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 Minnesota, 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 conditions under which a resident may be moved out. The contracts must comply with both federal and state regulations, including adherence to Medicare and Medicaid requirements. Additionally, they address liability issues relating to injury or loss of personal property, outline consent procedures for medical treatments, and set forth visitation rights. Dispute resolution mechanisms are typically included to handle potential conflicts. Importantly, Minnesota law requires that these contracts specify the conditions under which a third party, such as a family member, may be held responsible for guaranteeing the payment of nursing home charges. It is crucial for residents and their families to thoroughly review and understand these contracts before signing to ensure they are aware of their rights and obligations.