Living In A Nursing Home
ORS 441.605 — informed, free from abuse and restraints, and moved only for listed reasons
Oregon's legislature declared that facilities guarantee each resident, at a minimum, a set of rights, starting with being fully informed of all resident rights and facility rules, of the services available, and of any charges not covered by the daily rate, Medicare or Medicaid.
- Being told the resident's medical condition by a physician, taking part in planning treatment, and refusing experimental research.
- Being free from mental and physical abuse, with no chemical or physical restraints except on a physician's order.
- Managing personal finances, or getting a quarterly account report where the facility has been delegated that task in writing.
- Keeping medical and personal records confidential, and complete privacy during treatment and personal care.
- Associating and communicating privately, and sending and receiving mail unopened.
- Keeping personal clothing and possessions as space permits, and privacy for a spouse's visits.
Transfer or discharge only for listed reasons. A resident may be transferred or discharged only for medical reasons, for the resident's welfare or that of other residents, or for nonpayment, and with reasonable advance notice. A resident may not be required to perform services for the facility that are not therapeutic under the plan of care.
No retaliation. A facility may not retaliate against a resident who exercises these rights, by raising charges, cutting services or privileges, threatening either, pressuring the resident to leave, or harassing or abusing the resident.
The detailed patients' bill of rights in the Department of Human Services rules, abuse reporting and the long term care ombudsman are in other sections not reproduced here. Whether a particular transfer or practice was lawful is a question for the ombudsman or a licensed Oregon attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- ORS 441.605 — Legislative declaration of rights intended for residents
- ORS 441.625 — Retaliation against resident exercising rights prohibited
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Oregon attorney.