There are numerous laws that protect residents of nursing homes. Some of these laws are: The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services’ mandatory reporting requirements. Reporting the Abuse, Abandonment, Neglect, Self-Neglect, and Financial Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults. Washington State Law. Chapter 70.129 RCW: LONG-TERM CARE RESIDENT RIGHTS (wa.gov) states the rights every nursing home senior has. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rules and regulations. Washington has a Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program to advocate for nursing home residents and residents of other types of senior care facilities.