Nursing homes and skilled-care facilities are heavily regulated by State and Federal Law. Comprehensive Care Plans are required by 42 C.F.R. 483.20 and are to be completed following a comprehensive assessment upon admission. Based on the comprehensive assessment of a resident, the facility must ensure that:

• A resident who enters the facility without pressure sores does not develop pressure sores unless the individual’s clinical condition demonstrates that they were unavoidable; and
  
• A resident having pressure sores receives necessary treatment and services to promote healing, prevent infection and prevent new sores from developing.

Nursing and personal care services mandated by OAC 310:675-91.1 further require basic nursing care including but not limited to:
Providing proper skin care to prevent skin breakdown.

1. Providing proper body alignment.
   
2. Providing supportive devices to promote proper alignment and positioning.
   
3. Turning bed residents every two hours or as needed to prevent pressure areas, contractures, and decubitus sores.

A FACILITY’S FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE REQUIREMENTS OFTEN RESULT IN FALLS AND/OR PRESSURE SORES WHICH, IN TURN, CAN RESULT IN PAIN, DISFIGURATION, LOSS OF LIMBS AND EVEN DEATH.