Client rights

As a nursing assistant, caring for clients requires knowing and respecting client rights. The rights of clients in hospitals are outlined by the American Hospital Association, or AHA, Patient Care Partnerships, while those of clients in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, are outlined under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or OBRA for short, which is a federal law enforced by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid.Alright, both AHA and OBRA outline rights of clients who are being cared for in healthcare facilities, and these facilities must inform clients about their rights in a way that they can understand.

This means that written translations or interpreters must be available if needed. Large print should be available for clients with vision impairment.

Clients also have the right to know the identities of those who are caring for them and to receive compassionate, respectful, quality care in a safe and clean environment that supports quality of life.

The right of clients to participate in activities and form client groups promotes quality of life. The right to keep personal items in their rooms is an important right that promotes comfort and a home-like setting.

They have the right to choose their own healthcare providers to be involved in the planning of their care, and to have their personal values and spiritual beliefs respected.

Respect for privacy of their bodies, their personal affairs and private information are also important rights of the clients.

Clients have the right to be free from restraints and all forms of abuse, maltreatment, and neglect. If a client has a concern about their treatment or care, they have the right to ask questions, voice concerns, and make complaints.

And finally, clients must always be free to exercise all basic civil and religious liberties as a United States citizen.Alright, let’s take a closer look at a client’s right to make personal choices whenever it is safe for them to do so.

For example, clients have the right to choose their clothing; what to eat; and when to sleep, take a nap, and wake up. They have the right to have visitors of their choosing; to listen to the type of music or watch television programs they enjoy; and to participate in social, religious, and community activities of their choice.

Another very important right of clients is their right to decide what can and can’t be done to their own bodies and to be fully informed about any treatment or procedure before it is performed.

For example, when a client understands the reason for a procedure, what will be done, who will do it, alternatives to the procedure, as well as the potential benefits and risks, that client is able to give informed consent.

It’s important to know that informed consent can’t be given by someone who is mentally incapacitated, sedated, confused, or under legal age, which is usually 18 years of age.

In cases where the person cannot give consent, a relative or other legal representative designated by the client is responsible for giving consent.

When clients are admitted to a facility, a general consent for care is signed by the client. And, before any major procedure, such as surgery, an additional consent is obtained from the client.

It’s important for you to remember that, as a nursing assistant, you are not responsible for obtaining written consent, but you should let the nurse know if you think your client seems confused about any treatment or procedure.Now, The Older Americans Act is a federal law that requires every state to have an ombudsman who is a person that protects the health, safety, and rights of those who live in long-term care facilities, like assisted living facilities and nursing homes.

Services provided by an ombudsman include helping clients to access needed services, investigating and resolving complaints, and monitoring the conditions where care is provided.

All clients and their families need to be informed about ombudsman services, and facilities must post the ombudsman name and contact information where clients can easily see them.Client rights can be violated in a number of ways.

For example, failing to keep a client’s bed linens clean or allowing a client to remain alone in a chair without checking on them is not only negligent but violates their right to be free from negligence and to receive safe, compassionate care.

As a nursing assistant, you play a key role in safeguarding the rights of clients. To help clients always know who is caring for them, be sure to always wear your identification badge, so your clients see it and introduce yourself whenever entering a client’s room.

You can promote respectful and compassionate care throughout the day through courteous communication that demonstrates caring and consideration, especially with clients with sensory or cognitive difficulties.

Letting your clients know what you are doing step-by-step as you care for them gives them the opportunity to participate in their care to the extent they are able.

Encourage clients to have visitors of their choosing at reasonable times according to your facility policy. Assist your client in listening to music or television programs of their choosing, making sure their activities do not infringe on the rights of other clients in the facility.

Protect your client’s personal possessions by ensuring they are labeled with the client’s name and show them respect by avoiding touching or rearranging the possessions without their permission.

Lastly, as a nursing assistant, you have the responsibility to protect your clients from abuse and neglect, so be sure to let your supervisor know if you notice your client’s rights are being violated in any way.Alright, as a quick recap… Rights of clients in healthcare facilities are outlined by the AHA and OBRA, and clients must be informed about these rights, which include the right to know the identities of those who are caring for them and to receive compassionate, respectful care in a safe and clean environment that supports quality of life; to give informed consent and participate in their care; to expect their personal affairs information is always kept private; to be free from restraints and all forms of abuse and neglect; to voice concerns about their care; and to exercise their civil liberties as United States citizens.

An ombudsman is a person designated by federal law who protects the health, safety, and rights of those who live in long-term care facilities, like assisted living facilities and nursing homes.

As a nursing assistant, you have a responsibility to promote and protect the rights of clients under your care.