This letter explains the rights of residents in nursing homes and other healthcare facilities to be free from abuse, neglect, misappropriation of property, and exploitation. It outlines the different types of abuse, including verbal, mental, sexual, and physical, as well as corporal punishment and involuntary seclusion. It also provides guidance and definitions for abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse, as well as the term "willful" as it applies to abuse. The letter outlines the responsibilities of the facility to protect residents from abuse, including staff to resident, resident to resident, and visitor to resident abuse. It also identifies facility characteristics that could increase the risk of abuse. This letter will impact nursing homes and other healthcare facilities by requiring them to provide a safe environment for residents and to protect them from all forms of abuse. Facilities must ensure that all staff are properly trained and knowledgeable in how to respond to resident behavior. They must also evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to address distressed behaviors, and provide immediate interventions to assure the safety of residents. Facilities should also develop and implement policies related to visitor access, including safety restrictions for visitors who are suspected of abuse, exploitation, or coercion.

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