Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 Protects the Elderly

Few things in life or more disheartening then learning that your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect.  The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 gives residents of nursing homes certain rights and services.

This law came into effect after a study was conducted by the Institute of Medicine at the request of the U.S. Congress.  The study found that residents of nursing homes were being neglected, abused and provided inadequate care.  Major reforms were made within the nursing home industry and the Nursing Home Reform Act, which is part of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, became law.

Under the Nursing Home Reform Act, residents must receive quality care from the nursing home that will help them reach and maintain their highest possible physical, mental and psychosocial wellbeing.  Residents of nursing homes are owed certain services based on this law.  The Nursing Home Reform Act also established minimum standards of care and rights for individuals residing in certified nursing facilities.

Based on this law, inspectors can make unannounced surveys, which include resident interviews that will occur throughout a 15-month time span.  Inspectors focus on the rights, quality of care and provided services of the nursing home residents.

Nursing homes are required by law to provide residents with regular evaluations, complete care plans, nursing services, social services, rehabilitation, pharmaceutical care, dietary services and if applicable, a full-time social worker.

Nursing home residents have many rights under the law, including the right to be free from abuse, mistreatment, neglect and physical restraints.  They also have the right to privacy, dignity, self-determination and to communicate freely. 

Even though residents are legally protected, nursing home abuse and neglect still occurs throughout the United States.  If you or a loved one has been the victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, contact Weisberg & Zaleski, P.C. at (800) 690-0235.

The article, Rights of Nursing Home Residents, has more information on this topic.