The Resident Rights Standard Too Many Facilities Ignore—Is Yours One of Them?

In my work inspecting assisted living facilities, I frequently encounter a regulation that’s often overlooked but critical for compliance: 59A-36.007 Resident Care Standards, specifically section (5)(c) on Resident Rights and Facility Procedures.

Understanding the Regulation: 59A-36.007(5)(c)

Here’s exactly what the regulation 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:

•Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: 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

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.”

This requirement is more than a suggestion. It is a mandatory standard that facility operators must adhere to in order to maintain compliance with Florida’s AHCA resident care regulations.

Why This Regulation Matters

Posting these contact numbers serves a dual purpose: it provides residents with access to essential resources, and it keeps your facility in compliance with AHCA. Residents must feel empowered to report issues directly to agencies if needed, and this regulation ensures that they can do so without barriers.

Failing to follow this requirement not only places your facility at risk for deficiencies but can also compromise resident trust and safety. When facilities display these resources, it sends a message of transparency and accountability, which are cornerstones of quality care and compliance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

During inspections, I find that non-compliance with this regulation usually comes down to one of a few common oversights. Here’s what to check:

•Visibility and Accessibility: Make sure the required contact numbers are posted in a common area that all residents can access. A back office or administrative area does not meet this requirement. Ideal locations are the lobby, dining room, or a main hallway where residents frequently pass.

•Proximity to a Telephone: The phone numbers must be in close proximity to a telephone accessible to residents. This small detail is essential, yet it’s often missed. The goal is for residents to be able to act on their rights with ease and immediacy.

•Readable Font Size: The text displaying these numbers must be a minimum of 14-point font. Ensuring readability is key, as many residents may have visual impairments. Double-check that the text is clear and large enough for everyone to read.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with this regulation can have serious consequences. During AHCA inspections, your facility could receive deficiencies for not meeting these standards. Beyond deficiencies, non-compliance in this area can affect your facility’s reputation and relationships with residents and their families.

Being proactive in meeting this regulation is part of protecting your facility’s credibility and prioritizing resident rights. Ignoring or overlooking this requirement can result in a lack of transparency that could create unnecessary and preventable issues.

Steps to Ensure Compliance

1.Conduct Regular Checks

Make it a habit to regularly check that all required information is posted, visible, and near a phone. Ensure the area is kept clean, and the signs are intact.

In Summary

The requirement to post these complaint hotline numbers in your facility may seem straightforward, but it is a vital piece of 59A-36.007 Resident Care Standards that should not be neglected. By keeping this regulation in mind, you not only ensure compliance but also reinforce a culture of transparency, accountability, and respect for residents’ rights.

Compliance is key to operating a trusted, respected facility. For more insights on staying up to date with regulations and best practices in the assisted living industry, stay connected with ALF BOSS – Improving Assisted Living Compliance and Marketing.

This streamlined version is fully focused on compliance, with the single action step. Let me know if any more adjustments are needed!

The Resident Rights Standard Too Many Facilities Ignore