RESIDENT BILL OF RIGHTS

With full recognition and respect to the dignity and individuality of those residing at Laurel Park West, the following bill of rights has been adopted:

Upon admission, each resident shall be informed of his or her rights and shall so acknowledge in writing. As active implementers of these rights, each and every staff member of Laurel Park West have been provided and asked to acknowledge these rights prior to employment. These resident rights shall also be available to next-of-kin guardians, sponsoring agencies or representative payees, interested individuals, and groups upon request.

 Each resident admitted to Laurel Park West:

• is fully informed, as evidenced by the resident’s written acknowledgment, prior to or at the time of admission and during his/her stay of these rights and of all the rules and responsibilities.

• is fully informed, prior to or at the time of admission and during the stay, of services available in the facility.

• has the right for security in that he/she will be transferred or discharged in accordance with the signed Admissions Agreement which includes, but is not limited to: Medical reasons, or for his/her welfare or that of other residents, for non-payment for his/her stay, except as prohibited by Titles XVIII or XIX of the Social Security Act, and that the resident shall be given reasonable notice to assure orderly transfer or discharge.

• is encouraged and assisted, throughout the period of stay to exercise rights as a resident and as a citizen, and to this end may have his/her suggestions considered by staff and administration.

• may manage his/her personal financial affairs as long as he/she is mentally and physically able.

• is free from mental and physical abuse, and free from chemical and (except in emergencies) physical restraints except as authorized in writing by a physician for a specific and limited period of time, or when necessary to protect the resident from injury to self or to others by order of a designated professional in the absence of a physician.

• is assured confidentially treatment of personal and medical records and may approve or refuse their release to any individual outside the facility, except, in case of transfer to another health care institution, or as required by law or third party payment contract.

• is treated with consideration, respect, and full recognition for his/her dignity and individuality, including privacy in treatment and in care for personal needs.

• is not required to perform services for the facility that are not included for therapeutic purposes in a plan of care.

• may associate and communicate privately with persons of his/her choice, send and receive personal mail unopened, unless to do so would infringe upon rights of other residents.

• has the right to physical and emotional privacy. The resident, if married, is assured privacy with his/her spouse, unless medically constrained as indicated by the attending physician in the medical record.

• shall exercise care in the use of the facility’s property, and shall abide by all reasonable regulations of the facility. Each resident shall respect the personal and private property rights of others and shall be courteous to the staff.

• shall be allowed to bring into their room and/or building articles of furniture or furnishings only upon authorization by the administrator.

The rights specified above revolve to the resident’s guardian, next-of-kin, or sponsoring agency where the resident is:

• adjudicated incompetent in accordance with the law, or

• medically incapable of understanding these rights as determined by his/her physician, or

• One who exhibits a communication barrier.