The Rights of Patients in Nursing Homes

The decision to utilize a Nursing Home for a loved one is often a difficult one for family members to make. It is important that relatives and the prospective resident are aware of their rights once moved into the home. The following is a printable list of rights that are declared in Michigan Compiled Laws Annotated, 333.20201 (1998)3.

* receive appropriate care regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, handicap, marital status, sexual preference, or source of payment.

* to receive treatment for your physical and mental problems.

* to receive complete information about your medical condition and care plan.

* to be free from physical or drug induced restraints which are not required to treat your medical symptoms.

* to refuse treatment and be told of the possible consequences if you refuse.

* to issue instructions about your future medical treatment or to appoint a "patient advocate" to make such decisions for you.

* to receive meals that meet your needs.

* to live in a clean place.

* to meet privately with your spouse.

* to regular, private use of a telephone.

* to privacy during treatment or when attending to your personal needs.

* to see visitors you want to see.

* to participate in social, religious, and community activities.

* to a safe place to keep your valuable possessions.

* to keep and manage your own money.

* to return to your facility following a hospital stay.

* to advance notice before your room or roommate is changed.

* to have information about you kept private.

* to inspect and copy your personal and medical records.

* to be informed of your rights and responsibilities.

* to information from the nursing home on how you can get help to pay for your care.

* to written notice of all services available in the home and their cost.

* to receive a copy of your nursing home’s rules about resident care and conduct.

* to review the most recent state and federal inspection reports of your nursing home and the home’s plan of correction.

* to meet with other residents and residents’ families in the home to discuss nursing home issues.

* to send and receive personal mail unopened the day the nursing home receives it.

* to the same constitutional and civil rights given to all citizens.

If you, a relative or friend have suffered an injury while in a nursing home, or have any questions, please call or visit:

CHARFOOS & CHRISTENSEN, P.C.

5510 Woodward Avenue

Detroit, Michigan 48202

Phone: (313) 875-8080 or (800) 247-5974

Fax: (313) 875-8522

Website: www.c2law.com

E-Mail: lawyers1@c2law.com