Resident Rights

Remember: you have the right to an ombudsman who can help you exercise your rights!

Your Rights as a Resident

Click through each section to learn more about your rights as a resident of a long-term care facility.

Be treated with consideration, respect, and dignity, recognizing each resident’s individuality
Freedom from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and misappropriation of property
Freedom from physical or chemical restraints
Quality of life is maintained or improved
Exercise rights without interference, coercion, discrimination, or reprisal
A homelike environment, and use of personal belongings when possible
Equal access to quality care
Security of possessions

Choice of activities, schedules, health care, and providers, including attending physician
Reasonable accommodation of needs and preferences
Participate in developing and implementing a person-centered plan of care that incorporates personal and cultural preferences
Choice about designating a representative to exercise his or her rights
Organize and participate in resident and family groups
Request, refuse, and/or discontinue treatment

The type of care to be provided, and risks and benefits of proposed treatments
Changes to the plan of care, or in medical or health status
Rules and regulations, including a written copy of residents’ rights
Contact information for the long-term care ombudsman program and the state survey agency
State survey reports and the nursing facility’s plan of correction
Written notice before a change in room or roommate
Notices and information in a language or manner he or she understands (Spanish, Braille, etc.)

Present grievances without discrimination or retaliation, or the fear of it
Prompt efforts by the facility to resolve grievances, and provide a written decision upon request
To file a complaint with the long-term care ombudsman program or the state survey agency

You have access to:

Individuals, services, community members, and activities inside and outside the facility
Visitors of his or her choosing, at any time, and the right to refuse visitors
Personal and medical records
His or her personal physician and representatives from the state survey agency and long-term care ombudsman program
Assistance if sensory impairments exist
Participate in social, religious, and community activities

Manage his or her financial affairs
Information about available services and the charges for each service
Personal funds of more than $100 ($50 for residents whose care is funded by Medicaid) deposited by the facility in a separate interest-bearing account, and financial statements quarterly or upon request
Not be charged for services covered by Medicaid or Medicare

Right to appeal the proposed transfer or discharge and not be discharged while an appeal is pending
Receive 30-day written notice of discharge or transfer that includes: the reason; the effective date; the location going to; appeal rights and process for filing an appeal; and the name and contact information for the long-term care ombudsman
Preparation and orientation to ensure safe and orderly transfer or discharge
Notice of the right to return to the facility after hospitalization or therapeutic leave

Read our Understanding Your Rights blog post for more information and resources about resident rights.

See how to request an ombudsman for confidential assistance with your concerns.