Nursing Home Residents’ Rights Protected by Law in Georgia

If you have placed or will place a loved one in a Georgia nursing home you may be concerned about the quality of care they will receive. It may be comforting to know that Georgia has laws intended to protect the rights of nursing home residents.

Nursing home and assisted living facility residents deserve to be treated with fairness at dignity at all times, something that is provided for under Georgia law. In addition, the state provides remedies for residents whose rights have been violated.

Georgia nursing home resident rights

The State Bar of Georgia makes the rights of residents very clear:

1. Adequate and appropriate care and services without discrimination. Discrimination can include a change in the quality of service based on a person’s age, gender, race, disability, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, or source of payment for services.
2. Residents can have their rights enforced without punishment, retaliation, or harassment.
3. Residents can continue to exercise their constitutional rights (i.e. the right to vote)
4. The right to personal privacy is promised under the law. Something as simple as closing doors or curtains is a protected right.
5. Privacy when personal services are provided is protected by law.
6. Residents have the right to practice or abstain from practicing religious beliefs.
7. Georgia law states that residents have the right to remain free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Residents should also be free from chemical and physical restraints.
8. Residents may have their own personal property.
9. Residents may send and receive mail without it being opened or interfered with.
10. The right to access and use of a telephone is protected.
11. Residents may manage their own financial affairs.
12. Residents may refuse medical or dental treatment.
13. Residents may participate in their own care plan and may access their own medical or facility records.
14. Voluntary transfer or discharge is allowed under the law.
15. The ability to access an ombudsman (an individual responsible for resolving complaints) is protected.
16. Residents may form a resident council if they wish.
17. Residents have the right to interact with other community members and fully participate in community life.
18. Resident’s rights may not be limited by a facility admission contract.

If you have concerns about how a loved one is being treated at a Georgia nursing home, don’t be afraid to take action. To get assistance with a suspected case of nursing home abuse or neglect, please contact the Atlanta based attorneys at Kaufman Law today.

Kaufman Law, P.C.

12 Beck Street, N.W.

Atlanta, GA. 30318

Toll Free: (888) 973-2540

Phone: (404) 355-4000