People who receive home and community-based services keep these rights. A person-centered plan says how the rights work in daily life. A right is limited only when that plan documents a specific assessed need and the person agrees to it (informed consent). Limits are reviewed regularly.
This is a plain-language summary of 42 CFR 441.301(c)(4) (opens in a new tab) and Tennessee Rule 0465-02-06-.06. It is not the written notice each person receives.
- A lockable door. The person can lock the door to their bedroom. Only staff who need a key have one.
- Privacy. Their own space, their own mail, and private calls and visits.
- Food at any time. Access to food when they want it.
- Visitors at any time. Visitors of their choosing, when they want them.
- A roommate they choose. When a room is shared, the person has a choice of roommate.
- Their own space to decorate. Freedom to furnish and decorate the space.
- A residency agreement. A written agreement that protects them from being made to leave without the process in that agreement, with protections from eviction at least as strong as Tennessee landlord-tenant law.
- An accessible home. The home is physically accessible to the person.
- Dignity and respect. Treated as an adult, free from coercion and restraint.
- Choice. Their own schedule and activities.
- Community life. Getting out, joining in, and making friends.
- Work and goals. Chances to seek a job and work in the community.
- Their own money. Support to manage personal funds, their way.
- Rights in writing. Before or when services start, each person (or their legal representative) gets these rights in writing and explained out loud, along with HIU’s grievance steps and a list of advocacy services. (Tennessee Rule 0465-02-06-.06(1)(a)-(b))
Raising a concern
You can raise a concern, or help someone else raise one, without being punished for it. Services will not be reduced or stopped because someone complained. Start at Report a concern, or go straight to an outside agency.
Outside advocacy
- Disability Rights Tennessee gives free disability-rights advocacy. 1-800-342-1660 · GetHelp@DisabilityRightsTN.org · Get help (opens in a new tab)
- DDA Customer Focused Services takes service complaints, not abuse reports. 1-833-696-2089 · DDA.CFS@tn.gov
Official links
- 42 CFR 441.301, HCBS settings rule (eCFR) (opens in a new tab)
- DDA HCBS Training and Resources (opens in a new tab)
- TennCare 1915(c) HCBS waivers (opens in a new tab)
- DDA Office of Civil Rights (Title VI) (opens in a new tab)
- DDA Title VI complaint form (opens in a new tab)
- TennCare Office of Civil Rights Compliance (opens in a new tab)
- U.S. HHS Office for Civil Rights complaint portal (opens in a new tab)
- U.S. Department of Justice, report a civil rights violation (opens in a new tab)
- Tennessee Attorney General, Civil Rights Enforcement Division (opens in a new tab)
Tennessee Rule 0465-02-06, person supported rights (official index) (opens in a new tab)
Tennessee Rule 0465-02-06 (official PDF) (opens in a new tab)
The legal name of this provider is Hands In Unity LLC.