# WAC 388-97-0180: WAC 388-97-0180. Resident rights

> Washington · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_388_97_0180

## Section

- **Citation:** WAC 388-97-0180
- **Heading:** WAC 388-97-0180. Resident rights
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Administrative Code / Title 388 / Chapter 388-97 / Section 388-97-0180

## Text

(1) The nursing home must meet the resident rights requirements of this section and those in the rest of the chapter.
(2) The resident has a right to a dignified existence, self-determination, and timely communication with, and access to individuals and services inside and outside the nursing home, including but not limited to, state and local agencies, and long-term care ombuds.
(3) A nursing home must promote and protect the rights of each resident, including those with limited cognition or other barriers that limit the exercise of rights.
(4) The resident has the right to:
(a) Exercise their rights as a resident of the nursing home and as a citizen or resident of the United States. Refer to WAC 388-97-0240 ;
(b) Be free of interference, coercion, discrimination, and reprisal from the nursing home in exercising their rights; and
(c) Not be asked or required to sign any contract or agreement that includes provisions to waive:
(i) Any resident right set forth in this chapter or in the applicable licensing or certification laws; or
(ii) Any potential liability for personal injury or losses of personal property.
(5) The nursing home must take steps to safeguard residents and their personal property from foreseeable risks of injury or loss.

## Nearby sections

- [WAC 388-97-0001 WAC 388-97-0001. Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_388_97_0001.md)
- [WAC 388-97-0020 WAC 388-97-0020. Nursing facility care](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_388_97_0020.md)
- [WAC 388-97-0040 WAC 388-97-0040. Discrimination prohibited](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_388_97_0040.md)
- [WAC 388-97-0060 WAC 388-97-0060. Nursing facility admission and payment requirements](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_388_97_0060.md)
- [WAC 388-97-0080 WAC 388-97-0080. Discharge planning](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_388_97_0080.md)
- [WAC 388-97-0100 WAC 388-97-0100. Utilization review](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_388_97_0100.md)
- [WAC 388-97-0120 WAC 388-97-0120. Individual transfer and discharge rights and procedures](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_388_97_0120.md)
- [WAC 388-97-0140 WAC 388-97-0140. Transfer and discharge appeals for resident in medicare or medicaid certified facilities](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_388_97_0140.md)
- [WAC 388-97-0160 WAC 388-97-0160. Discharge or leave of a nursing facility resident](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_388_97_0160.md)
- [WAC 388-97-0180 WAC 388-97-0180. Resident rights](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_388_97_0180.md)
- [WAC 388-97-0200 WAC 388-97-0200. Free choice](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_388_97_0200.md)
- [WAC 388-97-0220 WAC 388-97-0220. Statute implemented in resident decision making, informed consent, and advance directives](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_388_97_0220.md)
- [WAC 388-97-0240 WAC 388-97-0240. Resident decision making](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_388_97_0240.md)
- [WAC 388-97-0260 WAC 388-97-0260. Informed consent](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_388_97_0260.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_388_97_0180. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.