With more than 80,000 beds in nursing homes across Missouri, thousands of families trust these facilities to care for their loved ones. Unfortunately, residents may face abuse or neglect at the hands of their caretakers. To protect yourself or your family member from mistreatment, it’s important to know nursing home resident rights and what you’re entitled to when living in these facilities.
Federal and state laws clearly define the rules and regulations governing residential care facilities, requiring residents to be treated with dignity and respect, and to receive a standard of care that supports their health and safety. Along with this complete guide to Missouri nursing home rights, you can contact our team for a free consultation to learn what you can do if your loved one was a victim of nursing home abuse.
How Brown & Crouppen Protects Nursing Home Residents
At Brown & Crouppen, we have advocated for injured nursing home residents for over 40 years. We care deeply for the communities we serve and are dedicated to helping families seek justice after a loved one’s rights were violated in a care facility.
Our team of over 250 legal professionals have the experience and resources to stand up to corporate facilities and powerful insurance companies that try to deny responsibility or discredit your experience. We level the playing field and hold negligent parties accountable, demanding fair compensation for your losses and suffering.
We know you’re likely feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and confused about what to do next. Just know that you’re not alone. Take the first step by calling our attorneys to determine if you have a valid claim and how we can help you move forward. Our initial consultations are free, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
What Rights Do Nursing Home Residents Have in Missouri?
Missouri nursing home residents have legal protections and entitlements under the law, including:
- The right to a dignified existence
- The right to self-determination
- The right to be fully informed
- The right to raise grievances
- The right to access services
- The right to manage financial affairs
- The right to privacy
- Rights during facility discharge or transfer
Nursing home facilities and caregivers must follow the law when providing care to residents. If they fail in their duty of care, they may be liable for resulting injuries and damages.
Residents’ Rights Related to Care and Safety
Nursing homes are legally required to provide the minimum standard of care to residents and ensure their living conditions are reasonably safe. Rights related to care and safety include:
The Right to a Dignified Existence
Residents deserve to be treated with respect and live in a homelike environment with their own personal belongings. They have the right to live free from:
- Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
- Neglect or a diminished quality of life
- Exploitation or being taken advantage of
- Physical or chemical restraints
- Discrimination or coercion
The Right to Self-Determination
People who live in nursing homes or other care facilities are entitled to make their own choices regarding their health care, medical providers, and treatments. They also have the right to designate a legal representative.
The Right to Be Fully Informed
Residents must be informed of proposed treatments, changes to their existing treatments, and their health status in a language they understand. Facilities also need to provide them with:
- A copy of their nursing home rights
- Contact information for the Missouri Long-Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman Program
- Survey reports of the nursing facility
- Written notice of changes to rooms or roommates
The Right to Raise Grievances
It is unlawful for care facilities or their employees to retaliate or discriminate against residents for expressing concerns about the care they’re receiving. The facility must also resolve grievances in a timely manner.
The Right of Access
Nursing home residents are entitled to access their personal and medical records at any time, including reviewing and requesting copies. They can also legally access services and social activities, as well as their medical provider and necessary assistive devices.
Privacy and Financial Rights
Financial exploitation of older adults happens when others misuse or mishandle their money, property, or assets. Specific nursing home rights are in place to prevent this type of behavior, including:
Rights Regarding Financial Affairs
Those living in care facilities have the right to manage their finances, be informed of the cost of services, and have an interest-bearing account in which the facility deposits their funds.
Right to Privacy
Nursing home facilities must respect their residents’ privacy, including privacy with personal, financial, and medical affairs. Residents have the right to private and unrestricted communication with anyone they choose.
Rights Around Admission, Transfers, and Discharges
Moving into or leaving a nursing home facility can be a stressful time for both nursing home residents and their families. However, those living in Missouri have rights that help facilitate this process, including:
Right to Be Informed of Facility Transfer or Discharge
Unless it is an emergency situation, residents or their legal representatives and their treating doctors must be notified of transfers or discharges at least 30 days in advance. Also, residents can only be transferred or discharged for medical reasons or for their welfare or the welfare of other residents.
Right to Appeal a Transfer or Discharge
If residents or their representatives do not agree with the decision to transfer or discharge them from the facility, they have the right to make an appeal.
Understanding the Ombudsman Program in Missouri
The Missouri Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is a statewide network of trained advocates who represent the interests of residents in care facilities. They inform families and staff members about resident rights and help those living in nursing homes protect themselves from mistreatment by:
- Making regular visits to
- Missouri facilities to support residents
- Helping residents exercise their rights
- Empowering residents when they might feel targeted or isolated
To reach your ombudsmen or access services, call (800) 309-3282 or email LTCOmbudsman@health.mo.gov. You can also visit the LTC website and search for regional ombudsman coordinators in your county.
Your Role in Advocating for a Loved One
If your loved one is living in a nursing home or care facility in Missouri, there are things you can do to protect their rights, including:
- Make regular visits and have an active presence in your loved one’s daily life.
- Be observant and keep track of your loved one’s health and hygiene during your visits.
- Attend care plan meetings and participate in formal reviews of your loved one’s care.
- Get to know the nursing home staff and learn how you can communicate directly with these caregivers.
- Address concerns formally and right away, and follow through on any grievances.
- Connect with Missouri’s ombudsmen program for additional support and guidance.
Recent Changes in Missouri Nursing Home Laws (2025 Updates)
New Missouri nursing home regulations can affect your loved one’s care. Recent changes include the following:
Nursing Home Record Transparency
Under Senate Bill 733, care referral companies are required to disclose financial ties with long-term care facilities. Additionally, nursing home license applications must include all parties involved, including real estate investment trusts.
Reporting Nursing Home Abuse
There are now stricter requirements for handling reports of nursing home abuse. Care facilities are required to give residents direct access to electronic reporting tools, and suspected abuse must be reported by the facility within a 24-hour window.
Facility Operational Standards
Nursing homes must keep digital records that can be used as evidence, enforce stricter staffing ratios, and comply with staff training and regular facility audits.
Also, Senate Bill 164 requires long-term care facilities to carry liability insurance of $2 million to cover losses related to resident abuse, neglect, or wrongful death.
Seeking Justice for Nursing Home Abuse
Victims of nursing home abuse or neglect may qualify to recover damages not previously available, including compensation for diminished quality of life and necessary family support services.
How to File a Complaint or Take Legal Action
If you suspect your loved one’s nursing home rights have been compromised, you can file a complaint with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services or contact the local ombudsman program to assist you.
You can also take legal action for what your loved one has been through. Since 1979, we’ve helped families recover more than $1 billion in case results, and we’ll stand by your side to fight for the compensation you deserve. Call 800-536-4357 or contact us online for a free consultation.
