Resident Rights Posting: Staying Compliant with 59A-36.007

Resident Rights Posting
Resident Rights Posting: Staying Compliant with 59A-36.007

Running an Assisted Living Facility (ALF) means keeping track of details that protect residents and keep your facility in compliance. One requirement that is often overlooked is making sure residents have clear access to complaint hotline numbers.

Florida Rule 59A-36.007 Resident Care Standards (5)(c) states:

“The telephone number for lodging complaints against a facility or facility staff must be posted in full view in a common area accessible to all residents. The telephone numbers are: the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, 1(888)831-0404; Disability Rights Florida, 1(800)342-0823; the Agency Consumer Hotline 1(888)419-3456, and the statewide toll-free telephone number of the Florida Abuse Hotline, 1(800)96-ABUSE or 1(800)962-2873. The telephone numbers must be posted in close proximity to a telephone accessible by residents and the text must be a minimum of 14-point font.”

Why It Matters

This requirement is about resident rights and transparency. Residents and their families need to know how to report concerns, and surveyors take this posting very seriously. Missing, hidden, or improperly sized postings can lead to citations—even if your care is excellent.

Steps to Stay Compliant ✅

  1. Post the Required Numbers Clearly

    • Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-888-831-0404

    • Disability Rights Florida: 1-800-342-0823

    • Agency Consumer Hotline: 1-888-419-3456

    • Florida Abuse Hotline: 1-800-96-ABUSE or 1-800-962-2873

  2. Choose the Right Location

    • Place in a common area accessible to all residents.

    • Must be near a resident-accessible phone.

  3. Use the Correct Font Size

    • At least 14-point font.

Best Practices for Administrators

  • Create a professional poster rather than piecing together paper slips.

  • Double-check visibility during your monthly compliance walkthrough.

  • Take photos and store them in your compliance binder as proof of compliance.

Final Takeaway

This is a simple requirement, but overlooking it can lead to unnecessary citations. By making sure the complaint numbers are visible, accessible, and properly formatted, your facility protects both residents and itself.