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 New Jersey, 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 services provided, fee structures, and any potential cost of living increases. They also detail the management of resident funds, room assignment policies, and the conditions under which a resident may be moved out. The contracts must comply with both federal and state regulations regarding Medicare and Medicaid, ensuring that the nursing home meets all necessary requirements to receive funding from these programs. Additionally, the contracts address liability issues relating to injury or loss of personal property, consent to medical procedures, and visitation rights. Dispute resolution mechanisms are typically included to handle any disagreements that may arise between the nursing home and the resident or their family. In New Jersey, it is also important to note that contracts may include a provision for a third party, such as a family member, to guarantee payment of nursing home charges, but such a guarantee must be clear and voluntary. The New Jersey Nursing Home Responsibilities and Rights of Residents Act provides further protections and standards for nursing home contracts to ensure the fair treatment of residents.