Lockable Doors
People who receive residential waiver services have the same rights as any of us in our own homes, rental or otherwise. This requirement ensures people have the privacy they desire. People must be able to lock their doors, and they should come and go as they choose.
Providers should ensure that:
- People have lockable bedroom doors or a lockable front door to their unit (if shared unit, lockable bedroom door)
- People have control over their privacy and the option to lock their bedroom or unit door from the inside and outside and have their own key/fob.
- If there are circumstances that would prevent an individual from having a locked bedroom/unit door, these are discussed during the person-centered planning process, and documented in the person-centered plan and provider service delivery plan, including documentation in a Rights-Modification form.
- The staff person(s) allowed to have keys/fob to a person’s room is determined by the provider and the person, and should be documented in the person-centered plan and provider service delivery plan.
- Staff respect the person’s privacy by requesting entry to the bedroom or unit (e.g., staff will knock or request to enter a room and receive the person’s permission prior to entering)
- Staff only access a person’s bedroom or unit as needed to address health and safety concerns
Some examples of best practices are:
- Using standard locks on all bedroom and unit doors, if a shared unit, and a person can choose whether to use them
- Knocking and receiving permission before entering a person’s room
- Allowing people who live in the home to come and go from the residence even if the front door is locked (e.g., ring a bell, have their own key, or request a key prior to leaving)
Additional best practice examples can be found in the Provider’s guide to putting the HCBS rule into practice (PDF).