Skilled nursing homes in Nevada are governed by federal and state regulations that give residents certain rights related to medical care and services, daily living needs, financial affairs, and personal safety.
Protecting the Rights of Nursing Home Residents
Skilled nursing homes must follow federal and state regulations when operating. Since skilled nursing facilities’ services are paid primarily by Medicare and Medicaid funding, residents are protected by federal laws. Unlike privately owned and operated nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and retirement homes, skilled facilities provide professional medical services from doctors, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and audiologists.
Skilled nursing home regulations for care and services include:
Equality for all Residents
Laws prohibit skilled facilities from discrimination based on race, age, sex, religion, skin color, or other personal characteristics. If discrimination is suspected, an official complaint can be filed with Medicare or a Nevada long-term care ombudsman.
Written Statement of Fees
Before a resident moves in, skilled facilities must give residents a written statement of fees for provided services. Other facilities often charge a substantial up-front fee to guarantee services, skilled facilities are not permitted to charge up-front fees.
Initial Health Assessments
Upon entry into a skilled facility, residents must undergo an initial health assessment by doctors and nurses to determine the resident’s abilities and health care needs. These assessments are used to determine eligibility for Medicare coverage.
Financial Affairs
Skilled nursing homes are not permitted to manage a resident’s money or financial affairs without the resident’s written consent. If consent is given, quarterly financial statements must be sent to Medicare. Residents are permitted to access their own bank accounts, financial documents, and cash at all times.
Medical Care and Treatment
Under federal regulations, residents have the right to be informed about their illnesses, diseases, physical and mental health, and prescribed medications, as well as access to their medical records. Residents are permitted to see their own doctors and refuse treatment for personal injuries and care.
Discharge from a Facility
Skilled facilities must help with discharges and transfers. They are not permitted to discharge or transfer a resident unless:
- The resident’s health has declined and they can no longer provide proper care
- The resident’s health has improved and no longer require’s the home’s services
- The resident poses a threat to themselves or other residents in the facility
- The resident fails to pay facility bills unless the resident is awaiting Medicare payments