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 Illinois, nursing home contracts are comprehensive documents that outline the obligations and rights of both the nursing home and its residents. These contracts typically include details about the services provided, fee structures, and any potential cost of living increases. They also cover the management of resident funds, room assignment policies, and the conditions under which a resident might be required to move out. The contracts must comply with both state and federal regulations, including adherence to Medicare and Medicaid requirements. Additionally, they address liability issues relating to injury or loss of personal property, consent to medical procedures, and visitation rights. Dispute resolution mechanisms are often included to handle any disagreements that may arise between the nursing home and the resident or their family. Importantly, Illinois law prohibits nursing homes from requiring a third party to guarantee payment of nursing home charges, except in certain circumstances where the third party has access to the resident's income or resources.