Maryland Nursing Home Bill of Rights

Nursing home residents in Maryland, and throughout the country, are entitled to certain rights that promote their safety, interests and well-being. As outlined in the Maryland Nursing Home Bill of Rights, residents have a right to receive quality care and must be treated with respect in a way that is free from abuse or neglect.

Nursing homes that fail to protect the rights of residents can be held liable for the harm they cause to their patients. Our dedicated Maryland nursing home abuse attorneys at The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl have decades of experience holding nursing home facilities accountable for the harm they have caused through abuse and neglect. We have compassionately helped our clients recover millions of dollars in compensation for what they have suffered.

If your loved one has been injured or harmed in a nursing home, you should not hesitate to contact our trusted personal injury lawyers to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. There is no risk to you, because there are no fees or costs unless we help you recover compensation for your case. Contact us today to learn more about your loved one’s legal rights.

Call 410-244-7005 to schedule a free consultation.

What Is the Maryland Nursing Home Bill of Rights?

As outlined in state statute §19-343, nursing homes in Maryland are required to give a copy of the Maryland Nursing Home Bill of Rights to every person admitted to the facility, as well as to his or her guardian or representative. These rights must also be posted in a visible location for residents to see.

Some of the essential rights included in the Maryland Nursing Home Bill of Rights include:

• The right to be treated with consideration, respect, and full recognition of human dignity and individuality.
• The right to receive treatment, care, and services that are adequate, appropriate, and in compliance with relevant state and federal laws, rules and regulations.
• The right to privacy.
• The right to be free from mental and physical abuse.
• The right to expect and receive appropriate assessment, management and treatment of pain as an integral component of the patient’s care.
• The right to be free from physical and chemical restraints, except for restraints that a physician authorizes for a clearly indicated medical need.
• The right to receive respect and privacy in a medical care program.
• The right to manage personal financial affairs.

If a nursing home does not follow one or more of these standards, including giving a full copy of the Maryland Nursing Home Bill of Rights to residents and their representatives, the nursing home can face repercussions.

If your loved one has experienced a violation of any of these rights, contact the nursing home abuse attorneys at The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl to discuss your claim against the facility. Your loved one may be entitled to compensation for the inadequate treatment he or she received.

Fill out a Free Case Evaluation form today
so we can start reviewing your case.

Why Is a Nursing Home Bill of Rights Necessary?

In 1986, the U.S. Congress passed a bill requesting the Institute of Medicine to review the quality of care given to residents of nursing homes that receive funding from Medicare and Medicaid. The results of the review showed that many residents of these nursing homes experienced abuse, neglect and inadequate care. This prompted Congress to pass the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987, which outlined the rights of nursing home residents and the services that facilities must provide to their residents.

Many of these rights are similar to those included in the Maryland Nursing Home Bill of Rights. Some additional rights include the right to:

• Choose a physician
• Participate in planning care and treatment
• Be fully informed about care and treatment and to receive advanced notice of any changes
• Privacy of medical treatment, accommodations, communications, visits and meetings
• Confidentiality of personal and clinical records
• Receive notice before changes are made to the resident’s living situation
• Refuse transfer to another room within the facility if it is to a portion of the facility that is not a skilled nursing facility
• Voice grievances regarding treatment or care without discrimination or punishment
• Participate in resident, social, religious and community groups

Unfortunately, some people who work in the health care field or in nursing home facilities may provide poor care or even create a hostile environment for the residents. When this happens, it is in your best interest to contact a trusted attorney right away. Call our experienced legal team today to schedule your free case evaluation.

A knowledgeable member of our legal team is ready to talk to you now: 410-244-7005.

Resources for Protecting Nursing Home Residents

Residents of nursing facilities in Maryland have several resources available for voicing concerns and complaints if they experience poor treatment or care, including the following:

• Maryland Ombudsman Program – The state government operates this program to advocate for the residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities and continuing care retirement centers. If a complaint is filed, an ombudsman will investigate the matter and try to solve the problem.
• Resident Council – Residents of a nursing facility may form a resident council, and any resident may join the council. The nursing home must listen to and take action upon the concerns and recommendations of the residents.
• Nursing Home Administrator – If a complaint is filed with the administrator of the nursing facility, the issue must be addressed within 30 days.
• Office of Health Care Quality, Maryland Department of Health – This agency licenses and certifies nursing homes and other health-related facilities, and it monitors these facilities to ensure they are administering proper care. This department accepts complaints from anyone who has witnessed or experienced inadequate care.
• Nursing home abuse attorney – If you suspect abuse or neglect, an attorney can help ensure your loved one’s rights are protected. We will conduct an investigation into the situation, advise you of your legal options and help hold the liable parties accountable.

At The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl, we are committed to protecting the rights of nursing home residents. We offer a free case evaluation; if you have a case, we can help you obtain the compensation entitled to you. Contact us today to see how we can help you.

Schedule your free case review today by calling 410-244-7005.

How Can an Attorney Help Me?

If your loved one has been improperly treated by a nursing home facility or a nursing professional, your best option is to hire a well-respected nursing home abuse attorney.

Nurses, therapists and other medical professionals are bound by law to treat residents with respect and dignity, and to provide them with the care they need. When they fail to do this and residents suffer harm, whether physical, emotional or financial, the facility and involved staff members can be held liable.

A court may order that the liable party owes compensation for the harm they caused, which may include payment toward:

• Medical costs incurred from the abuse
• Relocation or transportation to another facility
• Rehabilitation costs from injuries
• Value of any stolen or damaged property
• Pain and suffering

We will listen to your case and analyze the details with you. After a thorough investigation of the situation, we will advise you of the legal options that are in your loved one’s best interest and will work with your family to build a case against the liable party.

Contact us today for a free review of your case to see what we can do for you. We charge no upfront fees or costs, and we only get paid if you get paid – so there is no risk to you.

Fill out a free case review for an elder abuse lawyer to review your claim.

Contact an Attorney Today

The legal protections and standards listed in the Maryland Nursing Home Bill of Rights are guaranteed by the state. These laws exist to protect the residents of every nursing home in Maryland, ensuring that the residents do not have to endure any type of abuse or neglect.

If a nursing home provides care that falls below these standards, the resident who is receiving poor treatment and inadequate care has the legal right to pursue a claim against the nursing facility. Your nursing home abuse lawyer will evaluate the abuse or neglect, and he or she will help ensure your loved one’s rights are protected.

Contact us today to discuss your case and find out what our experienced law firm can do for you. We charge no upfront fees or costs, and you will pay us nothing unless we are able to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Call us at 410-244-7005 or fill out our Free Case Evaluation form
to get started.