Both the federal and the state government regulate nursing homes. The Nursing Home Reform Act was passed in 1987, which requires nursing homes to provide activities and services that deliver the highest level of mental, psycho-social and physical well-being for residents.
In addition, nursing homes must:
- Provide sufficient nursing staff
- Conduct a comprehensive assessment of functional capabilities of new residents
- Provide a written plan of care for each resident
- Promote quality of life
- Maintain the dignity of each patient
- Provide accessible and accurate clinical records for each resident
Each nursing home must be licensed, and each state has specific requirements for licensure. In addition to responding to complaints from the general public, state officials will inspect nursing homes on a regular basis for the following:
- Facility upkeep
- Staffing details
- Quality of resident care
States also offer Ombudsman services to advocate for nursing home and assisted living residents, with the goal of improving quality of life.
