Which federal regulation aims to improve the quality of care in long-term care facilities by establishing training and resident rights standards?

• A. Mandated Reporter
• B. Ombudsman
• C. Living Will
• D. OBRA

Answer: (D)

OBRA (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) is the federal regulation that aims to improve quality of care in long-term care facilities by establishing training requirements for staff and a Residents’ Rights framework. It requires thorough initial and ongoing training for nursing assistants and other direct-care staff, along with competency evaluations and supervision to ensure safe, quality care. It also guarantees resident rights—such as privacy, dignity, informed participation in care, and protection from abuse or neglect—and mandates standardized processes for assessments and individualized care planning. Enforcement is carried out through mandated surveys and compliance monitoring.

Other options address different concepts: mandated reporters focus on reporting suspected abuse, ombudsmen advocate for residents but do not set training or rights standards, and a living will is an advance directive about end-of-life decisions.