The omission of comprehensive care: an analysis of the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987.

With the large increase in the older adult population, the number of people in need of nursing home services is expected to grow rapidly. The challenge is to attain or maintain the highest possible physical, mental and psychological well-being of residents through provision of medically-related social services as required by the Nursing Home Reform Act (NHRA) of 1987. However, the basis of psycho-social service provision in NHRA is the size of the nursing home, which is questionable and is therefore making legislation less equitable. This policy analysis of NHRA will include suggestions of feasible policy alternatives to make the current legislation more equitable and effective. The article recognizes and endorses the contribution of social workers in psycho-social service provision and advocates for an increase in the ratio of mental health professionals to residents, therefore meeting the psycho-social service needs of the residents.