According to the Ohio Revised Code, those living in a nursing home have rights as residents. While some of these rights seem pretty self-evident such as the right to a clean living environment or a right to privacy during medical examinations and personal care, other rights under Ohio code may not be so apparent or well-known to most people. For instance, you may not be aware that residents of nursing home residents have the right to select a staff physician of their choice, and they can even select an attending physician not on staff should they so choose. Also, many people may not be aware that residents have the right to a pharmacist of their choice and are allowed to pay fair market price for their required medications. Furthermore, unless contradictory to written admission policies, residents even have the right consume alcoholic beverages or use tobacco.
If you have concerns that personnel or an individual staff member at your loved one’s nursing home have somehow violated any of your loved one’s rights, then you should contact an Ohio elder law attorney without delay. While some of the above rights—such as the right to alcohol or tobacco—may not seem like serious offenses should a staff member violate or ignore them, other rights—such as the right to privacy during medical exams or the right to withhold payment to a physician who did not provide service—are quite serious. By discussing your specific situation with a qualified professional who has years of experience dealing with such issues, your ensuring both an optimal, stress free living environment for your loved one while simultaneously ensuring your financial security.
