Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987
The federal Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 was enacted to ensure that each patient in a nursing home receives quality care and treatment to achieve their highest practicable state of well being. Our nursing home attorneys, who practice in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale and surrounding areas, can help you understand the federal and state nursing home laws and regulations. We can fight back against nursing homes that refuse to follow the law.
Resident's Rights
Under the Nursing Home Reform Act regulations and Arizona laws, patients in nursing homes have certain nursing home residents' rights, including:
- Freedom from physical restraints
- Treatment with dignity
- Self-determination, especially for treatment
- Freedom from abuse and neglect
- Privacy
- Participation in the care plan
The regulations list out many more rights afforded to nursing home patients. Our nursing home abuse attorneys can help you understand your loved one's rights and help you recognize the signs of abuse.
Background for the Nursing Home Reform Act
The Institute of Medicine conducted a study in 1986, at the request of the U.S. Congress, that found rampant abuse and neglect in nursing homes throughout the U.S. In response, Congress passed the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987. The goals of the Act included:
- Establishing standards for care on a national level
- Establishing and monitoring resident rights
- Establishing a certification process for nursing homes to meet quality standards
Nursing homes can only receive Medicaid and Medicare monies for long-term patients if the state certifies that the facility is in compliance with the Nursing Home Reform Act requirements. Surveys of facilities to determine compliance can be conducted in 15 month intervals. That means almost a year and a half can pass between compliance checks. Unfortunately, not every nursing home provides the high level of care that they should at all times. Your loved ones should not be put in danger because of the carelessness of their nursing home provider.
If you suspect that your loved one is being neglected or abused at a nursing home, please contact Cullan & Cullan today for your consultation with experienced nursing home attorneys. We represent clients in Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and throughout Arizona.