What federal act mandates standards for nursing home care?

The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 is the federal legislation that establishes comprehensive standards for nursing home care across the United States. This act was significant in its focus on ensuring that residents in nursing facilities receive quality care and have their rights protected. It introduced a set of requirements aimed at improving the quality of life and care for residents, addressing issues such as neglect and abuse. It mandated specific standards for staffing, care plans, and residents' rights, ensuring that facilities must provide services that maintain and enhance the quality of life for their residents.

In contrast, the other acts listed focus on different aspects of aging and care. For example, the National Aging Act of 1990 pertains to broader policies regarding older adults but does not specifically set standards for nursing home care. The Elder Justice Act of 2010 addresses issues of elder abuse and exploitation but is not solely focused on nursing home standards. The Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 1986 primarily relates to improving the quality of healthcare services in general rather than specifically targeting nursing homes. Therefore, the Nursing Home Reform Act is distinctively recognized for establishing standards that directly impact the care received by nursing home residents.