What are Florida’s nursing home abuse laws?

July 19, 2022 | Personal Injury

Many Floridians have older loved ones in nursing homes. Suspecting or knowing that your loved one has been harmed while in such a facility is horrifying. You should know about the state’s laws on nursing home abuse.

Nursing home statutes

There are various statutes that exist to regulate care and services provided to Florida nursing home residents. Residents have certain rights. However, when nursing home abuse occurs, it means that the nursing home has violated those rights. If you have a loved one in a nursing home and notice signs of possible abuse, you have the right to file a complaint or lawsuit.

What are the rights of nursing home residents?

Florida’s nursing home statutes state that nursing home residents are entitled to the following rights:

  • To be treated with respect, fairness and dignity
  • To be free from physical, emotional and financial abuse
  • To retain services to preserve their health
  • To be able to issue grievances without having fear of repercussions
  • To receive oral and written information about medical services offered by the nursing home
  • To be able to participate in social, communal and religious activities
  • To be able to have private communications and to send and receive uncensored personal mail
  • To be able to make and receive unmonitored phone calls
  • To have access to a selection of doctors and pharmacy options
  • To be able to participate in the planning of their health care and to refuse suggested treatment

What is the statute of limitations for filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit?

If you believe that your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse and wish to file a lawsuit, you must do so within the appropriate amount of time. The statute of limitations to file is two years, but it can be extended to four years if fraud is involved in the incident.

Nursing home residents are among the most vulnerable. Protecting them from abuse is crucial.



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