The Texas Resident Rights pamphlet describes what an ombudsman can do to help residents and family members or friends of residents. The pamphlet also includes the rights of residents. These include the right to:
- Privacy
- Confidentiality of records
- Vote
- Know about services and costs
- Control personal finances
- Participate in planning care and treatment
- Refuse treatment
- Be free from chemical and physical restraints
- Be free from abuse, neglect and exploitation
- Complain without fear of retaliation
- Communicate freely with anyone
- Rights related to admission, transfer and discharge, including the right to appeal a discharge
Pamphlet Distribution Requirements
Under the Texas Human Resources Code, Section 102.004, an individual, corporation, association, partnership, or other private or public entity providing nursing home services, or alternate care services must provide each elderly individual with a written list of the individual’s rights and responsibilities, before providing services or as soon after providing services as possible, and must post the list in a conspicuous location.