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Patient Rights and Responsibilities

View / download our BIll of Rights PDF here.

Patient Rights:

1. You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect; as an individual who has personal needs, feelings, preferences and requirements.

2. You have the right to privacy in your treatment and personal needs. You have the right to a safe and secure environment.

3. You have the right to be fully informed of all services available to you and of any charges and financial arrangements available for such services.

4. You have the right to be fully informed of your rights as a patient and of all rules and regulations governing your conduct as a patient in this facility.

5. You have the right to obtain from your physician complete current information concerning your diagnosis, treatment and prognosis in terms you can understand. When it is not medically advisable to give such information, the information should be made available to the appropriate person on your behalf. You have the right to know the names of physicians responsible for coordinating your care, and the specialty of the physician responsible for care, and the function of any individual providing services.

6. You have the right and the responsibility to participate in the development of your treatment plan.

7. You have the right to receive from your physician any further information necessary to give informed consent prior to the start of any procedure and/or treatment. Except in emergencies, such information of informed consent should include but not necessarily be limited to the specific procedure and/or treatment. If medically significant alternatives for care or treatment exist, or when you request information concerning medical alternatives, you have the right to such information. You also have the right to know the names of the persons responsible for the procedures and/or treatment concerning your care.

8. You have the right to refuse treatment to the extent permitted by the law and be informed of the consequences of this right. You have the right to access protective services.

9. You have the right to continuity of care. You will not be discharged or transferred except for medical reasons. If it becomes medically necessary for you to be transferred to another facility, you will be given reasonable advance notice concerning the need for and an alternative for such transfer. The institution to which you may be transferred will have first accepted you.

10. You have the right to voice opinions, conflicts, recommendations and grievances in relation to policies and services offered by this facility without fear of restraint, interference, coercion, discrimination or reprisal. These issues may be addressed to your physician, the administrator, nursing services, your patient representative, or you may contact your local Department of Public Health.

11. You have the right to be free from physical, chemical and mental abuse. Physical and chemical restraints may only be applied when ordered by your physician in writing and for a specific limited period, except when necessary to protect you from personal injury to yourself and others.

12. You have the right to confidential treatment of your personal and medical records. Information from these sources will not be released without prior consent, except in your transfer to another healthcare facility, or as required by law, or under third party payment contracts.

13. You have the right to be advised of and to refuse to participate in any medical experimentation or research. You have the right to information regarding organ donation.

14. You have the right to the same level of care as other patients with the same health problems.

15. You have the right to pain control.

16. You have the right to appropriate assessment and management of pain.

17. You have the right and responsibility to talk to your physician or nurses as soon as pain begins.

18. You have the right and responsibility not to let fears keep you in pain.

19. You have the right and responsibility to communicate your pain.

20. You have a right to be involved in all aspects of your care.

21. You have a right to receive a written statement of your rights.

Patient Responsibilities:

1. Providing Information: You are responsible for providing, to the best of your knowledge, accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and other matters relating to your health. You are responsible for reporting unexpected changes in your condition. You may help the Hospital improve its understanding of your environment by providing feedback about service needs and expectations.

2. Asking Questions: You are responsible for asking questions when you do not understand what you have been told about your care or what you are expected to do.

3. Following Instructions: You are responsible for following the care, service, or treatment plan developed. You should express any concerns you have about your ability to follow and comply with the proposed care plan or course of treatment. Every effort is made to adapt the plan to your specific needs and limitations. When such adaptations to the treatment plan are not recommended, you are responsible for understanding the consequences of the treatment alternatives and not following the proposed course.

4. Accepting Consequences: You are responsible for the outcomes if you do not follow the care, service, or treatment plan.

5. Following Rules and Regulations: You are responsible for following the Hospital’s rules and regulations concerning patient care and conduct.

6. Showing Respect and Consideration: You are responsible for being considerate of the Hospital’s personnel and property.

7. Meeting Financial Commitments: You are responsible for promptly meeting any financial obligation agreed to with the Hospital.

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