The following information is based on federal regulations that apply to all nursing homes receiving Medicare or Medicaid funding. This is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. If you feel your rights or the rights of your loved one in long-term care have been violated seek professional legal advice on how to proceed.
While federal regulations are public domain, this comprehensive interpretation, organization, and family-friendly presentation is © 2025 NursingHomeFamilyCouncil.com. All rights reserved. Distribution and linking permitted with attribution intact.
Your Loved One’s Rights in Long-Term Care
Table Of Contents
1. Core Rights & Protections
Your loved one’s fundamental rights and most critical protections
Overview: What Every Family Should Know
Core Principles: Foundation of All Rights
Making Decisions: Who Can Speak for Your Loved One
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect & Exploitation
Quality of Life Standards
Medical Care & Treatment Rights
Visiting Rights: Who Can See Your Loved One
Daily Life & Personal Choices
Resident and Family Groups
Financial Protections
Freedom from Restraints
Work and Services
Red Flags: When to Take Action
2. Admission, Transfer & Discharge Rights
Your rights when entering, leaving, or being moved within facilities
Admission Rights & Equal Treatment
When Your Loved One Can Be Moved or Discharged
How to Fight Unfair Transfers or Discharges
Hospital Transfers & Return Rights
Emergency Preparedness & Your Safety
Warning Signs & When to Take Action
3. Medical Care & Treatment Standards
Healthcare quality standards and medical service requirements
How Your Loved One’s Needs Must Be Assessed
Creating Your Loved One’s Personalized Care Plan
Medical Care Quality Your Loved One Deserves
Doctor and Nurse Requirements
Safe Medication Practices
Medical Records Access & Warning Signs
4. Specialized Services & Therapies
Your rights to additional support services
Pharmacy Services & Medication Rights
Dietary Services & Nutrition
Social Services & Counseling
Activities & Life Enrichment
Specialized Therapies
Red Flags & Taking Action
5. Facility Operations & Safety
Your rights to proper management and safe environment
Administration & Leadership Standards
Staffing Requirements & Ratios
Quality Assurance & Performance
Infection Control & Prevention
Physical Environment & Safety
Red Flags & Taking Action
6. Diagnostic Services & Testing
Laboratory, radiology, and medical testing rights
Laboratory Services & Testing Standards
Radiology & Imaging Services
Diagnostic Testing Procedures
Results Communication & Access
Outside Testing & Specialist Referrals
Red Flags & Taking Action
Special Resources & Tools
Violation Remedies Hub (… in progress)
Step-by-step guidance when rights are violated
- Reporting Procedures for Each Rights Category
- Emergency Contact Information
- Documentation Templates & Checklists
- Legal Remedy Processes
- State Ombudsman Directory
- Federal Reporting Mechanisms
Rights Summary & Quick Reference (… in progress)
Printable guides and checklists for families
- One-Page Rights Summary (Printable)
- Family Advocate Checklist
- Warning Signs Quick Reference
- Emergency Contact Cards
- Rights Violation Documentation Forms
Understanding the System (… in progress)
How regulations work and who enforces them
- Federal vs. State Authority
- Regulatory Definitions & Key Terms
- Enforcement Mechanisms
- Survey & Inspection Processes
- Complaint Investigation Procedures
📞 Need Help Now?
If you have immediate concerns about your loved one’s rights:
- Talk to the facility administrator – Start with direct communication
- Contact your state’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman – Free advocacy service
- File a complaint with your state health department – Regulatory enforcement
- Contact Medicare or Medicaid – If payment issues are involved
- Seek legal advice – For serious violations or complex situations
Connect with other families navigating similar challenges: Join our community to share experiences and get support from families across the country.
Remember: These rights exist to protect your loved one’s dignity and quality of life. Don’t hesitate to speak up if you see problems.
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