The passage of which act changed the total assessment and process for all skilled/long term care facilities certified to participate in the Medicare/Medicaid programs?

The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA '87) is pivotal because it established comprehensive reforms for nursing homes and other long-term care facilities participating in Medicare and Medicaid programs. This act introduced a framework for quality assessment and regulation, emphasizing the need for facility compliance with specific health and safety standards.

The legislation focused on improving the quality of care provided to residents by mandating regular inspections and assessments, thus enhancing oversight and accountability in the care provided. OBRA '87 also emphasized the rights of residents and improved care planning processes, ensuring that residents received personalized services based on their individual needs. This act significantly transformed the regulatory landscape for skilled nursing facilities, making it a landmark in the history of long-term care reform in the United States.