Residents rights

Resident rights
Texas state laws covering nursing homes

For detailed information about resident rights, contact your local Ombudsman Program by calling 1-800-252-2412 or e-mailing the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services at mail@dads.state.tx.us. This information also is available in Spanish and Braille.

You can download the resident rights poster or brochure below in PDF format in both Spanish and English.

Resident rights

Residents have the right to:

Be treated with respect, dignity and consideration
Exercise their rights and civil liberties as a resident of Texas and citizen of the United States and observe their religious beliefs
Confidentiality of personal and clinical records
Be informed of their medical condition and participate in treatment planning
Plan activities in the facility
Choose their own attending physician and the source of pharmacy service
Be free from mental, physical, or verbal abuse and chemical and physical restraints
Associate and communicate in privacy, including visits with anyone of their choice in or outside of the facility, mail and telephone services, participation in resident council activities, access to their records and access to state inspection reports
Be told of services provided by Medicaid or Medicare and informed of other items or services and their respective costs for which they may be charged
Not be transferred or discharged without cause or notice
Be treated without discrimination regardless of source of payment
Make complaints and express grievances without fear of discrimination or reprisal
Manage personal and financial affairs and make choices and independent decisions
Issue advance directives, including directive to physician, medical power of attorney, and out-of-hospital do-not-resuscitate.

Texas state laws covering nursing homes

Resident rights

The resident has a right to a dignified existence, self determination, and communication with and access to persons and services inside and outside the facility. A facility must protect and promote the rights of each resident. (Texas Administrative Code 19.401-421*)

Quality of life

A facility must care for its residents in a manner and in an environment that promotes maintenance or enhancement of each resident's quality of life. (Texas Administrative Code19.701-705*)

Quality of care

Each resident must receive and the facility must provide the necessary care and services to attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being, as defined by and in accordance with the comprehensive assessment and plan of care. (Texas Administrative Code 19.901*)

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Updated: September 6, 2011