Policy Statement
It is the policy of [PROVIDER] that residents will be cared for in a manner and in an environment that promotes maintenance or enhancement of each resident’s quality of life.
Resident Privacy and Confidentiality
Policy Statement
It is the policy of [PROVIDER] to ensure that each resident has the right to privacy and confidentiality of personal and clinical records.
For purposes of this policy, the term “personal privacy” includes accommodations, medical treatment, written and telephone communications, personal care, visits, and meetings of family and resident groups, but does not include the right to a private room.
Suggested Elements
Providers may wish to include the following suggested elements in their corporate compliance policy:
- Clinical Records
The resident may approve or refuse the release of his or her personal and clinical records to any individual outside [FACILITY] except when the resident is transferred to another health care institution, or the record release is authorized or required by law.
- Mail
It is the policy of [PROVIDER] that each resident has the right to privacy in written communications, including the right to send and promptly receive mail that is unopened, and access to stationary, postage, and writing implements at the resident’s expense.
- Telephone
It is the policy of [PROVIDER] that each resident has the right to reasonable access to the use of a telephone where calls can be made without being overhead.
- Voting
It is the policy of [PROVIDER] that each resident has the right to vote and reasonable access to the means of exercising this right.