Resident Rights in Medicare Skilled Nursing Facilities

Residents in a Medicare skilled nursing facility have the same rights as they had previously. The rights and protections do vary from state to state. When you are admitted to a skilled nursing facility, you should be provided a written description of your legal rights as a patient there.

No Discrimation

• All skilled nursing facilities (SNF) absolutely must comply with the Civil Rights laws. They cannot discriminate based on the color of your skin, disabilities, age or religious denomination.

Right to Respect

• Dignity and Respect

  You should always be treated with dignity and respect while in the SNF. You can make your own schedule. You decide when you go to bed, get up in the morning and eat your meals.

Abuse and Neglect

• Verbal, sexual, physical and mental abuses are crimes. You have the right to be free from these atrocities. This includes treatment from other residents, volunteers, staff and even family members.

Restraints

• Physical restraints can be manually applied, or they may be physical applied. A restraint could be a machine or other equipment that is used to prevent you from moving. You have the right to freedom from these restraints.

Right to Privacy

• Privacy

  You have the right to privacy while in the SNF. You can keep and use your own things as long as they do not interfere with the rights and safety of the other residents.