161-M:3 Senior Citizens Bill of Rights. –
The management of a facility shall establish policies consistent with the senior citizens bill of rights as set forth in this chapter. The senior citizens bill of rights shall inform residents of the facility that each resident has the following rights:
I. Dignity and privacy, including the right to:
(a) Self-organize and meet with other residents or members to discuss the policies, procedures, and services of the facility.
(b) Be represented by an individual of your own choice.
(c) Engage in concerted activities for your own purpose.
(d) Individually and severally, obtain outside advice, consultation, and services of your own choosing and at your own expense on any matter, including, but not limited to, medical, legal, and financial matters.
(e) Independence and individuality, and to have your needs and preferences recognized.
(f) Privacy within a private residential unit, subject to rules of the facility reasonably designed to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the resident.
(g) Personal space and the furnishing and decorating of personal space as private.
(h) Be free to select or refuse services and to accept responsibility for the consequences.
(i) Be free to develop and maintain social ties with opportunities for meaningful interaction and involvement with the community.
(j) Recognition that ensuring your well-being does not violate your civil rights.
(k) Set your own schedule, have visitors, and leave and enter the facility as you desire.
(l) Private communications, including receiving and sending unopened correspondence, telephone access, and visiting with persons of your choice.
(m) Freedom to participate in and benefit from community services and activities so as to achieve the highest possible level of independence, autonomy, and interaction within the community.
(n) Exercise civil and religious liberties.
II. Resolution of complaints, including the right to:
(a) Acknowledgment that you are entitled to methods of resolving complaints and freedom from abuse, neglect, and the use of chemical and physical restraints.
(b) Assurances that methods of preventing and responding to incidents involving injury, loss of property, abuse, and neglect shall be identified and implemented.
(c) Be treated with consideration, respect, and due recognition of personal dignity, individuality, and the need for privacy.
(d) Present grievances and recommend changes in policies, procedures, and services to the manager or staff of the facility, government officials, or any other person without restraint, interference, coercion, discrimination, or reprisal from the facility.
(e) Be free from retaliation if the resident makes a complaint or joins a tenant association.
III. Due process, including the right to:
(a) Not be evicted except upon execution of proper statutory authority or court proceedings.
(b) Have rules and regulations applied uniformly to all tenants.
(c) Be free from unreasonable, arbitrary, or capricious rules and regulations.
(d) A 30-day written notice prior to any change of rules or regulations, except for changes necessary to protect your health or safety.
(e) A 10-day period to correct a violation of rules or regulations.
(f) A 90-day written notice prior to increases of fees, charges, or assessments.
(g) Reasonable notice of any planned disruption of services.
(h) Have essential services furnished at all times, including water, electricity, and heat, subject to planned disruptions or emergencies.
(i) Annual lease renewal, if you remain in good standing.
(j) Receive a copy of any rules or regulations of the facility.