Title 31, Chapter 8, Section 114
( 31-8-114)
Each resident shall enjoy the right of privacy including, but not
limited to, the following: (1) The right to privacy in the resident's room or the resident's
portion of the room. The staff may not enter a resident's room
without making their presence known, except when the resident is
asleep, in an emergency threatening the health or safety of the
resident, or as required by the resident's care plan; (2) The right to a private room and a personal sitter if the
resident pays the difference between the facility's charge for
such a room and sitter and the amount reimbursed through medicare
or Medicaid; (3) The right to private visits with the resident's spouse.
Spouses shall be permitted to share a room when available where
both are residents of the facility; (4) The right to have unimpeded, private, and uncensored
communication with anyone of the resident's choice by mail, public
telephone, and visitation, provided that such visitation does not
disturb other residents. The administrator shall provide that mail
is received and mailed on regular postal delivery days, that
telephones are accessible for confidential and private
communications, and that at least one private place per facility
is available for visits during normal visitation hours, which
shall be for at least 12 continuous hours per day; (5) The right to refuse acceptance of correspondence, telephone
calls, or visitation by anyone; (6) The right to respect and privacy in his medical, personal, and
bodily care program. Each resident's case discussion,
consultation, examination, treatment, and care shall be
confidential and shall be conducted in privacy. Those persons not
directly involved in the resident's care must have the resident's
permission to be present; and (7) The right to receive confidential treatment of the resident's
personal and medical records. Only the resident or guardian may
approve the release or disclosure of such records to any
individual outside the facility, except in case of (A) the
resident's transfer to another health care facility, (B) during a
medicare, Medicaid, licensure, medical care foundation, or peer
review survey, or (C) as otherwise provided by law or third-party
payment contract. |