What does obra stand for in nursing?

OBRA stands for the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987. OBRA was a comprehensive health care reform law passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1987. The main goals of OBRA were to extend health coverage to the elderly, disabled, and low-income populations; to contain rising healthcare costs; and to improve the quality and oversight of care in nursing homes and other long-term care settings.

The law had several implications for nursing practice, including:

1. Establishment of stricter standards for nursing homes, including requiring them to meet specific quality and safety standards to receive Medicare and Medicaid funding.

2. Introduction of resident assessment tools to evaluate the care needs and functional abilities of nursing home residents.

3. Creation of a requirement that nursing homes establish written care plans for each resident based on the assessment.

4. Establishment of minimum staffing requirements for nursing homes based on the level of care needs of the residents.

OBRA also placed a strong emphasis on resident rights and gave residents and their families more say in care decisions. It mandated that nursing homes inform residents of their rights and provide them with opportunities to participate in their care.

The law has had a significant impact on nursing practice and the quality of care provided in long-term care facilities. It has also contributed to the development of new nursing roles, such as the geriatric nurse practitioner and the certified nurse assistant.