The resident has a right to a dignified existence, self-determination, and communication with and access to persons and services inside and outside the facility. A facility must protect and promote the rights of each resident and assist the resident which include:

(1) The resident has the right to exercise his or her rights as a resident of the facility and as a citizen or resident of the United States and the state of Washington.

(2) The resident has the right to be free of interference, coercion, discrimination, and reprisal from the facility in exercising his or her rights.

(3) In the case of a resident adjudged incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction, the rights of the resident are exercised by the person appointed to act on the resident's behalf.

(4) In the case of a resident who has not been adjudged incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction, a resident representative may exercise the resident's rights to the extent provided by law.

Findings—2021 c 159: See note following RCW 18.20.520.