Nursing home contracts govern the rights and responsibilities of nursing homes and their residents and include many important provisions such as services, charges, cost of living increases, resident funds deposited, room assignments, Medicare and Medicaid requirements, move-out conditions, liability for injury or loss of personal property, consent to medical procedures, visitation hours, dispute resolution, and guarantee of payment of nursing home charges by a family member or other person.

In Alabama, nursing home contracts are legal documents that outline the obligations and rights of both the nursing home and its residents. These contracts typically detail the services provided, associated charges, and policies regarding cost of living increases. They also cover the management of resident funds, room assignment policies, and the conditions under which a resident may be moved out. The contracts must comply with Medicare and Medicaid regulations if the facility accepts these forms of payment. Additionally, the contracts address liability issues relating to injury or loss of personal property, consent to medical procedures, and visitation rights. Dispute resolution methods, such as arbitration or mediation, are often included to handle potential conflicts. In some cases, the contract may include a provision requiring a family member or another person to guarantee payment of the nursing home charges. It is important for residents and their families to carefully review these contracts and understand their implications before signing. Alabama state statutes and federal laws, including the Nursing Home Reform Act under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987, provide a regulatory framework to ensure the protection of residents' rights within these contracts.