Authority: IC 16-28-1-7

Affected: IC 16-28

Sec. 1. (a) This article is intended for:

1. (1) the operation of health facilities in Indiana in meeting the long term care needs of residents;
2. (2) state surveyors in determining compliance with this article for the purpose of licensure; and
3. (3) the state survey agency in the application of remedies.

(b) This article includes provisions dealing with the following:

1. (1) Residents' rights.
2. (2) The administration and management of health facilities.
3. (3) Sanitation and safety standards.
4. (4) Assessment of residents' needs.
5. (5) Medical and nursing services.
6. (6) Food and nutrition services.
7. (7) Infection control.
8. (8) Activities and social services programs.
9. (9) Clinical records.

(c) This article was developed in the spirit of focusing on potential and actual outcomes of care. This article is intended to focus on achieving the best practicable health and happiness of residents, and preventing systemic, adverse events.

(d) The department recognizes that creative and innovative methods not contemplated by this article can be developed by health facilities in caring for residents. This article is not intended to stifle or discourage such creative and innovative methods of caregiving when it can be shown that residents' needs are being met.

(Indiana Department of Health; 410 IAC 16.2-0.5-1; filed Jan 10, 1997, 4:00 p.m.: 20 IR 1518, eff Apr 1, 1997; readopted filed Jul 11, 2001, 2:23 p.m.: 24 IR 4234; readopted filed May 22, 2007, 1:44 p.m.: 20070613-IR-410070141RFA; readopted filed Sep 11, 2013, 3:19 p.m.: 20131009-IR-410130346RFA; readopted filed Nov 13, 2019, 3:14 p.m.: 20191211-IR-410190391RFA; readopted filed Nov 14, 2025, 11:18 a.m.: 20251210-IR-410240588RFA)