Tampa Nursing Resident Bill of Rights Lawyer

Entering a nursing home is often associated with a loss of freedom of independence. But Florida law protects all residents of long-term care facilities with respect to their civil liberties. This “bill or rights” includes the ability to take legal action against any facility that fails to respect their person.

Unfortunately, many residents are not even aware of their rights under the law. So if you have a family member who may be subject to abuse, neglect, or mistreatment by their care facility, you should not hesitate to speak with an attorney on their behalf. Florin Gray is a team of dedicated Tampa nursing resident bill of rights lawyers who represent victims of abuse and neglect in these facilities. We can review your family member’s situation and advise them of their rights under state and federal law.

How Florida Law Protects Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities

Florida’s nursing resident bill of rights is quite comprehensive. It outlines the minimum standards of civil liberties that any licensed facility must afford to its residents. Some of the key protections include:

• the right to exercise all basic civil and religious liberties;
• the right to private and uncensored communication with family members, friends, and outside counsel such as attorneys;
• the right to visitation with anyone providing healthcare, social, legal, or other services, as well as the right to reject to reject such services;
• the ability to present grievances to the facility and recommend changes in their operations without fear or retaliation;
• the right to organize and participate in groups with other nursing home residents;
• the right to examine the result of any recent inspections of their facility by federal and state regulators;
• the right to manage their own financial affairs, including access to a quarterly accounting of their finances;
• the right to be informed–in writing and orally–of all services available at the facility and their related charges;
• the right to receive adequate and appropriate health care and support services within industry-recognized standards;
• the right to choose their own doctor and pharmacy;
• the right to refuse any medication or medical treatment, and to be informed of the consequences of such refusal;
• the right to be free of any mental, physical, financial, or emotional abuse;
• the right to be free from any physical or chemical restraints, except when ordered by the resident’s attending physician;
• the right to at least 30 days notice before any discharge or relocation, and the ability to challenge such notice; and
• the right to retain and use their own clothing and other personal possessions.

There are additional rights provided by both Florida law and federal regulations governing nursing homes that accept Medicare and Medicaid patients.

Don’t Delay, Contact Florin Gray

All Florida nursing homes know they are required to respect a resident’s rights. But that does not mean all of these facilities actually comply. If someone that you love is in a long-term care facility that does not respect their basic civil liberties, it is critical to speak with a skilled Tampa Florida nursing resident bill of rights lawyer as soon as possible. Contact Florin Gray today to schedule a free consultation.