Residents living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, and people getting care in other places (like at home, in adult day care, or in hospice) have the same legal rights as any other U.S. citizen.
On top of that, federal and state laws provide extra protections:
- Federal law gives specific rights to people in nursing homes.
- State law gives specific rights to people in assisted living.
- People receiving home care or hospice are also protected by state laws that make sure they’re treated with respect and have the freedom to make their own choices about their care and quality of life.
What Are Your Rights?
Nursing Homes
- Federal Law: This document has interpretive guideline for the regulations. The table of contents, found on page 2, is clickable to make navigation easier.
- State Law
- Nursing Home Residents’ Rights Ensured by Virginia Law
- Residents’ Rights: An Overview
- Being Asked to Leave the Nursing Home? Brochure
- Advocating for Rights and Better Care in Nursing Homes
Assisted Living Facilities
Home Care
Hospice
Adult Day Care
This program is managed by the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman.