The Right to Be Fully Informed
Nursing home residents have the right to- know what services are available and associated costs;
- have a copy of the facility’s rules and residents’ rights;
- know how to contact advocacy groups;
- see the state inspection reports and how the facility is addressing issues;
- be informed in advance of room or roommate changes;
- communicate in their primary language; and
- have necessary assistance if they have a speech or hearing issue.
The Right to Participate in Their Own Care
Residents have the right to- be properly cared for;
- be told about changes in their health;
- participate in their care plan and other aspects of their life at the facility;
- refuse medication;
- refuse restraints; and
- have access to their medical records.
The Right to Make Independent Choices
They have the right to- make decisions regarding such issues as how they dress, what they do during free time, and what doctor they see;
- have reasonable needs and wants met;
- take part in community activities; and
- start or join a resident advisory group.
The Right to Privacy and Confidentiality
Residents have the right to- private, unrestricted communication with self-chosen parties;
- privacy during treatment and personal care; and
- confidentiality regarding their personal, medical, and financial state.
The Right to Dignity, Respect, and Freedom
This includes the right to- be treated with respect;
- live in the home without any form of abuse; and
- self-determination.
The Right to Security of Possessions
Residents have the right to- handle their own financial affairs;
- file a complaint for abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property with the state certification agency if the facility handles their financial affairs; and
- not be charged for services covered by Medicare or Medicaid.
Rights During Transfers and Discharges
Nursing home residents have the right to- stay in the facility unless
- be given 30 days’ notice of a planned transfer or discharge; and
- be kept safe during a transfer or discharge.
The Right to Complain
This includes the right to- complain to nursing home staff and expect no retribution;
- urge staff to resolve problems; and
- complain to the state agency or the ombudsman.
The Right to Visits
Residents have the right to- immediate admittance by their doctors and by employees of the state agency and ombudsman groups;
- immediate admittance—within reason—by relatives and other visitors approved by the resident; and
- reasonable visits by representatives of health, legal, social, or other organizations.