ABSTRACT

Contents Objectives ............................................................................................................................... 482 Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 482 Th e Changing Environment of Long-Term Care ..................................................................... 482 Changes in Resident Acuity ..................................................................................................... 483 Staffi ng Issues .......................................................................................................................... 483 Current Trends in Settlements ................................................................................................. 484 Jury Verdicts and Damage Awards ........................................................................................... 485 Establishing the SOC .............................................................................................................. 486 State and Federal Guidelines ................................................................................................... 486 Certifi cations ........................................................................................................................... 487

Th e Joint Commission .................................................................................................... 487 Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities ............................................... 488

Areas of Typical Liability and Common Defense Strategies ..................................................... 488 Nursing Home Issues ...................................................................................................... 488

Falls..................................................................................................................... 488 Pressure Ulcers and Skin Concerns ...................................................................... 489 Dehydration and Malnutrition .............................................................................491