Are there any special laws that protect nursing home residents?

Yes, there are specific laws in Washington that protect nursing home residents from abuse and neglect. The Washington State Legislature enacted the Nursing Home Residents’ Bill of Rights in 1987. This law requires that nursing homes provide residents with dignified living conditions, proper care, and protection from any type of abuse. Nursing home residents must have the right to make their own decisions, be free from abuse, have access to proper medical care, and have their privacy respected. They must also have the right to be informed about changes in services, obtain and review their medical records, and receive quality care that meets their needs. The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services has put in place regulations to help ensure that these rights are being met. These include setting minimum requirements for staffing, providing residents with an environment that is safe and secure, and informing residents and their families of any changes in care or services. The state also provides residents with an ombudsman program, which is a resource for residents who feel that their rights or that of other residents have been violated or ignored. The ombudsman program can help to get problems resolved and to ensure that residents’ rights and needs are met.

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Are there any special laws that protect nursing home residents?

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