Complicated matter. It seems to me that the AARP could've addressed senior rights without a new law but now that precedents have been set, we have to revisit discriminatory issues of racial or gender preference which have already been addressed in the law. Just what we need, more costly and preventable litigation. Facilities can establish protocols and be firm on just what is reasonable and practical in the way of personalizing care and residents will have to accept that there are limits. I'm sure most are just fine with whatever the established routine is and special considerations can certainly be accommodated like early or later meal service, no fish please, warm blanket and a cup of tea in the afternoon. Then there are others... What if in the cited case, there was no caucasian staff available and the resident was bleeding or in respiratory distress? Who would've been held liable if there was a death or injury? Are the licensed staff immune under this law? We know the answer to that one. Finally, doesn't it seem especially strange that facilities could be put in the position of honoring the demands of people who could possibly be demented? Are there regular competency screenings? And at who's cost?
I'm thinking this law is going to get reworked if not repealed.
R