Which of the following is a requirement for a nursing facility according to statute?

The requirement for a nursing facility to have a transfer agreement with hospitals is significant in ensuring continuity of care for residents. This agreement establishes a formal relationship between the nursing facility and one or more hospitals, allowing for the seamless transfer of residents who may need higher levels of medical care or emergency interventions. This requirement promotes the safety and well-being of residents by enabling timely access to necessary hospital services, thus complying with federal and state regulations that aim to maintain high standards of care in nursing facilities.

The other choices do not align with the regulations governing nursing facilities. Caring only for mental diseases would limit the scope of services and does not reflect the broader range of care nursing facilities provide. The notion that nursing facilities cannot accept government funding is inaccurate; many facilities receive Medicaid and Medicare funding to support their operations. Similarly, restricting services to only rehabilitation would not meet the diverse needs of residents, many of whom require long-term care, assistance with daily living, and various health services beyond rehabilitation.