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January 9, 2023

Fact Sheet: Expanding the LTC Ombuds Program 2023 State Legislative Session

Further Reading Long-Term Care Ombuds Program Funding Model Recommendations, Washington State Department of Commerce Decision Package 2023-25, Washington State Department of Commerce Fact Sheet [Click Here to Download PDF] Read More

February
28

February 28, 2018

Consumer Protection in Assisted Living

What does HB 2750 do for Washingtonians? HB 2750 creates a council of stakeholders, consumers and experts to make recommendations on quality, independent consumer information and reporting the value of assisted living facilities that doesn’t exist now. It establishes the Assisted Living Facility Quality Measurement program to provide information to consumers about assisted living facilities. Read More

November
15

November 15, 2015

Alliance to End Sexual Violence

Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs, the Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, and Disability Rights Washington have merged resources, knowledge, and skills in a unique statewide collaboration to effect change for survivors living in long-term care. This informed effort engages people from across the systems so long-term care is transformed, accountable and intolerant of Read More

December
23

December 23, 2012

2012- Adult Family Home Report

Advocacy Action Alerts From State LTC Ombuds The December 2012 Adult Family Home Quality Assurance Panel Report In 2011, the Washington State Legislature examined problems with the quality of care and oversight of some adult family homes (AFHs). Washington has over 2,800 AFHs, serving approximately 14,000 vulnerable residents and/or residents with disabilities in small residential Read More

Action Advocacy Alzheimers Brochure coalition Consumer Voice Decision Package Department of Commerce Discharge Discharge Appeal Rights Discharge Rights Discharges eviction protections evictions Fact Sheet Funding Gratitude Handbook HB 1859 HB 2750 history In the News Laws legislation Legislative Tracking News OAAPS Petition Resident Resources Resident Rights Resources Rulemaking Staffing Story Tools Volunteer

Resident Rights

An Overview of Resident Rights

If you live in a Long-Term Care (LTC) Facility, such as a nursing home, boarding home (also called “assisted living facility”), adult family home, or state operated veterans’ home, you have:

The same civil and legal rights as all US citizens; plus
A basic set of legally protected Resident Rights.

Resident Rights cover all aspects of your stay: from admission, to living in the facility, and discharge.

A short history of Resident Rights

People who live in long-term care facilities are more vulnerable than people who live independently. In 1987, the U. S. Congress recognized this fact and passed The Nursing Home Reform Act that gave nursing home residents additional legal protections, including a set of Resident Rights.

In 1995, the Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman was successful in persuading the Washington legislature to extend Resident Rights to other LTC facilities: boarding homes, adult family homes, and state operated veterans’ homes.

Resident Rights put you in charge

Resident Rights enable you to direct all aspects of your stay in a LTC facility. For example, you have the right to make decisions regarding your plan of treatment, how you conduct your personal life, and at what time and location you want to be discharged from the facility.

Knowing and advocating for your rights is critical to a successful stay in a LTC facility. You, your representative, or a legally appointed guardian can exercise your rights. A long-term care ombudsman can explain and help you exercise your rights.

What can you do if your rights are being violated?

Whether you live in a nursing home, a boarding home (“assisted living facility”), an adult family home, or a state operated veterans’ home, you or your advocate can pursue these options one at a time, simultaneously, and in any order:

Talk directly to facility staff
File a written grievance with the facility
Voice your concern and get support at a Resident Council meeting
Call your local LTC Ombudsman for advice and/or request their help and involvement (See the list of LTC Ombudsmen by County)
Call the DSHS Complaint Hotline (1-800-562-6078) and report your concern.
- You will be asked to leave a message.
- Provide specific details about your concern, your name and phone number, and a good time to reach you.
- DSHS will call you back.
You also have the option to remain anonymous to the facility, DSHS, or to both entities.

Retaliation, Coercion or Interference

It is illegal to retaliate against residents in any way for talking to the ombudsman or filing a complaint or grievance. It is also illegal for a facility to interfere with the ombudsman’s duties, including the investigation of complaints or provision of information to residents, families and others. Residents have the right to meet privately with the ombudsman and to have these conversations remain confidential. The ombudsman’s investigations and records are also confidential, unless disclosure is approved.

To view the complete Revised Code of Washington (RCW) for LONG-TERM CARE RESIDENT RIGHTS, Chapter 70.129 visit https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=70.129