Resident’s Rights in a
Skilled Nursing Facility

Taken from: http://www.azdhs.gov/als/ltc/nhconsgde.pdf

Basic Rights:

• To be treated with respect and dignity in full recognition of your individuality.
• Dignified existence and self-determination.
• Freedom from interference, coercion, discrimination and reprisal.

Admission Rights:

• The nursing home must inform you or your representative of all of your rights in a language or manner which you understand.
• The nursing home must inform you of its rules governing your conduct and your rights in a language or manner which you understand.
• The nursing home must provide written notice of your entitlement to Medicaid benefits and information on how to apply for and use Medicare and Medicaid benefits.
• The nursing home must provide you with written information on your right to make advance directives and its policies for implementation of advance directives.
• You cannot be required to pay a cash deposit or pay a pre-payment, if you are covered by Medicare or Medicaid.

Freedom From Restraint and Abuse Rights:

• Be free from chemical and physical restraints that are not used to treat medical symptoms but for the purpose of discipline or staff convenience.
• Be free from verbal, sexual, physical and mental abuse, corporal punishment and involuntary seclusion.
• Be free from interference, coercion, discrimination and reprisal from the facility in exercising your rights.

Visits-Privacy-Confidentiality Rights:

• Privacy in your room and during medical treatment.
• Privacy during your visits or meetings, in making telephone calls and with your mail.
• Confidentiality of financial and medical records and the release of such records only through written consent unless permitted by law.
• Access to those who provide health, social, legal or other services.

Quality of Life in the Nursing Home Rights:

• Submit grievances to facility staff and outside representatives without restraint.
• Contact and receive information from client advocates.
• Immediate access to and communication with any individuals, organizations or agencies.
• Choose activities, schedules and health care consistent with your interests and assessment.
• Organize and participate in facility resident and family groups.
• Participate in social, religious, political and community activities.

Living Accommodations and Care Rights:

• Share a room with your spouse, if space is available and both parties agree.
• Be informed before a room or roommate change.
• Refuse a transfer to another room for relocation purposes.

Protect Your Money and Possessions Rights:

• Manage your own personal financial affairs.
• The nursing home may not require you to deposit your personal funds with the nursing home.
• Authorize the nursing home to manage your personal funds and to receive regular accounting of those funds.
• Retain and use personal possessions.

Medical Care and Treatment Rights:

• Receive services which accommodate, within reason, your individual needs and preferences.
• Be fully informed of your health status and medical conditions.
• Choose your personal doctor.
• Participate in planning or changing your care and treatment.
• Refuse treatment or withdraw consent for treatment.
• Refuse to participate in experimental research.
• Have access to all your records within 24 hours.
• Select a pharmacy in compliance with facility standards.
• Purchase copies of your facility records within 2 working days notice.

Transfer and Discharge Rights:

• Be notified in writing 30 days prior to transfer or discharge from the nursing home.

Other Rights:

• Examine the results of the most recent facility survey and any plan of correction in effect.
• Perform or refuse to perform services for the facility.
• Be informed, in writing, of rates, charges and changes 60 days prior to any change.