There are a number of states in the northeastern portion of the United States that have their own certain laws and regulations when it comes to nursing homes. These laws are meant to protect and maintain the best possible health conditions for those who are residents of nursing homes. Each of the states have different agencies responsible for monitoring and enforcing these laws.
The laws in different states can vary and it is important to have an understanding of the laws in each state and to know who to contact in the state for specific information.
Connecticut
The Connecticut Department of Public Health is responsible for licensing and regulating nursing homes. They work toward ensuring a balance between high quality care and administrative needs. The law requires that all of the residents have a full medical exam within the first 48 hours of coming to a nursing home.
Delaware
The laws in Delaware require that the facility provides social services for patients. This requirement ensures that patients can maintain their psychosocial, mental, and physical health as best as possible. The staff members at the nursing homes need to help the residents meet these needs. Dietary services must also reflect the needs of the resident and there should only be alterations in the diet when prescribed by an attending physician within 72 hours of the alteration. The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services has more information about the laws.
Maine
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services is in charge of the nursing home laws in the state. The laws in the state restrict the use of chemical or physical restraints for the purpose of convenience or discipline when not ordered by a doctor for treatment of an actual medical condition.
Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services provide information on the laws and regulations of nursing homes for residents and their families. The laws in the state require that the facilities provide nursing services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
New Hampshire
Laws in the state ensure residents have a variety of services available 24 hours a day. These include skilled nursing services, medical services, protective supervision, meals, and rehab care. The facilities are also required to have programs for crisis prevention and emergency responses. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services is in charge of enforcing these regulations.
Rhode Island
The laws help protect the health and safety of all residents in nursing homes. Facilities are required to review and develop procedures annually and change them as needed. The facilities need to have plans that will prevent residents from leaving the facility on their own. Find out more with the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Department of Health.
Vermont
The Vermont Agency of Human Services is in charge of the guidelines and standards for the nursing home laws in the state. The laws require that an Registered Nurse (RN) needs to be on duty for at least eight consecutive hours each day of the week. The facilities need an RN as the director of nursing and he or she needs to work full time. The director of nursing can only serve as the charge nurse as well in cases where the nursing home has 60 or fewer residents.
New Jersey
The New Jersey Department of Health is in charge of ensuring compliance of the state’s facilities with specific state regulations concerning nursing homes. They perform hundreds of inspections each year to ensure the facilities are treating their patients properly and that hey investigate claims and complaints from family members and residents.
New York
In New York, the New York Department of Health is in charge of enforcing regulations. The laws in the state include a resident bill of rights, which include entitlement to services, and freedom from abuse and neglect. Residents are also able to receive full information on their treatment and condition.