What did OBRA '87 specify for facilities participating in Medicare and Medicaid?

OBRA '87, which stands for the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987, was a significant piece of legislation that introduced federally mandated regulations for nursing facilities participating in Medicare and Medicaid programs. Among its various provisions, one of the key points was the establishment of specific requirements concerning training and staffing.

This legislation aimed to improve the quality of care and life for residents in long-term care facilities. It required facilities to ensure that staff members received proper training, reflected competency, and were well-equipped to provide the necessary care for residents. This includes both nursing and ancillary staff, ensuring that they met adequate standards of training and that facilities employed enough qualified personnel to care for their patients effectively.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the intentions or requirements set out by OBRA '87. The act did not limit requirements to only basic healthcare services, nor did it indicate that no new regulations were set. Additionally, while providing medications is a standard part of care in these facilities, OBRA '87 did not specifically mandate that facilities must provide free medication to residents. Thus, the focus on training and staffing is the correct answer that highlights the fundamental reforms introduced by OBRA '87.