The legislature finds that persons residing within nursing homes are isolated from the community and often lack the means to assert their rights as individual citizens.  The legislature further recognizes the need for these persons to live within the least restrictive environment possible in order to retain their individuality and some personal freedom.  It is therefore the intent of the legislature to preserve the dignity and personal integrity of residents of nursing homes through the recognition and declaration of rights safeguarding against encroachments upon nursing home residents’ right to self-determination.  It is further the intent that the provisions of La. Rev. Stat. 40:2010.6 through La. Rev. Stat. 40:2010.9 complement and not duplicate or substitute for other survey and inspection programs regarding nursing homes.

Added by Acts 1985, No. 734, §1, eff. July 17, 1985.