Illinois Nursing Home Administrators (NHA) Practice Exam

Which item is essential for admitting a new resident to a nursing facility?

1. Verification of insurance

2. Completion of a health assessment

3. Proof of legal guardianship

4. Transfer documents from the previous facility

The correct answer is: Completion of a health assessment

Completion of a health assessment is essential for admitting a new resident to a nursing facility because it provides critical information about the individual's medical status, any pre-existing conditions, and specific care needs. This assessment ensures that the facility can adequately meet the resident's health requirements and allows for the development of a personalized care plan. A thorough understanding of the resident's physical, mental, and social health is necessary for effective care and for compliance with regulatory standards. While verification of insurance, proof of legal guardianship, and transfer documents from a previous facility may be important for various administrative and legal reasons, they do not directly inform the immediate healthcare needs of the resident. Without the health assessment, the facility could struggle to provide appropriate care, leading to potential health risks for the resident. Thus, ensuring a comprehensive health assessment is prioritized in the resident admission process.