HOW MUST A SKILLED NURSING FACILITY DETERMINE THE LEVEL OF CARE A PATIENT NEEDS?
NJ Long Term Care Planning
A facility must complete a full assessment of a resident’s condition within 14 days after admission, and at least once every 12 months thereafter. More limited assessments must be done at least quarterly. (Sec. 483.20(b),(c) of Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations)
Assessments are done with a standardized assessment instrument called the “Minimum Data Set” (MDS).
Assessments are used for development of a comprehensive care plan, which must be prepared initially within seven days after completion of the first full assessment. Every three months, care plans must be reviewed and, if necessary, revised. (Sec. 483.20(d)(k) of Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations)
A resident and/or resident’s representative has the right to participate in a care plan conference. (Sec. 483.20(k) of Title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations)
A care plan must include measurable objectives and timetables. (Sec. 483.20(k) Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations)
James E. De Martino is licensed to practice in the State of New Jersey.
Our practice is limited to estate planning, long-term care planning, and NJ Medicaid asset protection.