RESIDENT'S RIGHTS
IN A LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIY
Missouri's Omnibus Nursing Home Act specifically outlines a basic set of "resident rights." Every facility must inform residents of these upon being admitted and must protect and promote these rights for all residents.
To Exercise Your Rights
You have the right to exercise your rights as a resident of this facility and as a citizen or resident of the United States of America. You have the right to be free of interference, coercion, discrimination, or reprisal from the facility in exercising your rights. This includes filing a grievance with the State survey and certification agency concerning resident abuse, neglect, and misappropriation of resident property in the facility.
To Be Fully Informed
You will receive a copy of all rules and regulations pertaining to your rights and responsibilities as a resident. You will be informed in writing of services available to you and all matters related to you and all matters related to charges, including charges for services not covered by the government or by the facility's daily rate.
To Participate in Your Care
You have the right to know your medical condition (stated in terms you can understand) and to know the options available for treatment. You may choose any of the options available or may refuse all treatments you do not want unless you are judged incompetent or otherwise found to be incapacitated under the laws of the State of Missouri.
To Choose Your Own Physician and Pharmacy
You may select your own physician who will be responsible for your total care. The physician must be willing to make rounds at the facility. If you prefer, the facility will assign a physician. Your pharmacy choice must be willing to deliver and bubble-pack medications.
To Remain in the Facility
You may be discharged only for medical reasons, non-payment of a bill, or the threat of physical harm. You must be given notice of the reason for a transfer. If you disagree with this reason, you may appeal the decision.
To Voice Grievances
You may voice grievances and recommend changes to facility staff or outside representatives. Owners and staff of long-term care facilities are prohibited by law from retaliating in the case of complaints. You should speak with the Director of Nursing or the Administrator if you encounter problems requiring immediate attention. For non-emergencies, speak to the resident council or your ombudsman. You also have the right to prompt efforts by the facility or other residents.
To Manage Your Own Finances
Whether you hold your money or have the facility keep track of it, nobody can tell you how to spend your personal funds. The operator of the home, with your permission, can assist you in managing any of your financial affairs.
To Be Free From Abuse and Restraint
You shall not be subjected to physical, sexual, or emotional injury or harm. You may not be subjected to chemical or physical restraints except on the written orders of your physician or in emergency situations which threaten your safety or the safety of others.
To Confidentiality
All information related to your medical, personal, social, or financial affairs shall be kept confidential.
To Privacy and Respect
You have the right to privacy in medical treatment, personal care, telephone, and mail communications, visits, and meetings of family and resident groups. You shall be treated with consideration, respect and full recognition of your dignity and individuality. You may not be required to do things against your will. You have the right to a dignified existence.
To Communicate Freely
You may associate with and communicate privately with persons of your choice and send and receive mail unopened
To Participate in Activities
You may engage in social, religious, and community activities of your choice, unless your physician determines that such activity would be harmful to you. You may not be required to perform services for the facility.
To Keep Your Possessions
You may retain your personal possessions as space permits.
To Marital Privileges
You are assured of privacy for visits with your spouse and may share a room with your spouse, if you are both residents.
To Purchase Goods and Services
You may purchase or rent goods or services not included in your daily or monthly rate.
