Ohio Nursing Home Laws and Regulations
Unfortunately, nursing home abuse and neglect happens all too often throughout the country. In recent years, the federal government has been working on this issue by regulating nursing homes and assisted living facilities to a much greater degree. However, states have chosen to go beyond this as well, and this is true of Ohio. If you have a loved one who is in a nursing home, then you need to be familiar with Ohio nursing home laws and regulations. That’s because, if those laws are not being followed, you will need to take action to protect your loved one from abuse and neglect. So, let’s take some time to discuss Ohio nursing home laws and regulations so that you will understand more about them.
The Rights
Patients have rights even when they are living in nursing homes in Ohio. The main right is that they can voice their complaints concerning abuse and neglect, and they should never have to worry about backlash from making the complaint. The Ohio common law states that all assisted living facilities must adhere to a nursing home bill of rights. This is a big part of Ohio nursing home laws and regulations in order to protect patients. This residents’ bill of rights include:
These rights are quite extensive under Ohio nursing home laws and regulations, and you can read all of them here.
If you see any cases of nursing home abuse or neglect, then you have the right to report this according to Ohio nursing home laws and regulations. You can report abuse by visiting www.OhioHopes.org or by calling the Ohio Department of Health Complaint Unit at 1-800-669-3534. It is available 24 hours, and live call coverage lasts from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday. Nursing home abuse will not be tolerated, and this is the purpose of Ohio nursing home laws and regulations.
Resources:
http://k3img.kioskvs.com/adcare/NHR-BOR-Small.pdf
http://ohiohopes.org/elder-abuse/reporting-and-how-to-report/
http://www.odh.ohio.gov/odhPrograms/dspc/complnt/complnt1.aspx