Are there any laws that prohibit nursing homes from discriminating against residents?
Yes, there are laws in Washington that prohibit discrimination of any kind against residents of nursing homes. The Washington Law Against Discrimination, or WLAD, is a civil rights law that makes it illegal to discriminate against any person based on any protected classes, including age, religion, race, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disabilities. This law applies to all businesses, including nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Additionally, the United States Department of Health and Human Services issued a legal interpretation in 2009 which stated that nursing homes must comply with federal civil rights laws by providing equal opportunities and fair treatment for all residents regardless of their race, ethnicity, disability, gender, disability status, religious beliefs, and sexual orientation. In Washington, it is illegal for any person or entity to refuse to provide services or facilities to any person based on their race, color, religion, creed, sex, marital status, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation. It is also illegal to deny services to any person based on their gender identity, ancestry, sexual orientation, parental status, or marital status. Nursing homes must treat all residents with dignity, respect, and kindness.
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