A facility may not obtain from or on behalf of residents a _________ ______ __________ except as part of formal settlement in litigation.

The correct answer pertains to safeguarding the rights of residents in nursing facilities. A facility may not obtain a release from liabilities from or on behalf of residents, except as part of a formal settlement in litigation. This is essential because residents of nursing homes possess fundamental rights that should not be waived lightly or without proper legal context.

The concept of liability release entails that a resident would relinquish their right to hold the facility accountable for any negligent actions or failures to provide adequate care or services. Allowing such a release outside of a formal legal setting could potentially enable facilities to evade accountability for harm done to residents. Therefore, the rule against obtaining releases of liability outside of litigation aims to protect vulnerable residents from being coerced or manipulated into giving up their rights.

In the context of the other options, while there are considerations around safety, rights, and obligations, the specific legal and ethical framework around liability releases is particularly crucial in the context of nursing facilities, making it the most pertinent choice in this scenario.