§ 19-343. Related institutions

   (a) "Facility" defined. -- In this section and § 19-344 and 19-345 of this subtitle, "facility" means a related institution that, under the rules and regulations of the Department, is a comprehensive care facility or an extended care facility.

(b) Policy. --

   (1) The General Assembly intends to promote the interests and well-being of each resident of a facility.

   (2) It is the policy of this State that, in addition to any other rights, each resident of a facility has the following basic rights:

      (i) The right to be treated with consideration, respect, and full recognition of human dignity and individuality;

      (ii) The right to receive treatment, care, and services that are adequate, appropriate, and in compliance with relevant State and federal laws, rules, and regulations;

      (iii) The right to privacy;

      (iv) The right to be free from mental and physical abuse;

      (v) The right to expect and receive appropriate assessment, management, and treatment of pain as an integral component of the patient's care;

      (vi) The right to be free from physical and chemical restraints, except for restraints that a physician authorizes for a clearly indicated medical need;

      (vii) The right to receive respect and privacy in a medical care program; and

      (viii) The right to manage personal financial affairs.

(c) Duties of facilities. -- Each facility shall:

   (1) Post, conspicuously in a public place, the policy set forth in subsection (b) of this section and the provisions in § 19-344 (b) through (m), 19-345, and 19-346 (i) (2) of this subtitle;

   (2) Give a copy of the policy and those provisions:

      (i) On admission, to the resident;

      (ii) To the guardian, next of kin, or sponsoring agency of the resident; and

      (iii) To a representative payee of the resident;

   (3) Keep a receipt for the copy that is signed by the person who received the copy; and

   (4) Provide appropriate staff training to carry out the policy and those provisions.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 43, § 565C; 1982, ch. 21, § 2; ch. 371; 1982, ch. 389; 1988, ch. 452, § 2; 2002, ch. 368, § 1.