# Health - General (GHG)

## Title 19. Health Care Facilities

### Subtitle 3. Hospitals and Related Institutions

#### Section 19-343

(a) In this section and Sec.Sec. 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 Sec.Sec. 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.

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Md. Code Ann., Health-Gen. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)