What was OBRA passed in response to?

The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) was passed primarily in response to widespread concerns about the quality of care provided in long-term care facilities. Reports of poor care and abuse highlighted significant deficiencies in the treatment and living conditions of residents, prompting the federal government to take action.

OBRA aimed to set higher standards for nursing homes, ensuring that residents received appropriate care and protection from abuse. This included establishing regulatory requirements for staffing, training, and facility conditions, thus emphasizing the need for accountability and quality assurance in long-term care settings. By focusing on enhancing care quality, OBRA sought to address the critical issues outlined in the reports that had surfaced prior to its enactment.