Washington Revised Code Title 70. Public Health and Safety § 70.129.005. Intent--Basic rights

The legislature recognizes that long-term care facilities are a critical part of the state's long-term care services system.  It is the intent of the legislature that individuals who reside in long-term care facilities receive appropriate services, be treated with courtesy, and continue to enjoy their basic civil and legal rights.

It is also the intent of the legislature that long-term care facility residents have the opportunity to exercise reasonable control over life decisions.  The legislature finds that choice, participation, privacy, and the opportunity to engage in religious, political, civic, recreational, and other social activities foster a sense of self-worth and enhance the quality of life for long-term care residents.

The legislature finds that the public interest would be best served by providing the same basic resident rights in all long-term care settings.  Residents in nursing facilities are guaranteed certain rights by federal law and regulation, 42 U.S.C. 1396r and 42 C.F.R. part 483.  It is the intent of the legislature to extend those basic rights to residents in veterans' homes, assisted living facilities, enhanced services facilities, and adult family homes.

The legislature intends that a facility should care for its residents in a manner and in an environment that promotes maintenance or enhancement of each resident's quality of life.  A resident should have a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment, allowing the resident to use his or her personal belongings to the extent possible.