NAC449.268. Rights of residents; procedure for filing grievance, complaint or report of incident; investigation and response.

     1. The administrator of a residential facility shall ensure that:

     (a) The residents are not abused, neglected or exploited by a member of the staff of the facility, another resident of the facility or any person who is visiting the facility;

     (b) A resident is not prohibited from speaking to any person who advocates for the rights of the residents of the facility;

     (c) The residents are treated with respect and dignity;

     (d) The facility is a safe and comfortable environment;

     (e) Residents are not prohibited from interacting socially;

     (f) Residents are allowed to make their own decisions whenever possible;

     (g) Residents are aware that they may file a complaint or grievance with the administrator and that a resident who files such a complaint receives a response in a timely manner;

     (h) A resident is informed as soon as practicable that the resident is being moved to a new room or that he or she is receiving a new roommate; and

     (i) Residents are afforded the opportunity to initiate an advance directive or power of attorney for health care and that the employees of the facility comply with the wishes contained in such a document.

     2. The administrator of a residential facility shall provide a procedure to respond immediately to grievances, incidents and complaints. The procedure must include a method for ensuring that the administrator or a person designated by the administrator is notified of the grievance, incident or complaint. The administrator or a person designated by the administrator shall personally investigate the matter. A resident who files a grievance or complaint or reports an incident pursuant to this subsection must be notified of the action taken in response to the grievance, complaint or report or be given a reason why no action needs to be taken.

     3. The employees of the facility shall comply with the procedures adopted pursuant to subsection 2.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Health by R003-97, eff. 10-30-97)