The Nation - News from Jan. 31, 1989

Some nursing homes will have to strengthen their health care services and meet other higher standards of care to qualify for Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement under new regulations. They will also have to give residents more rights, including the right to refuse treatment and to manage their own money. The final rules were drafted in response to a law enacted by Congress in 1987 and reflect responses to proposed regulations published in October, 1987. The final regulations will apply to nearly 15,000 long-term care facilities.