10/29/2026
Survey Tip of the Week: Resident Council
Residents have a right to organize and participate in resident groups in accordance with §483.10(f)(5), F565. Common citations have been a result of the facility failing to address concerns brought up at the resident council meetings. The resident council interview is a mandatory task of the Long-Term Care Survey Process (LTCSP). CMS instructs surveyors to review three months of minutes prior to the interview to identify any unresolved areas of concern to discuss during the meeting.
CMS defines the resident council as a group of residents or residents’ family members that meet regularly to:
- Discuss and offer suggestions about facility policies and procedures affecting residents’ care, treatment, and quality of life;
- Support each other;
- Plan resident and family activities;
- Participate in educational activities; or
- For any other purpose.
This requirement does not require that residents organize a resident or family group. However, whenever residents or their families wish to organize, they must be able to do so without interference. Additionally, they must be provided space, privacy for meetings, and staff support. The designated staff person responsible for assistance and liaison between the group and the facility’s administration and any other staff members may attend the meeting only if invited by the resident or family group. The residents or family groups may meet without staff present. The groups should determine how frequently they meet.
Facility staff are required to consider resident and family group views and act upon grievances and recommendations. Facility staff must consider these recommendations and attempt to accommodate them, to the extent practicable. This may include developing or changing policies affecting resident care and life. Facility staff should discuss its decisions with the resident and/or family group and document in writing its response and rationale as required under 42 CFR §483.10(j), F585, Grievances.
