Rights of a Nursing Home Resident in New York State
June 1st, 2012 tmccoy
State and Federal regulations require nursing homes to have written policies covering the rights of residents. The nursing home staff must explain the policies to you, and more importantly implement them. Any person requiring nursing home care should be able to enter any nursing home and receive appropriate care, be treated with courtesy and enjoy continued civil and legal rights.
In New York State, as a nursing home resident, you have the right to:
- Dignity, respect and a comfortable living environment
- Quality of care and treatment without discrimination
- Freedom of choice to make your own, independent decisions
- The safeguard of your property and money
- Safeguards in admission transfer and discharge
- Privacy in communications
- Participate in organizations and activities of your choice
- An easy to use and responsive complaint procedure
- Exercise all of your rights without fear of reprisals
It is important that the nursing home patient and their family to communicate regularly with nursing home staff to ensure that the environment is healthy.
