Rule 111-8-50-.05 - PrivacyAll residents shall enjoy privacy in their rooms and in their portions of any room which they share.
(a) Staff shall not enter a resident's room without first making their presence known before entering unless such staff member has reason to believe that the resident is asleep or it is an emergency which threatens the health or safety of the resident or unless it is required by the resident's care plan and documented in said plan.(b) A resident shall be entitled to an available private room and a personal sitter if the resident pays the difference between the facility's charge for such a room and/or sitter and the amount reimbursed through Medicaid or Medicare provided that this provision is not prohibited by overriding Federal law or regulations.(c) A resident shall have the right to visit privately with the resident's spouse. A resident and spouse shall be permitted to share a room if both are residents of the facility and space permits.(d) Residents shall enjoy the right of freedom from eavesdropping, and the right to unimpeded, private and uncensored communication with anyone of the resident's choice by mail, telephone and visit. The administrator shall provide that mail is received and mailed on regular postal days. Public telephones must be available and accessible to residents, including those in wheelchairs, and must permit and be conducive to private conversation. Residents shall have the right to refuse any telephone call or correspondence. Such refusal shall be documented in the resident's file.(e) The facility must provide at least one place for private visitation during normal visiting hours. This place must be provided in addition to the residents' rooms.Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 111-8-50-.05
O.C.G.A. §§ 31-2-4et seq., 31-8-114 and 31-8-127.
Original Rule entitled "Privacy" adopted. F. Feb. 20, 2013; eff. Mar. 12, 2013.