Nursing Home Bill of Rights
In 1987, one year after a study by the Institute of Medicine revealed a disturbing pattern of neglect and abuse of patients in nursing homes, the U.S. Congress passed the Nursing Home Reform Act (NHRA). This law was intended to protect the quality of life for residents of nursing homes and improve the quality of care provided by their caregivers.
Following are some of the rights and freedoms specified in the Residents' Bill of Rights, one of the primary features of the NHRA:
- The right to freedom from abuse, mistreatment, and neglect
- The right to be treated with dignity
- The right to freedom from physical restraints
- The right to privacy
- The right to access personal medical records
- The right to accommodation of medical, physical, psychological, and social needs
- The right to refuse treatment
- The right to communicate freely with persons inside and outside the facility
- The right to participate in the review of one's care plan
- The right to be fully informed in advance about any changes in care, treatment, or facility's status
- The right to voice grievances and exercise rights without interference, coercion, discrimination or reprisal
Have You or a Loved One Suffered From Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect?
All nursing homes in the United States are required to comply with the Residents' Bill of Rights as outlined in the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987. If you or a family member has experienced a violation of these rights while residing in a nursing home, contact us today.