As more people live longer, the need for quality long-term care for the elderly will increase dramatically. This volume examines the current system of nursing home regulations, and proposes an overhaul to better provide for those confined to such facilities. It determines the need for regulations, and concludes that the present regulatory system is inadequate, stating that what is needed is not more regulation, but better regulation. This long-anticipated study provides a wealth of useful background information, in-depth study, and discussion for nursing home administrators, students, and teachers in the health care field; professionals involved in caring for the elderly; and geriatric specialists.
- Cover
- Front Matter
- 1. Introduction and Summary
- 2. Concepts of Quality, Quality Assessment, and Quality Assurance
- 3. Regulatory Criteria
- 4. Monitoring Nursing Home Performance
- 5. Enforcing Compliance with Federal Standards
- 6. Other Factors Affecting Quality of Care and Quality of Life in Nursing Homes
- 7. Issues Requiring Further Study
- 8. Actions Required and Cost Implications of the Recommendations
- Notes
- Appendix A: History of Federal Nursing Home Regulation
- Appendix B: Existing SNF Conditions of Participation and ICF Standards
- Appendix C: Report of Survey of State Health Facility Licensure and Certification Agencies
- Appendix D: Selected Data on Nursing Homes and Residents
- Appendix E: Key Indicators of Quality of Care
- Glossary
- Acronyms and Initialisms
- Index