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 Maryland, nursing home contracts are comprehensive documents that outline the legal relationship between nursing homes and their residents. These contracts cover a wide range of provisions including the types of services provided, fee structures, and how cost of living increases are handled. They also detail policies regarding the management of resident funds, room assignment protocols, and the facility's policies on accepting Medicare and Medicaid. Move-out conditions are specified, clarifying under what circumstances a resident may be required to leave the facility. The contracts address liability issues relating to injury or loss of personal property, and set forth the terms for consent to medical procedures and visitation rights. Dispute resolution mechanisms are typically included to provide a means for resolving conflicts that may arise. Importantly, Maryland law requires that any guarantee of payment by a third party must be in writing, and the person providing the guarantee must acknowledge their understanding of the obligation. This ensures that family members or others who agree to pay for a resident's care are fully informed of their responsibilities under the contract.