Protecting Patients’ Rights through the Nursing Home Care Act

 Posted on November 17, 2023 in Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

In Illinois, the Nursing Home Care Act (NHCA) is a crucial piece of legislation designed to protect the rights and well-being of residents in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Suppose you have a loved one residing in an Illinois nursing home. In that case, it is worth understanding what the act entails, especially if you believe your loved one has had their rights violated while living in a nursing home facility. If you have a concern pertaining to a loved one, contact a lawyer today and get on the fast track to ensuring your loved one’s rights are known, protected, and advocated for. 

Right to Dignity and Respect 

Under the NHCA, nursing home residents have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. This includes being addressed by their preferred name, having their privacy protected, and being free from any form of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. This also entails that nursing home staff safeguard the personal preferences and cultural beliefs of residents, which helps to foster an environment that promotes individuality and self-worth. 

Right to Quality Care

The NHCA works to guarantee nursing home residents receive quality care that meets their physical, mental, and emotional needs. This includes access to appropriate medical treatment, medication management, assistance with activities of daily living, and a safe and clean living environment. Nursing homes must have an adequate number of properly trained staff members to ensure residents’ needs are met and provided for. 

Right to Freedom from Restraints 

Nursing home residents have the right to be free from unnecessary physical or chemical restraints. The use of restraints should only be employed when it is absolutely medically necessary and should be considered as a last resort option to protect the safety of residents or others. 

Right to Visitation

Residents also have the right to receive visitors of their choosing and to communicate freely with friends and advocates. Nursing homes must not restrict visitation rights unless there is an actual reason for doing so. Such reasons could include protecting the safety and welfare of the resident. Residents also have the right to access their personal records and communicate with individuals outside the facility, including legal counsel. 

Right to File Complaints

The NHCA empowers nursing home residents to voice their concerns and file complaints without the fear of retaliatory action. Residents or their representatives can report violations of their rights or instances of neglect or abuse to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Contact a Hyde Park, IL Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer 

Are you looking for legal representation for your loved one? Contact the experienced Chicago, IL nursing home abuse attorney with Kadzai Law Group, LLC. Contact 312-229-0050 for a free consultation.