Living in an assisted living residence in Pittston, PA does not mean giving up control over daily life, privacy, personal decisions, or access to help. Pennsylvania law establishes specific protections for residents, including the right to dignity, freedom from abuse, access to records, private communication, and a fair process for complaints or discharge. ([pacodeandbulletin.gov](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/display/pacode?file=%2Fsecure%2Fpacode%2Fdata%2F055%2Fchapter2800%2Fchap2800toc.html&utm_source=openai))
What rights does an assisted living resident have in Pennsylvania?
Residents have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, make personal choices, and receive the services described in the resident-residence contract. Rights apply regardless of age, disability, race, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics. ([pacodeandbulletin.gov](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/display/pacode?file=%2Fsecure%2Fpacode%2Fdata%2F055%2Fchapter2800%2Fchap2800toc.html&utm_source=openai))
A residence may not neglect, intimidate, mistreat, or abuse a resident. Protections include freedom from:
- Physical, verbal, mental, and sexual abuse
- Neglect and financial exploitation
- Involuntary seclusion
- Corporal punishment
- Unlawful restraints
- Retaliation for making a complaint
These protections are not optional terms that a resident can be required to waive. Pennsylvania law treats resident rights as a basic part of assisted living oversight.
Can residents make their own choices?
Yes. Assisted living is intended to support independence and decision-making, not automatically replace a resident’s authority over personal matters. A resident generally has the right to choose a primary care physician, participate in decisions about services, practice a preferred religion or no religion, and furnish the living unit with personal belongings. ([pa.gov](https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/dhs/documents/licensing/bhsl-licensing/documents/Assisted_Living-Resident_Rights_Poster.pdf?utm_source=openai))
Residents also have the right to associate privately with family members, friends, physicians, attorneys, and other people. Visitors are generally permitted at any time if the visits do not adversely affect other residents.
A support plan may establish needed assistance with medication, mobility, personal care, meals, or other daily tasks. That plan should not be treated as permission to ignore the resident’s preferences. If a resident’s condition changes, the plan may need to be reviewed and updated.
What privacy protections apply?
Privacy covers more than closing a bedroom door. Residents have the right to privacy of their person and possessions, including during bathing, dressing, changing clothes, and medical procedures. Living units must generally have a door with a lock, although safety exceptions may apply in a special care setting. Residents must also have access to their living units. ([pacodeandbulletin.gov](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/display/pacode?file=%2Fsecure%2Fpacode%2Fdata%2F055%2Fchapter2800%2Fchap2800toc.html&utm_source=openai))
Private communication is protected as well. Residents may use a telephone in privacy, and non-toll calls must be available without charge to the resident. Residents may send and receive mail. Staff generally may not open or read mail unless the resident or designated person requests it. ([pa.gov](https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/dhs/documents/licensing/bhsl-licensing/documents/Assisted_Living-Resident_Rights_Poster.pdf?utm_source=openai))
Privacy rules can become especially relevant when family members disagree about care or finances. A relative does not automatically have unlimited access to a resident’s records or private conversations. Access may depend on the resident’s written approval, legal authority, or designation in the residence’s records.
Can a resident review the personal record?
A resident, the resident’s designated person, and other individuals approved in writing may have the right to access, review, and request corrections to the resident’s record. ([pa.gov](https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/dhs/documents/licensing/bhsl-licensing/documents/Assisted_Living-Resident_Rights_Poster.pdf?utm_source=openai))
Records may include assessments, service plans, medication information, incident documentation, financial information maintained by the residence, and notes about changes in condition. A resident who believes a record is inaccurate can make a written correction request and keep a copy.
It is useful to identify specific information rather than simply stating that a record is wrong. For example, a resident might explain that a listed medication was discontinued, a stated allergy is incorrect, or a mobility limitation has changed.
Can an assisted living residence change rules or charges?
Residents should receive information about residence rules and complaint procedures in a manner they can understand. Pennsylvania regulations state that a resident must receive 30 days’ written notice before the effective date of a new residence rule. ([pa.gov](https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/dhs/documents/licensing/bhsl-licensing/documents/Assisted_Living-Resident_Rights_Poster.pdf?utm_source=openai))
The resident-residence contract is also important. It should explain the services provided, fees, responsibilities, refund policies, and circumstances that may lead to discharge or termination. A resident or designated person may have up to 72 hours after the initial dated signature to rescind the contract under Pennsylvania’s assisted living rules. ([pacodeandbulletin.gov](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/display/pacode?file=%2Fsecure%2Fpacode%2Fdata%2F055%2Fchapter2800%2Fchap2800toc.html&utm_source=openai))
Residents and families should keep the contract, fee notices, care plans, medication lists, and written communications together. Seasonal concerns, such as transportation changes or weather-related disruptions during winter, can make clear written information especially helpful for households coordinating care from a distance.
What should a resident do if something feels wrong?
Start by writing down what happened, when it occurred, who was involved, and what response was requested. Save copies of letters, bills, incident reports, photographs, or other relevant information.
A complaint may be raised with the administrator or through the residence’s grievance procedure. A resident has the right to make complaints, recommend changes, and appeal certain decisions without intimidation, retaliation, or threats of discharge. ([pacodeandbulletin.gov](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/display/pacode?file=%2Fsecure%2Fpacode%2Fdata%2F055%2Fchapter2800%2Fchap2800toc.html&utm_source=openai))
Common concerns include:
- Unanswered requests for help
- Missing clothing, money, or other property
- Medication or dietary problems
- Unsafe conditions
- Staffing concerns
- Restrictions on visitors or communication
- Disagreements about fees or services
- Threats of discharge after a complaint
If the concern involves immediate danger, abuse, neglect, exploitation, or a serious medical emergency, emergency services or protective authorities may be appropriate. A resident should not wait for an internal grievance process when there is an urgent safety risk.
What is the Long-Term Care Ombudsman?
Pennsylvania’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program assists people living in long-term care settings, including assisted living residences and personal care homes. Ombudsmen help residents understand their rights, investigate concerns, and work toward resolving disputes. Their focus includes discharge or eviction, staffing, medications, dietary issues, lost property, and responses to requests for assistance. ([pa.gov](https://www.pa.gov/services/aging/request-assistance-from-a-long-term-care-ombudsman?utm_source=openai))
Residents have the right to communicate privately with the local ombudsman. The statewide program can be reached at 717-783-8975 or LTC-Ombudsman@pa.gov. ([pa.gov](https://www.pa.gov/services/aging/request-assistance-from-a-long-term-care-ombudsman?utm_source=openai))
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ Bureau of Human Services Licensing is responsible for licensing and regulatory compliance involving assisted living residences. For questions involving regulatory compliance or a possible licensing issue, the bureau lists 866-503-3926 as its operator support hotline. ([pa.gov](https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/licensing/pch-alr-licensing/pch-alr-contact?utm_source=openai))
What are a resident’s rights during discharge?
A discharge should not occur simply because a resident raises a reasonable concern. Pennsylvania rules provide residents with internal and external procedures to appeal an involuntary discharge, and residents may request assistance in relocating to another residence. ([pa.gov](https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/dhs/documents/licensing/bhsl-licensing/documents/Assisted_Living-Resident_Rights_Poster.pdf?utm_source=openai))
When a discharge notice is received, the resident or designated person should review the stated reason, effective date, appeal instructions, contract terms, and available relocation assistance. Keep the notice and respond in writing if the decision is disputed. An ombudsman may help explain the process and identify deadlines.
Understanding these protections can help residents and families recognize the difference between a legitimate safety or care-related change and an action that may violate resident rights.
