What major legislation changed the regulation of nursing homes and home health agencies in the U.S.?

The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA '87) is significant because it introduced sweeping reforms in the regulation of nursing homes and home health agencies across the United States. This legislation came in response to growing concerns about the quality of care in these facilities, particularly following high-profile investigations revealing neglect and inadequate care for residents.

OBRA '87 established a series of standards aimed at improving the quality of care in nursing homes, which included introducing comprehensive assessments of residents and requiring individualized care plans. It also set forth requirements for staff training and qualifications, which were crucial for enhancing the skill level of caregivers and ensuring better care for residents.

Additionally, the legislation mandated regular inspections of nursing homes to ensure compliance with these new standards, thus providing a framework for accountability and oversight. This transformed how nursing homes operated and emphasized resident rights, quality of life, and dignity, laying the groundwork for ongoing reform in long-term care.

While other legislative acts like the Affordable Care Act, Medicare Modernization Act, and Patient Protection Act have played important roles in healthcare reform, they did not specifically address the regulatory aspects of nursing homes and home health agencies in the same direct and impactful way as OBRA '87 did.