RESIDENT RIGHTS
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A resident and the resident's family have the right to lodge a grievance
with the facility for an alleged violation of specific or civil rights without fear
of retaliation. This is to be accomplished through the established
grievance and appeal process at the facility.
A resident may not be discriminated against because of race, color,
religious creed, disability, handicap, ancestry, sexual orientation, national
origin, age or sex.
A resident may not be abused, mistreated, threatened, harassed or
subject to corporal punishment.
A resident has the right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.
A resident has the right to be informed of the rules of the facility.
A resident has the right to communicate with others by telephone subject
to reasonable facility policy and written instructions from the contracting
agency or court, if applicable, regarding circumstances, frequency, time,
payment and privacy.
A resident has the right to visit with family at least once every two (2)
weeks, at a time and location convenient for the family, the resident and
the facility, unless visits are restricted by court order. This right does not
restrict more frequent family visits. A resident's visit with family may not be
used as a reward or sanction.
A resident has the right to receive and send mail. Outgoing mail shall not
be opened or read by staff persons. Prior to being sealed, facility staff
may inspect the contents of the envelope for contraband.
Incoming mail from federal, state or county officials, or from the resident's
attorney, shall not be opened or read by staff persons. Incoming mail from
anyone else shall not be opened or read by staff persons unless there is a
reasonable suspicion that contraband, or other information or material that
may jeopardize the resident's health, safety or well being, may be
enclosed. If there is reasonable suspicion that contraband, or other
information that may jeopardize the resident's health or safety may be
enclosed, mail may be opened by the resident in the presence of a staff
person.
A resident has the right to communicate and visit privately with his
attorney and clergy.
A resident has the right to be protected from unreasonable search and
seizure. A facility may conduct search and seizure procedure, subject to
reasonable facility policy.
A resident has the right to practice the religion or faith or choice, or not to
practice any religion or faith.
A resident has the right to appropriate medical, behavioral health and
dental treatment.

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A resident has the right to rehabilitation and treatment.
A resident has the right to be free from excessive medication.
A resident may not be subjected to unusual or extreme methods of
discipline that may cause psychological or physical harm to the resident.
A resident has the right to clean seasonal clothing that is age and gender
appropriate.
A resident may not be deprived of specific or civil rights.
A resident's rights may not be used as a reward or sanction.
A resident has the right to three (3) nutritionally adequate meals and a
snack each day.
A resident has the right to be provided with an Individual Education Plan
(IEP), if deemed necessary.
A resident has the right to be paid for any work done in accordance with
existing federal wage and hour regulations, unless such work is related to
housekeeping, maintenance of the facility or grounds, personal hygienic
needs, or the work is part of an approved vocational, training or restitution
program.