Which of the following describes a right provided to residents under OBRA?

• A. The right to refuse medical treatment without notice
• B. The right to be free from harassment in the facility
• C. The right to privacy and confidential treatment of personal information
• D. The right to unlimited personal funds

Answer: (D)

Under OBRA, residents have protected rights that include how their personal information is handled. The right to privacy and confidential treatment of personal information means that a resident’s medical records and other sensitive data must be kept secure and shared only with people who need to know for care or legal reasons, with clear limits and appropriate consent. This protection supports dignity, autonomy, and trust in the care setting, and it is a clearly defined, specific right under OBRA.

Some other ideas in the options relate to resident protections, but they’re not described as clearly defined OBRA rights in the same way. For example, residents can participate in decisions about their care and may refuse treatment with proper discussion and documentation, not without notice; harassment should be prevented as part of the safety from abuse, neglect, or exploitation; and residents do have a right to manage their own funds, but not to unlimited funds.