Cullan & Cullan M.D., J.D. | Arizona Legal Blog

In 1987, the federal government passed the Nursing Home Reform Act, which outlined specific rights guaranteed by law to nursing home residents. The purpose of this law was to enforce higher standards of care among our nation's nursing homes, as well as to curb the incidents of nursing home abuse and neglect committed against our elderly loved ones who reside in these institutions.

By law, nursing homes are required to provide all residents with a copy of the Nursing Home Reform Amendments, and they must also display a copy for all residents to see.

Some of the important nursing home residents' rights guaranteed by this law include:

• Right to Self-Determination – All residents may choose their own physicians, and they must be allowed to participate in the formulation of their health care treatment plan. Residents also must be permitted to voice grievances about the standard of their care without fear of punishment, and they have the right to participate in advocacy groups within the nursing home.
• Right to Privacy – Residents have the right to participate in any social, religious, and community activities which align with their interests and beliefs. They also have the right to privacy in medical treatment, personal visits, accommodations, communications, and personal records.
• Abuse and Restraints – Physical and mental abuse, corporal punishment, and involuntary seclusion of residents is forbidden. Furthermore, facilities can only use restraints to protect the health and safety of the residents.
• Visits – Nursing homes must allow immediate visits by a resident's family members, doctors, ombudsman, or lawyers provided the resident gives consent to the visit.

The Arizona nursing home abuse lawyers at Cullan & Cullan M.D., J.D. are both licensed trial attorneys and doctors. We understand the legal issues affecting your loved one as well as the medical conditions that may develop as a result of their abuse.

We have seen firsthand the tragic consequences of nursing home abuse and neglect, and we are committed to fighting for the rights of your loved in order to ensure that such abusive practices do not continue in the future. If your loved one has been injured by abusive or neglectful nursing home staff members, we can help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Please contact our Arizona nursing home abuse lawyers today to schedule your initial consultation. Cullan & Cullan M.D., J.D. serves clients in Phoenix and throughout Arizona.