Oklahoma Laws on Nursing Home Abuse
If you or someone you love is the resident of an Oklahoma nursing home, you may be worried about abuse. The state’s nursing homes have not fared well in ratings in recent years, and there is a desperate need for improvement among many facilities when it comes to quality of care and staff treatment of patients. In order to protect yourself or your elderly loved one from nursing home abuse you should know the state regulations that outline the basic residents’ rights.
However, if you have already suffered abuse or suspect that your loved one has, please get in touch with a compassionate OKC elder abuse attorney for immediate assistance. We will get you or your loved one to a place where you can feel safe, and hold the liable nursing home and/or staff member accountable for their wrongful actions. Learn more about your rights and legal options in a free consultation by calling (405) 883-4487.
Nursing and Personal Care Standards
Oklahoma nursing homes are required by law to maintain certain standards for the level of personal care each resident is entitled to receive. These standards include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Maintaining proper hygiene of residents and cleanliness of facilities
- Adequate nursing staff
- Administration of proper treatment and assistive devices for those with vision or hearing issues
- Dressing residents appropriately in accordance with current activities and conditions
- Keeping residents active and out of bed for reasonable periods
- Constant availability of fluids to ensure proper hydration
- Providing skin care in order to prevent infections and other skin issues
- Using supportive devices to promote good posture and alignment
- Turning residents on beds and chairs to prevent bedsores and other injuries
- Implementing toileting programs and schedules to promote independence and continence
- Updating resident records to reflect significant changes in mental, physical, or psychosocial status
- Maintaining dignity and respect of each resident
Dietary Standards
Nursing home residents must have their specific nutritional needs met. Each facility should have a nutritionist and food service supervisor that develops personalized dietary care plans for each resident, in addition to qualified staff that direct and supervise dietary services.
As for meals and nourishment, each resident should be given at least three regularly-scheduled meals per day. At least four hours should pass between meals. If a resident has certain nutritional needs or risks, they should be addressed and resolved immediately before they start causing issues. Furthermore, each resident is allowed to exercise his/her own preference on the type of food that is available and when it is served.
Restrictions on Use of Restraints
Under Oklahoma nursing home laws, physical and chemical restraints can never be administered as disciplinary measures or means of convenience for staff. They may only be used during emergency situations or when treating medical conditions. Typically, the physician must give consent for the use of restraints. And if restraints are employed, they must permit quick release – locked ones are prohibited.
Other requirements regarding restraints are outlined below:
- During an emergency, physical restraints may only be employed to ensure the safety of residents or staff members.
- A licensed nurse may use physical restraints without physician consent as an injury prevention method when other measures have failed.
- Residents under restraint must have continual supervision.
- During periods of physical restraint, residents must be released for 10 minutes every two hours. They should be free to exercise, change position, and go to the bathroom as needed.
To learn more about basic nursing home resident rights, consult with a knowledgeable attorney.
Protecting Nursing Home Residents in Oklahoma
Attorney Ray Maples truly cares about his clients and always put his fullest efforts into every case. If you have fallen victim to nursing home abuse or neglect and would like to discuss your case, please contact our office today for a free case evaluation.