Residents have the right to refuse medical treatment, food, bathing, etc. What must the facility do if a resident refuses treatment?

Residents have the fundamental right to make decisions about their own medical care, encompassing the ability to refuse treatment, food, bathing, and other care services. When a resident exercises this right, it is imperative for the facility to respect their decision. This respect for autonomy is a core principle in healthcare and aligns with ethical standards, promoting the dignity and self-determination of each individual.

Respecting the refusal entails ensuring that the resident clearly understands the implications of their decision and that they are making an informed choice without coercion. While it is important for facilities to communicate any potential risks associated with refusing treatment, the ultimate decision rests with the resident.

Additionally, although informing the family and documenting the refusal are also important considerations, they serve more as secondary steps following the primary action of respecting the resident's wishes. Documenting the refusal may later help maintain a clear record of the resident's decisions and any information provided to them, but the core requirement is that the facility honors the resident's right to refuse treatment.