§ 19–343
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Health-Gen. § 19-343 (2026)
Title 19. Health Care Facilities
Subtitle 3. Hospitals and Related Institutions
§ 19–343LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section and §§ 19–344, 19–345, 19–345.1, 19–345.2, and 19–345.3 of this subtitle, “facility” means a related institution that, under the rules and regulations of the Department, is a comprehensive care facility or an extended care facility.
(b)
(1)
The General Assembly intends to promote the interests and well–being of each resident of a facility.
(2)
It is the policy of this State that, in addition to any other rights, each resident of a facility has the following basic rights:
(i)
The right to be treated with consideration, respect, and full recognition of human dignity and individuality;
(ii)
The right to receive treatment, care, and services that are adequate, appropriate, and in compliance with relevant State and federal laws, rules, and regulations;
(iii)
The right to privacy;
(iv)
The right to be free from mental and physical abuse;
(v)
The right to notice, procedural fairness, and humane treatment when being transferred or discharged from a facility;
(vi)
The right to participate in decision making regarding transitions in care, including a transfer or discharge from a facility;
(vii)
The right to expect and receive appropriate assessment, management, and treatment of pain as an integral component of the patient’s care;
(viii)
The right to be free from physical and chemical restraints, except for restraints that a physician authorizes for a clearly indicated medical need;
(ix)
The right to receive respect and privacy in a medical care program; and
(x)
The right to manage personal financial affairs.
(c)
Each facility shall:
(1)
Post, conspicuously in a public place, the policy set forth in subsection (b) of this section and the provisions in §§ 19–344(b) through (m), 19–345, and 19–346(i)(2) of this subtitle;
(2)
Give a copy of the policy and those provisions:
(i)
On admission, to the resident;
(ii)
To the guardian, next of kin, or sponsoring agency of the resident; and
(iii)
To a representative payee of the resident;
(3)
Keep a receipt for the copy that is signed by the person who received the copy; and
(4)
Provide appropriate staff training to carry out the policy and those provisions.