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Resident Rights

Effective Date: October 1, 2024

At Apopka Health and Rehabilitation Center, we are committed to protecting the dignity, respect, and privacy of every resident in our care. We uphold the rights of residents as defined by federal, state, and local laws, including regulations from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). This page outlines the key rights of our residents and how we work to ensure that these rights are respected.

 

1. Right to Dignity and Respect

Every resident has the right to be treated with dignity, respect, and consideration. This includes:

  • Being addressed by their preferred name.

  • Receiving care in a manner that maintains their self-esteem, privacy, and personal preferences.

  • Enjoying a comfortable, home-like environment in which their individuality is valued.

 

2. Right to Privacy and Confidentiality

Residents have the right to personal privacy and confidentiality of their personal and medical information. This includes:

  • Privacy during personal care activities, medical treatments, and communications with family and friends.

  • Confidential handling of medical records in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

  • The ability to communicate privately with visitors, healthcare providers, and others.

 

3. Right to Make Informed Decisions

Residents have the right to participate in decisions regarding their care and treatment. This includes:

  • Being fully informed of their health status, treatments, and care options in a language they understand.

  • The right to accept or refuse medical treatments, medications, or interventions.

  • The right to make advanced directives, such as living wills, and appoint healthcare proxies to make decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so.

 

4. Right to Safe and Appropriate Care

Residents are entitled to receive safe, appropriate, and high-quality care at all times. This includes:

  • Access to all necessary medical, nursing, rehabilitation, and social services.

  • Proper nutrition, hydration, and accommodations for special dietary needs.

  • Regular health assessments and the provision of care in line with medical best practices.

 

5. Right to Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Restraints

Residents have the right to live in a safe and supportive environment, free from:

  • Physical, emotional, verbal, or sexual abuse.

  • Financial exploitation.

  • Neglect or abandonment.

  • Unnecessary physical or chemical restraints, unless required for medical safety and prescribed by a healthcare provider.

 

6. Right to Participate in Activities and Social Engagement

Residents have the right to engage in social, religious, recreational, and cultural activities of their choosing, subject to their abilities. This includes:

  • Access to scheduled facility activities, entertainment, and social gatherings.

  • Opportunities to practice their religion or spiritual beliefs.

  • The right to participate in family or resident councils to provide feedback about the facility.

 

7. Right to Visitors

Residents have the right to receive visitors, including family, friends, and legal representatives. This includes:

  • The right to designate who may visit them, including the right to withdraw consent for visitors at any time.

  • The right to receive visitors privately, as long as it does not interfere with the care of other residents.

  • Reasonable visitation hours and accommodations for visitors.

 

8. Right to Be Informed of Services and Fees

Residents have the right to receive clear, detailed information about the services provided by the facility and the associated costs. This includes:

  • A detailed explanation of the care services included in their plan of care.

  • Information about any charges or fees for optional services not covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance.

  • Timely notice of any changes in services, rates, or facility policies.

 

9. Right to File a Grievance

Residents have the right to voice complaints or concerns about their care, treatment, or the facility itself, without fear of retaliation or discrimination. This includes:

  • The ability to file complaints directly with the facility through our internal grievance process.

  • Access to external advocacy resources, such as the Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

  • The right to a prompt response to complaints, including corrective actions when appropriate.

How to File a Grievance:

If you have concerns about your care or experience at Apopka Health and Rehabilitation Center, you can file a grievance by:

  • Contacting the facility administrator or staff directly listed below.

  • Submitting a written grievance form available at the front desk or online at www.apopkanursing.com/feedback.

  • Reaching out to the Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (listed below) for independent support.

 

10. Right to Manage Financial Affairs

Residents have the right to manage their personal financial affairs or, if they choose, to have assistance from the facility in managing their funds. This includes:

  • The option to open and maintain a personal trust account with the facility to manage certain expenses.

  • Clear and transparent accounting of any funds held or managed by the facility on behalf of the resident.

  • The right to access and review personal financial records at any time.

 

11. Right to Remain in the Facility

Residents have the right to remain in the facility unless:

  • Transfer or discharge is required for medical reasons.

  • The safety of the resident or others is at risk.

  • The resident no longer meets the eligibility requirements for care.

  • The resident has failed to pay for the services rendered by the facility, after receiving appropriate notice.

In the event of a transfer or discharge, residents will receive advance notice, an explanation of their options, and assistance in arranging for appropriate alternative care.

 

12. Right to Appeal Decisions

Residents have the right to appeal any decisions made regarding their care, treatment, transfer, or discharge. This includes:

  • The right to challenge care plans, decisions about medical treatment, or discharge notices.

  • Access to advocacy services, including the Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, to support them in the appeals process.

  • The right to a fair and impartial hearing before being discharged from the facility, if they believe the discharge is unjustified.

 

Contact Information for Resident Rights Issues

If you have any questions about your rights or wish to report a violation of your rights, you can contact:

Apopka Health and Rehabilitation Center

Address: 2001 Alston Bay Blvd, Apopka, FL 32703

Phone: (407) 565-5990

Email: info@apopkanursing.com

 

You can also contact external advocacy organizations, such as:

​

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
4040 Esplanade Way, Suite 380
Tallahassee, FL 32399-7000

850-414-2323 or toll-free 1-888-831-0404
Fax: 850-414-2377
Email: LTCOPInformer@elderaffairs.org

 

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Phone: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
Website: https://www.medicare.gov

 

Conclusion

At Apopka Health and Rehabilitation Center, we are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of care and ensuring that every resident enjoys their full rights. We encourage residents and their families to engage with us if they have any concerns or questions about their rights or care.

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