All nursing homes must provide to each new resident a written statement of residents' rights. The list of rights must include the following principles, provided by the Texas Attorney General's Office in Austin. Nursing home residents do not lose any of their rights of citizenship, including the right to vote, to religious freedom, and to associate with whom they choose. Residents are honored guests and have the right to be so treated. Residents have the right to privacy when at all possible, including privacy with their spouses, the confidentiality of their medical and personal records, and private, uncensored communication.
Residents have the right to possess and use personal property and to manage their financial affairs.
Residents have the right to information, including regulations of the nursing home, costs for services rendered, and participation in decisions about any treatment, including the right to refuse treatment. Nursing home residents have the right to be free from mental and physical abuse, and from physical or chemical restraint unless ordered by their physician. Residents have the right to equal care, treatment, and services without discrimination. Residents have freedom of choice, including the right to choose their physician, pharmacists, and any participation in research or experiments. Residents have the right to live at the home unless they violate publicized regulations.