All nursing homes in Maryland must have a State license to operate and must meet strict standards for patient care, safety, personnel and physical environment. If a nursing home meets other requirements, in addition to these standards, it can receive reimbursement from Medical Assistance and Medicare for the expenses of residents. Besides requiring corrections, the State can forbid the home to accept new patients, stop Medicare and Medical Assistance payments to the home, or revoke the home's license to operate. Investigative teams survey nursing homes at least once every 12 to 15 months. These teams include registered nurses, dietitians, state fire marshals, resident rights specialist and sanitation experts.
Physicians are also available for consultation.
To make sure the institution meets all requirements, state inspectors look at everything from infection control, patient care, housekeeping, fire protection, physical safety and maintenance to staffing patterns and staff training. They noted how easily residents participated in discussions about their care and how few concerns they expressed. The surveyors gave the nursing home excellent marks for its cleanliness. It provides a comfortable, safe and home-like atmosphere for 94 residents. The facility is governed by a Board of Directors that consists of community leaders who volunteer their time and expertise to establish the overall direction of Magnolia Hall, approve capital expenditures, make policy and oversee the facility's administration.