Changes In Nursing Home Reform Act 1987 In 1987, the Nursing Home Reform Act was put into place in order to protect the elderly and those who were dependent on nursing home care. The act set forth regulations for nursing homes that aimed to improve the quality of life for patients. Since its creation, there have been several adjustments and improvements made to the act in order to reflect the changing needs of elderly care facilities and their patients. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at what exactly the Nursing Home Reform Act is, how it has changed over time, and what impact it is having on modern-day elder care.
The Beginning
The Nursing Home Reform Act was created in response to the many reports of abuse and neglect that were taking place in nursing homes across the country. Prior to the act, there were no federal regulations in place that specifically addressed the care of nursing home residents. This lack of regulation allowed for a wide range of abuses to take place, including physical, sexual, emotional, and financial abuse. In addition, patients often did not receive the necessary medical care and attention they needed. As a result, Congress decided that something needed to be done in order to protect the rights of nursing home residents and ensure that they were receiving quality care.
What The Act Entails
The Nursing Home Reform Act set forth a number of regulations that all nursing homes must follow in order to be certified by the government. These regulations cover a wide range of aspects, including the provision of quality care that is adequate for the physical and mental needs of each resident, the promotion of residents’ dignity and respect, the right of residents to exercise self-determination, and the protection of residents from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
In addition, the Act requires nursing homes to provide their patients with a written statement of rights upon admission to the facility. This statement outlines the rights that each resident has while living in the nursing home. Nursing home staff must also receive training on how to properly care for residents and identify signs of abuse or neglect. The act also created an ombudsman program, which is responsible for investigating complaints made by or on behalf of nursing home residents.
Legal Associations
If you or a loved one has been the victim of abuse or neglect in a nursing home, you may be wondering what legal options are available to you. The Nursing Home Reform Act gives residents the right to file a complaint with the state survey agency. This agency is responsible for conducting inspections of nursing homes and ensuring that they are in compliance with the regulations set forth by the act. If you feel as if your rights have been violated, you can also contact an attorney who specializes in elder law. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and options under the law and can assist you in taking legal action against
those who have harmed you.
Visit https://rosenfeldinjurylawyers.com/nursing-home-abuse-and-neglect.html to learn what constitutes nursing home abuse. If you believe you have a claim, it’s good to gather as much information as you can to support your case.
Litigating abuse cases can be difficult; be prepared for a long legal battle. Hiring an attorney who has successfully represented other nursing home abuse victims can give you the best chance of receiving the compensation you deserve. Look for an attorney who has a strong track record of success in nursing home abuse cases and who is not afraid to take on big nursing home chains.
The Impact Today
Since the Nursing Home Reform Act was put into place, there have been a number of changes and improvements made to the act in order to keep up with the changing needs of those who are living in nursing homes. For example, in 1999, Congress amended the act to require that all nursing homes provide their patients with adequate pain management. In addition, the amendment also requires nursing homes to develop policies and procedures for managing resident behavior. In 2003, another amendment was made that requires nursing homes to develop infection control plans and implement them into their practices.
As you can see, the Nursing Home Reform Act has had a significant impact on the way nursing homes are operated and the care that their residents receive. The act has helped to protect the rights of nursing home patients and ensure that they are receiving quality care.
If you or a loved one is considering moving into a nursing home, it is important to familiarize yourself with the act and the changes that have been made to it over time. This will help you to make an informed decision about which facility is right for your needs.
