Residents’ Rights and the LGBT Community: Know YOUR Rights as a Nursing Home Resident Updated 2018
October 2018 | The National Long Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center
“Individuals living in nursing homes have the same rights to be free from discrimination and
harassment as individuals living in the larger community. In addition, they have rights and
protections provided by federal nursing home regulations and state and federal anti
discrimination provisions. The rights of all residents should be honored and respected, regardless
of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. ”
The rights of all residents should be honored and respected, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. This fact sheet provides and overview of the federal 1987 Nursing Home Reform Law requires nursing homes to “protect and promote the rights of each resident” emphasizing individual dignity and self-determination in the provision of long-term care. Every nursing home accepting Medicare and/or Medicaid must meet federal requirements, including those regarding residents’ rights.