ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF NURSING FACILITIES?
In most cases, no, only different programs and services offered. Any facility licensed as a nursing facility must undergo stringent state and federal government licensing regulations. They are not only monitored by the Texas Department of Human Services, but also by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), state and local fire safety agencies, and a variety of other government agencies. In all, there are about two dozen agencies monitoring licensed facilities on a regular basis. The main differences you will find have to do with financing and specialties offered. For example, a facility that has a wing or unit certified for Medicare must – on that wing – meet higher staffing requirements than on wings certified for Medicaid. But both wings must meet the stringent requirements of 24-hour-a-day licensed nursing care. While all nursing facilities provide general medical and social services to residents, they may also
