Does the nursing home have to be licensed by the state?

Yes. The State Department of Consumer and Industry Services has established a thorough system of licensing and certification for facilities for the purpose of:

• Protecting the health, welfare and safety of residents;
• Assuring the responsibility for care in certified facilities who are given federal or state funds through the Department.

It is illegal to operate or open a nursing home unless it has been approved and is regularly licensed by the state.