Breakdown of Nursing Home Laws

Another name for a nursing home is a "skilled nursing facility." It is a residential care facility for those who need regular medical attention and supervision. These institutions care for individuals suffering from impairments and chronic medical ailments. 

The establishment and operationalization of nursing homes is not an all-comers' affair. The Nursing Home Reform Act, the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1987, guides everything about nursing homes. It is a federal legislation establishing quality standards for nursing facilities participating in the Medicaid and Medicare programs. 

OBRA establishes a survey and complaint mechanism to ascertain that nursing facilities meet these standards and provisions for resident rights, staffing levels, and quality of care. Also, the legislation mandates nursing homes to have an adequate workforce to meet their residents’ needs. Their training and credentials must also tick all the boxes. 

The Nursing Homes’ Regulation

Both state and federal rules govern to ensure safe and adequate care for residents. As stated, the Nursing Home Reform Act is the central legislation for checking nursing facilities. It gives the parameters for the standard of care in skilled nursing facilities involved in Medicare and Medicaid programs.

Nursing homes face various restrictions at the state level, including certification and licensing requirements and specialized rules and regulations guiding care delivery. State survey agencies conduct on-site inspections of nursing facilities to ensure compliance with relevant regulations. They can penalize and revoke licenses of non-compliant homes.

One of the most crucial requirements for skilled nursing facilities is resident abuse and neglect prohibition. The Federal Patient Self-Determination Act requires nursing facilities to inform residents of their rights, including the right to be neglect and abuse-free. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse and abandonment are still rampant in the US despite these rules. 

Numerous situations cause abuse and neglect. They include poor staff training, lack of regulatory supervision and enforcement, and insufficient workforce. Family and caregivers must be observant and report any suspected neglect or abuse to the relevant authorities to deal with these issues decisively. 

In addition, nursing homes should establish a well-defined structure for reporting and investigating complaints. Reporting and managing suspected cases of abuse and neglect should be seamless. 

Furthermore, they should have a constant education and training program for their staff members to ensure everyone understands the facility’s vision and mission. They should know the rules and regulations guiding care delivery. The employees should also have access to information and tools for appropriate and safe care. 

Ultimately, the essence of state and federal legislation is to ensure residents' safety and proper care. Nursing facilities should not drop the ball unduly. All hands must be on deck to ensure excellent output always. 

Nursing Home Resident's Bill of Rights

OBRA initiated the “Residents’ Bill of Rights” for nursing facility residents. The established rights protect against abuse and neglect of residents by ensuring they get appropriate and adequate care. 

One of the crucial rights nursing home residents enjoy under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act is the right to get the required care and services to sustain their mental and physical well-being. It includes the right to customized care and the liberty from chemical and physical constraints deployed for convenience or punishment. 

Residents also enjoy the right to dignity and privacy. Nursing facilities' inhabitants have the right to privacy in their rooms and restrooms. They deserve decent and courteous treatment. OBRA also protects their right to accessible communication with relatives, loved ones, and choice representatives. Anyone can visit them at any given time. 

Nursing home residents have the right to know their medical status and participate in preparing and implementing their care plans. It includes the right to enlightenment on their rights and the facility's regulations. Also, they have the right to participate in recreational and social activities. 

Similarly, nursing facility residents can air their grievances and objections without fear of reprisal. They can call nursing home management’s attention to their concern for timely assessment and action. 

Ultimately, nursing facility residents have the right to be free of abandonment, maltreatment, and abuse. This prohibition includes verbal, psychological, physical, and sexual abuse and exploitation. 

Note that these rights also apply to patients' relatives and representatives. Nursing homes must carry them along in the care planning process. They should also know about patient health status changes or treatment. 

“Despite the legality of these rights, upholding them can sometimes be complex because many nursing homes have a workforce shortage and limited finances and fail to provide adequate care to their residents. Thus, every stakeholder should be attentive and report any suspected neglect or abuse to relevant authorities,” says attorney Carasusana Wall of  Zoll & Kranz, LLC. 

Signs of Nursing Facility Abuse or Neglect

The following are signs of abuse and negligence in nursing facilities:

• Changes in appearance or unexpected weight reduction
• Medication errors or overmedication 
• Sudden attitudinal changes, like violence or withdrawal
• Bedsores, scrapes, or bruises that are inexplicable 
• Filthy or disgusting living circumstances 
• Refusal to disclose treatment plans or the resident’s fear of some workers
• Evasive or uncooperative staff members 
• Neglect of essential requirements, like hygiene and food

It is essential to add that these signs may also indicate other issues besides abuse. So, pay attention to everyone that you observe. Being proactive will save the situation from deteriorating. 

Do You Need a Lawyer for Your Nursing Home Issues?

You must quickly act if you feel a nursing home neglects or maltreats your loved one. Contact a skilled nursing facility abuse lawyer to discuss your legal rights and privileges. They will also support you in bringing the erring nursing home to book. 

Furthermore, you need the insights of an attorney to gather evidence, like witness testimonies and medical records, for a convincing argument in court. They will help you file a complaint with the concerned agencies and, if necessary, take legal action. 

Passionate nursing home abuse attorneys are skilled negotiators. Hence, they can help you engage the concerned nursing facility and their insurer to receive maximum compensation for your loved one. The compensation may include medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. 

Nursing home abuse lawsuits are challenging and time-consuming. The legal procedure is also intimidating and tiring. An attorney's expertise becomes indispensable at this point; you need them to navigate the legal system for positive outcomes. 

It is advisable to act immediately because nursing home abuses and neglect are time-sensitive. Contact a lawyer now and book a consultation to discuss your options!