Residents’ Rights in Nashville Nursing Homes

At Ponce Law, we know the laws when it comes to residents’ rights in Nashville nursing homes, and we’re dedicated to making sure nursing homes uphold their end of these rights by treating all residents with the respect, care, and attention they deserve. If you believe your loved one’s rights were violated by a nursing home staff member, healthcare provider, or administrator, we can hold that party responsible and help you get compensation. Just dial 615-244-4321 or complete a free initial consultation form to speak with a compassionate nursing home abuse attorney today.

TENNESSEE NURSING HOME ABUSE LAWS

Federal law states that all residents in nursing home, long-term care, and assisted living facilities have rights designed to protect their safety, dignity, and well-being, including:

• The right to be treated with dignity and respect
• The right to be informed of medical treatments and drug therapies
• The right to manage personal finances and wills
• The right to privacy from other residents and staff members
• The right to keep personal belongings
• The right to refuse medical procedures and medications
• The right to choose activities in daily schedules
• The right to a safe and comfortable environment

In addition, Tennessee law says that nursing home residents in Nashville and throughout the state also have the following rights:

• The right to share a room with his or her spouse—if both are residents
• The right to privately talk to, meet with, or see anyone
• The right to send and receive mail, promptly and unopened
• The right to be free from mental and physical abuse
• The right to be free from chemical and physical restraints
• The right to meet with and take part in the activities of social, commercial, religious, and community groups
• The right to form and attend resident council meetings
• The right to be fully informed by a physician of his or her health or medical condition
• The right to refuse experimental treatments or drugs
• The right to have his or her records kept confidential and private
• The right to be informed, in writing, about services available at the facility and extra costs that may be charged
• The right to voice grievances and complaints
• The right to recommend changes in policies and procedures
• The right to be free from discrimination or retaliation based on voicing concerns or complaints
• The right to choose medical service providers
• The right to appropriate assessment and management of pain
• The right to be free from involuntary transfer or discharge—except in certain clearly defined cases

These rights may only be amended out of medical necessity or to protect the rights of other residents from infringement. They represent the bare minimum standards of care that nursing home residents should receive—but unfortunately, they are often infringed due to negligent caretakers and administrators. Our nursing home abuse lawyers fight for compensation when residents don’t receive the care and attention they deserve.

FAMILY MEMBER RIGHTS

In addition to residents, the family members of nursing home facility residents in Nashville have rights as well, which include:

• The right to meet in the facility with families of other residents
• The right to use private spaces in the facility for family discussions and events
• The right to invite staff members and visitors to attend family meetings at the facility
• The right to speak with appointed staff members regarding resident needs as dictated by the family
• The right to receive consideration and accommodation from staff members about suggestions and requests concerning resident care

Nursing homes should provide both residents and their families with full access to these rights at all times. If they don’t, their administrators and staff members could be considered negligent. At Ponce Law, it’s our goal to hold negligent nursing home owners and employees accountable for their actions. Contact us today and see how we can help stand up for residents’ rights in Nashville nursing homes.