Missouri State Nursing Home Administrator Practice Exam

A newly admitted resident to a certified bed must be assessed within how many days?

1. 7 days

2. 10 days

3. 14 days

4. 21 days

The correct answer is: 14 days

A newly admitted resident to a certified bed must be assessed within 14 days to ensure their care plan is tailored to their specific needs. This assessment is crucial for establishing a baseline of the resident’s health status, identifying any immediate care requirements, and planning for ongoing services. The regulation around this time frame is significant as it allows the nursing home to complete a comprehensive assessment, which encompasses various aspects of the resident's physical, emotional, and social well-being. This ensures that all necessary interventions can be initiated promptly, promoting a smoother transition into the long-term care environment and addressing any urgent medical issues. An assessment conducted within 14 days aligns with federal regulations aimed at improving the quality of care in nursing facilities, ultimately enhancing residents' outcomes and experience. Meeting this timeframe is not only a compliance issue but also a best practice in delivering personalized care, which is central to the mission of nursing homes. The other time periods listed do not align with the established guideline for the initial assessment, which is why the 14-day standard is the correct answer.