Nursing homes across the United States are required to abide by certain federal nursing home laws. Below, the elder abuse attorneys of Reed Law Offices in Omaha, NE, compiled a list of nursing home regulations all facilities must follow.

If you or a loved one currently resides in a nursing home, take some time to familiarize yourself with the basics: 

1. Nursing Home Residents Have Basic Rights

Under the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987, all residents living in nursing homes have certain rights under what is known as the Residents’ Bill of Rights. These rights are similar to those provided to all Americans in the Constitution and include the right to medical and emotional care without abuse, isolation, or improper medical care.

2. Nursing Homes Must Meet Health & Safety Requirements

The federal law mandates that all nursing home facilities must provide their residents with a safe and healthy environment. This means residents must receive adequate nutrition, fluids, and, if necessary, medication. Additionally, facilities have to pass regular inspections for cleanliness and safety.  

3. Federal Nursing Home Laws Provide Residents With Choices

Nursing home residents have the right to choose many aspects of their life, including medical treatments and other aspects of their care plan. For example, because nursing homes are legally bound to respect their residents’ choices if a resident wishes to switch doctors, the nursing home must oblige them. Furthermore, the use of physical restraints or sedatives by nursing homes or their staff is illegal unless such measures have been deemed medically necessary by the resident’s doctor.

In short, federal nursing home laws are in place to protect the rights, medical needs, and dignity of nursing home residents. If you or a loved one has suffered nursing home neglect, you have legal recourse options available. Contact Reed Law Offices at (402) 933-0588, or visit the website for more information on how they can help.