Which federal law regulates the operation of nursing homes in the United States?

The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA) is the correct answer as it established comprehensive regulations for nursing homes across the United States. This legislation aimed to improve the quality of care provided in nursing facilities by setting specific standards that must be met to ensure the welfare and rights of residents. Among its provisions, OBRA introduced resident assessment protocols and care planning requirements, which play a crucial role in improving the healthcare outcomes and quality of life for residents in nursing homes.

OBRA also required that nursing homes be surveyed regularly to ensure compliance with these federally mandated standards and that facilities could face penalties if they failed to meet the requirements. By creating a framework for accountability, OBRA significantly raised the bar for patient care within nursing homes.

While the other options mentioned have implications in healthcare or long-term care, they do not specifically regulate nursing homes in the same direct manner that OBRA does. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, for instance, primarily focuses on overall healthcare access and insurance availability rather than nursing home operations specifically. The Nursing Home Reform Act is often considered a component of OBRA, as OBRA encapsulated and expanded the provisions initially set forth by this act. The Social Security Act is foundational for various social insurance programs,