Nursing Home Regulations
Congress established the first standards for nursing facilities in 1967. The creation of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965 also brought additional federal regulations of nursing home care. If a facility accepts Medicare and Medicaid they must follow a set of established guidelines and federal standards. The Health Care Finance Administration which is part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services ensures nursing homes follow these federal regulations. In addition to complying with federal regulations many states have also adopted tougher laws to regulate nursing home care. All residents have protected rights under the Nursing Home Reforms Act and the American with Disabilities Act. Under the Nursing Home Reform Acts a resident has the following rights:
- Residents have the right to be fully informed of services provided, cost of charges and the rules and regulations of the nursing home.
- Residents have the right to participate in their own care.
- Residents have the right to make independent choices.
- Residents have the right to privacy and confidentiality.
- Residents have the right to dignity, respect, and freedom.
- Residents have the right to security of possessions.
- Residents have rights during transfers and discharges.
- Residents have the right to complain without fear of reprisal.
- A resident has the right to visits.
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