nursing Home Reform Act became law with growing public concern with the poor quality of care in too many nursing homes. This act creates a national minimum set of standards of care and rights for people living in certified nursing facilities. All nursing home residents are entitled to receive quality care and live in an environment that improves or maintains the quality of their physical and mental health. All residents are entitled freedom from abuse and neglect. In addition, the Reform Act specifies what services nursing home must give residents and establishes the standards in which these services must be performed. Required services include but are not limited to: sufficient nursing and other staff in order to provide nursing and related services; periodic assessments for each resident; a comprehensive care plan for each resident; pharmaceutical, rehabilitation, and social services; supervised medical care by a physician; maintenance of residents’ good nutrition and hygiene; prevention against pressure sores and if pressure sores develop must provide necessary treatment; maintenance of clinical records on each residence; prevention of medication errors; and care for residents in a manner which enhances residents’ dignity, respect,, and quality of life.