The Impact of Federal Regulations on Skin Care and Pressure Sores in the Context of Nursing Home Neglect and Pressure Sore Development

The Impact of Federal Regulations on Skin Care and Pressure Sores in the Context of Nursing Home Neglect and Pressure Sore Development

Date: 20 November 2023 | Blog | Nursing Home Neglect | Bedsores | By: Sanga Turnbull

When it comes to the quality of nursing home care, the federal regulations are your best friend. Trust me, they're the rulebook that ensures your loved ones are not just housed, but actually cared for.

The Role of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

CMS sets the gold standard for nursing home care through a set of regulations often referred to as the Federal Nursing Home Regulations. According to 42 CFR § 483.25, a nursing home “must ensure that a resident's abilities in activities of daily living do not diminish unless circumstances of the individual's clinical condition demonstrate that diminution was unavoidable.” This regulation directly implies that preventable conditions like pressure sores should not occur.

Mandated Skin Care Protocols: F281 & F314 Standards

Federal regulations, specifically F281 and F314, focus on the quality of care, including skin integrity for residents. These require nursing homes to ensure residents do not develop pressure sores unless clinically unavoidable and to promote the healing of existing sores.

Minimum Staffing Requirements: It’s in the Numbers

According to federal regulations, each nursing home must employ a registered nurse for at least eight consecutive hours every day. This is backed by 42 CFR § 483.35. Having a sufficient number of trained staff ensures residents receive timely and adequate care, including pressure sore prevention.

Documentation Standards: Keeping a Paper Trail

42 CFR § 483.10 mandates that each resident's comprehensive care plan, including prevention or treatment of pressure sores, be documented meticulously. It’s like that old saying: If it’s not written down, it didn’t happen.

These regulations are critical in driving the care and treatment residents receive to prevent pressure sores. Far to often the nursing homes fail to follow these regulations and the consequence is the development of significant bedsores.

Call 407.612.6464 • 863.324.3500 today to speak with an experienced Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer who proudly serves Lakeland, Orlando, and throughout the State of Florida.