Home / Residents’ rights
Residents’ rights
Your rights don’t change
when your address does.
Every resident has rights under Maryland law. Here they are in plain language, along with who to contact if you ever have a concern.
Protected by Maryland regulation.
Maryland requires every assisted living program to adopt a Resident Bill of Rights (COMAR 10.07.14.36). We give a copy to each resident and their representative at or before move-in, and it is posted in our home.
The summary below is for easy reading. The written Bill of Rights in your resident agreement and the regulation itself are the official versions.
Have a concern?
Talk to our assisted living manager first. We take every suggestion, complaint and grievance seriously and will respond promptly. You can also contact any of the agencies listed below at any time, without fear of retaliation.
Every resident has the right to…
Dignity & good care
- Be treated with consideration, respect and full recognition of your dignity and individuality
- Receive adequate, appropriate care that meets state, local and federal law
- Services that support your independence and personal choice
Your care, your choices
- Take part in planning your service plan and medical treatment
- Make an informed decision to accept or refuse treatment
- Choose your pharmacy, within reasonable safety policies
- Take part in decisions about transitions in care, including transfer or discharge
Safety & protection
- Freedom from mental, verbal, sexual and physical abuse, neglect and financial exploitation
- Freedom from involuntary seclusion and from restraints used against the regulations
- Notice, fair procedures and humane treatment if you are transferred or discharged
Privacy & confidentiality
- Privacy, including staff knocking before entering (unless you’re asleep or there’s an emergency)
- Confidential handling of your records, health information and care
- Meet privately with anyone you choose, within posted visiting hours
- Meet privately with your lawyer
Personal life & belongings
- Manage your own finances, as the law allows
- Keep and use your own clothing and belongings, as space and safety allow
- Choose your own dress and hairstyle
- Attend, or not attend, religious services, and receive visits from clergy
- Notice before a roommate change, and a say in the choice where possible
Communication & complaints
- Send and receive mail unopened and without delay
- Writing materials and postage, and private use of a shared phone
- A prompt, reasonable response to your requests
- Make complaints to us or to government agencies without fear of retaliation, and get a prompt response
Residents are never assigned work for the home without their consent and fair pay, and may stop at any time (COMAR 10.07.14.36). Personal funds are protected under COMAR 10.07.14.39.
Help and advocacy, outside our walls.
You have the right to contact any of these agencies, at any time, without fear of retaliation.
Office of Health Care Quality (OHCQ)
Part of the Maryland Department of Health. Licenses and inspects assisted living programs and investigates complaints.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Free, confidential advocates for residents of assisted living and nursing homes, through the Maryland Department of Aging and Baltimore County.
Adult Protective Services
Investigates suspected abuse, neglect, self-neglect or financial exploitation of vulnerable adults, through your local Department of Social Services.
The full regulation
Read the official text of the Resident’s Rights regulation in the Code of Maryland Regulations.
Your next step
Let’s take the next step together.
Bring your questions, your hopes and your worries. We’ll start with what matters most to you.