skilled nursing facility

skilled nursing facility (skld)

n. Abbr. SNF

An establishment that houses chronically ill, usually elderly patients, and provides long-term nursing care, rehabilitation, and other services. Also called long-term care facility, nursing home.

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skilled nursing facility (SNF)

Etymology: ME, skil, distinction

an institution or part of an institution that meets criteria for accreditation established by the sections of the Social Security Act that determine the basis for Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement for skilled nursing care. Skilled nursing care includes rehabilitation and various medical and nursing procedures. Written policies and protocols are formulated with appropriate professional consultation. Law requires that these policies designate which level of caregiver is responsible for implementation of each policy, that the care of every patient be under the supervision of a physician, that a physician be available on an emergency basis, that records of the condition and care of every patient be maintained, that nursing service be available 24 hours a day, and that at least one full-time registered nurse be employed. Other criteria stipulate that the facility have appropriate facilities for storing and dispensing drugs and biologics, that it maintain a use review plan, that all licensing requirements of the state in which it is located be met, and that an overall budget be maintained.