Your Rights

You are in control of your own plan of care and the services we provide.  Your independence, autonomy, and self-determination are respected and encouraged.  You retain all the constitutional rights you enjoyed before you entered a long-term care facility.

Some residents, due to illness, have been declared incompetent or incapacitated by a court of law.  The court will appoint a conservator or guardian who is charged with making decisions in the resident's best interest.

A resident's rights are protected by state and federal legislation.  You are given a copy of the Resident Bill of Rights upon admission.

The Resident Bill of Rights is posted on each floor for your review.  Staff is informed of your rights when they are hired, and your right are reviewed wit them at least annually.

Please contact our social workers or nurse supervisors if you have any questions about your rights.

Suggestions and Concerns/Grievance Procedure
It is your right and responsibility to voice any concerns or grievances that you may have.  Resolution of a complaint helps us accomplish our goal of providing quality care.  Every resident, without fear of reprisal, may voice a concern and recommend changes.  Grievance forms are kept on each floor.  You may also ask a staff member to complete and forward the form to the administrator or contact the administrator in person.

The VCC has a comprehensive Quality Improvement Program designed to continuously evaluate and improve the quality of care and services we provide.  Your insights and comments concerning possible improvements are valuable components of the program.  We encourage you to share them.

If you do not believe you have received a satisfactory response from the VCC administrator, contact the VRMC Chief Executive Officer (218) 741-3340.

Transfers and Discharges
As a resident of the Virginia Convalescent Center or any other skilled healthcare facility in Minnesota, you have the right to transfer or discharge to another setting with consent from your Primary Medical Physician.  Our social workers can be of assistance to coordinate your discharge plans.  Listed below are agencies that you can contact regarding transfer and discharge issues.

Pets
We encourage your continued contact with your pet.  Your pet is welcome to visit.  Please have documentation of current vaccinations from your veterinarian for the safety and health of yourself and other residents.  Register your pet at the VCC Nurses Station either on the 3rd or 4th floor, depending on the location of your visit.  Pets should be on a leash.

Privacy for Married Couples
All resident enjoy the right of privacy, confidentiality and courteous treatment at the Virginia Convalescent Center.  When requested, married couples are assured privacy during visits.  If both spouses are residents and wish to share a double room, we accommodate them unless such arrangements are medically incompatible and documented in the medical records.  Family members will be informed if the facility cannot accommodate these kinds of arrangements.