New Federal Nursing Home Regulations Take Effect

The first phase of revised federal nursing home regulations took effect on November 28, 2016, implementing numerous changes to the federal standards that have been in place since 1991. The new regulations are a mixed bag for nursing home residents that affect almost every aspect of life in a nursing home. Unfortunately, the most important new requirement – a ban on pre-dispute arbitration agreements – has been stayed by a federal court order in Mississippi ruling on behalf of the American Health Care Association. The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care published a summary of key changes to some of the requirements, including regulatory sections on Residents Rights; Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation; and Admission, Transfer and Discharge Rights.