What federal law governs the operation of nursing homes in the United States?

The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 is the foundational federal law that regulates the operation of nursing homes in the United States. This legislation was enacted in response to growing concerns about the quality of care and the overall living conditions in nursing homes, particularly for the elderly population.

The act introduced a comprehensive set of standards aimed at enhancing the quality of care for residents, ensuring their rights, and establishing requirements for the administration of long-term care facilities. It mandates that nursing homes provide a certain level of care and protects residents’ rights, which include the right to dignity, privacy, and the highest practicable level of well-being. Additionally, the law established a detailed process for assessing the needs of residents and ensuring that care plans effectively address those needs.

While the Older Americans Act does address various services for the elderly, including nutrition and social services, it does not specifically regulate nursing home operations. The Medicare Accessibility Act and the Affordable Care Act contain provisions related to health care but do not specifically focus on the operational standards for nursing homes in the same manner as the Nursing Home Reform Act. Thus, the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 is the primary legislation that governs nursing home operations, making it the correct answer.