FOREWORD

These regulations will serve as the basis for licensing nursing homes and boarding care homes in accordance with the state law for licensing hospitals and related institutions, Minnesota Statutes, sections 144.50 to 144.58 . Federal programs under the Social Security Act, as amended require certification of facilities which will be participating. All facilities must be licensed by the state prior to certification and must also meet any additional requirements as established by such certification standards. The purpose of the licensing law and these regulations is to protect the public health through the development and enforcement of minimum requirements for the care of patients and residents in convalescent or long-term care facilities. Moreover, these regulations serve an educational purpose in providing guidelines for quality patient and residential care.