(a) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this article to adopt fundamental rights for all persons residing in a residential care facility for the elderly, as defined in Section 1569.2, and to ensure that facilities respect and promote these rights.
(b) In establishing this bill of rights, the Legislature intends that persons residing in residential care facilities for the elderly be treated with dignity, kindness, and respect, and that their civil liberties be fully honored.
(c) A central purpose of the bill of rights is to strengthen a resident’s right to make choices about his or her care, treatment, and daily life in the facility and to ensure that the resident’s choices are respected. The Legislature intends to enhance each resident’s autonomy and ability to make decisions concerning his or her life.
(d) The Legislature also intends that each residential care facility for the elderly provide a safe, comfortable, and homelike environment for its residents and that it protect residents from physical or mental abuse, neglect, exploitation, or endangerment.