Resident Rights F550–F586

F550 – Resident Rights/Exercise of Rights

Residents have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, make choices about their care, and exercise their rights without interference. Facilities must support residents in understanding and using their rights and ensure staff do not restrict or discourage their exercise.

F551 – Rights Exercised by Representative

When a resident designates a representative, the facility must honor that representative’s authority and ensure they receive the information needed to make informed decisions. Staff must not interfere with or undermine the representative’s role.

F552 – Right to Be Informed/Make Treatment Decisions

Residents must receive complete and accurate information about their care, treatment options, risks, and benefits. This ensures they can make informed decisions and participate meaningfully in their care planning.

F553 – Right to Participate in Planning Care

Residents have the right to participate in developing, reviewing, and revising their person‑centered care plan. Facilities must actively involve residents and ensure their preferences and goals guide care decisions.

F554 – Resident Self-Admin Meds- Clinically Appropriate

Residents may self‑administer medications when it is clinically appropriate and safe to do so. The facility must assess the resident’s ability and ensure proper monitoring and documentation.

F555 – Right to Choose/ Be Informed of Attending Physician

Residents have the right to select their attending physician, and the facility must support this choice while ensuring continuity and coordination of care. Any concerns about the physician’s performance must be addressed through proper channels.

F557 – Respect, Dignity/ Right to have Personal Property

Residents must be treated with dignity in all interactions, including during care, communication, and daily routines. Facilities must also protect residents’ personal property from loss, theft, or damage.

F558 – Reasonable Accommodation of Needs/Preferences

Facilities must make reasonable efforts to accommodate residents’ preferences regarding schedules, activities, and the physical environment. These accommodations support autonomy and enhance quality of life.

F559 – Choose/Be Notified of Room/Roommate Change

Residents have the right to choose or be notified of room or roommate changes in advance. Facilities must ensure changes are clinically justified and communicated clearly and timely.

F560 – Right to Refuse Certain Transfers

Residents may refuse certain transfers within the facility unless specific regulatory exceptions apply. Facilities must respect refusals and ensure residents understand the implications of their decisions.

F561 – Self‑Determination

Residents have the right to make choices about their daily life, including schedules, activities, and routines. Facilities must support these preferences while ensuring care needs are met.

F562 – Immediate Access to Resident

Residents must have immediate access to certain individuals, including representatives, ombudsmen, and essential caregivers. Facilities must not impose barriers that restrict this access.

F563 – Right to Receive/Deny Visitors

Residents may receive or deny visitors of their choosing at any time, with limited exceptions for safety or clinical reasons. Facilities must ensure visitation policies are applied consistently and fairly.

F564 – Inform of Visitation Rights/Equal Visitation Privilege

Facilities must inform residents of their visitation rights and ensure equal access for all visitors regardless of relationship type. Policies must comply with federal requirements and be communicated clearly.

F565 – Resident and Family Group and Response

Residents have the right to form resident or family groups, and facilities must provide space and support for these meetings. Concerns raised by these groups must be addressed promptly and appropriately.

F566 – Right to Perform Facility Services or Refuse

Residents may choose to perform facility services or refuse to do so. If they choose to work, they must be compensated and the work must be voluntary and appropriate.

F567 – Protection and Management of Personal Funds

Residents may manage their own finances unless they delegate responsibility to the facility or another party. Facilities must protect resident funds and ensure proper oversight when managing them.

F568 – Accounting and Records of Personal Funds

Facilities must maintain accurate, detailed accounting records for resident personal funds. Residents and representatives must have access to these records upon request.

F569 – Notice and Conveyance of Personal Funds

Facilities must provide proper notice and convey resident personal funds upon discharge, transfer, or death. Funds must be handled according to regulatory requirements and documented appropriately.

F570 – Surety Bond – Security of Personal Funds

Facilities that manage resident funds must maintain a surety bond to protect those funds from loss. The bond must cover the full amount of all resident funds held.

F571 – Limitations on Charges to Personal Funds

Facilities may not charge residents for items or services covered by Medicare or Medicaid. Any charges must be clearly explained and authorized by the resident or representative.

F572 – Notice of Rights and Rules

Residents must receive written notice of their rights, facility rules, and policies upon admission and when changes occur. Facilities must ensure residents understand this information.

F573 – Right to Access/Purchase Copies of Records

Residents have the right to access their medical and personal records promptly and to purchase copies at a reasonable cost. Facilities must provide records within required timeframes.

F574 – Required Notices and Contact Information

Facilities must provide residents with required notices and contact information for state agencies, ombudsmen, and advocacy organizations. This information must be accurate and easily accessible.

F575 – Required Postings

Facilities must post required information, including survey results, contact information for oversight agencies, and resident rights. These postings must be visible and accessible to residents and families.

F576 – Right to Forms of Communication with Privacy

Residents have the right to private communication, including mail, phone calls, and electronic communication. Facilities must ensure privacy and provide reasonable access to communication tools.

F577 – Right to Survey Results and Advocate Agency Information

Residents must have access to the facility’s most recent survey results and information about advocacy agencies. This information must be posted or provided upon request.

F578 – Request/Refuse/Discontinue Treatment; Formulate Advance Directives (3‑Part Series)

Part 1: Request, Refuse & Discontinue Treatment
Residents have the right to request, refuse, or discontinue treatment at any time. Facilities must ensure residents understand the implications of their decisions and document refusals appropriately.

Part 2: Advance Directives & Facility Policies
Residents may formulate advance directives, and facilities must have policies that support resident autonomy while complying with state and federal requirements. Staff must be trained on how to honor and implement these directives.

Part 3: Executed Advance Directives, P&Ps and Survey Citations
Facilities must maintain executed advance directives, ensure policies and procedures reflect regulatory expectations, and be prepared to demonstrate compliance during survey. Surveyors will review documentation and staff knowledge.

F579 – Posting and Notice of Medicare Medicaid on Admission

Residents must receive notice of Medicare and Medicaid coverage, benefits, and related rights upon admission. Facilities must ensure this information is accurate and clearly communicated.

F580 – Notify of Changes (Injury/Decline/Room, Etc.)

Facilities must notify residents, representatives, and physicians of significant changes in condition, treatment, or room assignment. Timely and accurate communication is required.

F582 – Medicaid Medicare Coverage Liability Notice (2‑Part Series)

Part 1: Medicaid Eligibility, Covered/Non‑Covered Items, Refunds & Facility Responsibilities
Residents must receive clear information about Medicaid eligibility, covered and non‑covered services, and refund requirements. Facilities must follow strict rules regarding billing and financial responsibility.

Part 2: NOMNC, SNF ABN, ABN Triggers, Demand Bills & Survey Review
Residents must receive proper notices when Medicare coverage is ending or when liability shifts. This part covers NOMNC, SNF ABNs, ABN triggers, demand bills, and what surveyors review for compliance.

F583 – Personal Privacy and Confidentiality of Records

Residents have the right to personal privacy during care and confidentiality of their medical and personal information. Facilities must safeguard records and ensure privacy practices are followed.

F584 Safe/Clean/Comfortable/Homelike Environment

Residents must live in a safe, clean, comfortable environment that supports independence and dignity. Facilities must maintain a homelike atmosphere and address environmental concerns promptly.

F585 – Grievances

Residents may file grievances without fear of retaliation, and facilities must investigate and resolve them promptly. A clear, accessible grievance process is required.

F586 – Resident Contact with External Entities

Residents must be able to contact surveyors, ombudsmen, and other external agencies without interference. Facilities must ensure residents know how to reach these entities and may not obstruct communication.