What must occur within 14 days of a patient's admission in a healthcare facility?

The completion of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) within 14 days of a patient's admission to a healthcare facility is a fundamental requirement in long-term care settings, particularly for residents in nursing homes. The MDS is a comprehensive assessment tool that collects essential information about the patient’s health status, functional abilities, and care needs.

This assessment plays a crucial role in the development of individualized care plans, ensuring that all aspects of the patient's health are considered. The data gathered not only helps in tailoring appropriate interventions and treatment plans but also supports regulatory compliance and quality of care standards mandated by healthcare policies.

Other options, while important aspects of patient care, do not have the same specific regulatory timeline associated with them as the MDS. For example, initiation of treatment plans and assessment of physical health are critical but may not have a stipulated time frame within the first two weeks. Similarly, while safety measures are necessary, they do not specifically need to be implemented immediately upon admission in a mandated timeframe like the MDS. Thus, the requirement for the MDS completion within 14 days is a key component of the admission process in healthcare facilities, emphasizing the importance of thorough assessment and planning from the outset.