Nursing Home Reform Act

Hello, I’m Eddie Farah and you’re watching The Legal View. Nursing homes are inspected and regulated by both federal and state officials. Back in 1987, Congress passed what is now referred to as the Nursing Home Reform Act. Some of the most significant regulations that this law requires are as follows:

1. Every nursing home must develop a comprehensive care plan for each patient. Once a person is admitted into a nursing home, a comprehensive care plan is to be performed to ensure the patient receives the appropriate care and level of care to promote the improvement of the patient while under the facility’s care. Family members should also be involved in care plan meetings.

2. Undertake medical treatment methods to help prevent deterioration of the patient’s ability to perform daily tasks. This includes activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, grooming, transfer, ambulating, communicating, and eating.

3. Prevent development of pressure sores and provide necessary treatment when patients have them. Proper skin care and frequent monitoring for residents of nursing homes are essential. Family involvement is important, and your loved one should be checked by you for skin wounds as well.

4. Prevent falls, trips, and other events where patients can be injured. Other than bedsores, falls in nursing homes seem to be the most prevalent events that occur. When a patient is admitted to a nursing home, a fall risk assessment should be performed.

5. Provide proper nutrition and fluid intake. This is to maintain hydration and nutrition levels. Often times, elderly patients do not eat or drink enough, and it’s essential for the nursing staff to monitor the patient to ensure he or she is adequately hydrated and fed.

6. Avoid medication errors. Giving the right medication at the right time to the right patient is the rule of medication.

7. There is no substitute for visiting your loved one regularly. Regular visits allow you to report any change in behavior or appearance to nursing personnel or a doctor immediately.

If you have questions about your nursing home situation, feel free to contact Farah & Farah. Thank you for watching The Legal View.