Nursing Home Abuse Glossary

B

Battery. The unlawful use of force resulting in the injury of another. Battery always includes assault. See assault.

Bedsore. A pressure-induced skin ulceration involving the death of living tissue and sometimes deep muscular infection and penetration of internal organs. Bedsores occur during long confinements in bed when there is prolonged pressure on an area of the body that has a bony prominence and a thin covering of flesh, like the tailbone, heals, elbows, and shoulder blades. Bedsores are also known as pressure sores and decubitus ulcers.

Beneficiary. In the context of Medicare and Medicaid programs, the name for the person who has insurance through Medicare or Medicaid.

Benefit Period. The manner in which Medicare measures a beneficiary's use of hospital and skilled nursing facility services. The benefit period begins the day the beneficiary is admitted to the hospital or skilled nursing facility. The benefit period ends when 60 days go by without hospital or skilled nursing care. If the beneficiary is readmitted prior to the 60-day period expiring, no new benefit period begins; the old benefit period merely continues. The number of benefit periods a beneficiary can have is unlimited.

Benefits. In health plans, benefits are the health care that a person receives. In the insurance context, benefits are the money or services provided by an insurance policy.

Brief. Written document, usually prepared by an attorney, submitted to the court about a case, containing summaries of the facts of the case, relevant laws, and an argument showing how the laws support that party's position.

Burden of Proof or Standard of Proof. Degree of proof required in a specific kind of case to prevail. In the majority of civil cases, it is proof by a preponderance of the evidence.

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