What is the Nursing Home Reform Act?

The Nursing Home Reform Act is federal legislation that established minimum standards of care and rights for residents in nursing homes that receive Medicare and Medicaid funding. The law requires facilities to provide services that help each resident attain and maintain their highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being.

Why is the Nursing Home Reform Act important?

• Quality standards: Sets minimum requirements for nursing home care.
• Resident rights: Establishes and protects fundamental rights for nursing home residents.
• Enforcement mechanisms: Creates oversight and penalties for non-compliance.

Key provisions of the Nursing Home Reform Act

• Resident rights to freedom from abuse, mistreatment, and neglect.
• Requirements for comprehensive assessment and care planning.
• Standards for nursing services, dietary services, and activities.

How Solace can help

A Solace advocate can help you understand the rights guaranteed to nursing home residents, evaluate facilities for compliance with required standards, and address concerns about quality of care or resident rights violations. They can assist with filing complaints to state survey agencies, support family members in advocacy for their loved ones, and help navigate transfers when needed to ensure appropriate care.