At admission, you are given a copy of the "Clark Fork Valley Hospital Bill of Rights and Responsibilities" with your other admission papers. It is very important to understand this information. Please ask if you have any questions or need any part of the information explained to you.
Patient Responsibilities Include
- Following the institution’s rules and regulations.
- Providing accurate and complete information regarding identity, complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, unexpected changes in condition, etc. to the treating practitioner.
- Making it known whether they clearly understand the contemplated course of action and what is expected of them.
- Following the plan of care recommended by the practitioner. This includes following the instructions of nurses and allied health personnel.
- Consequences if they refuse treatment or do not follow the practitioner’s instructions.
- Keeping appointments, and when unable to do so, notifying the responsible practitioner or health care facility.
- Being considerate of the rights of others, including health care personnel.
- Assisting in the control of noise, no smoking, and the number of visitors in the room.
- Being respectful of the property of other persons and of the health care facility.
- Providing a copy of Advance Directives if applicable
Patient Rights Include
- Considerate and respectful care.
- Spiritual care sensitive to patient’s and family’s religious and cultural traditions and values.
- Confidentiality and access to the patient’s medical record.
- Privacy and safety.
- The hospital’s reasonable response to their request/need for care. The right to refuse treatment.
- Collaborate with their physician to make informed decisions regarding their plan of care.
- Have an advance directive followed; have the next of kin, guardian, or legal designee to exercise these rights within legal limits if the patient is unable to do so.
- Be informed of any medical research being done at Clark Fork Valley Hospital that might affect their treatment.
- An environment free of restraints or seclusions except when absolutely medically necessary.
- Access to protective services.
- Appropriate assessment and management of pain.
- Information regarding patient rights and policies and complaint/grievance mechanism.
Advance Directives/Living Will
Also known as a Living Will or Durable Power of Attorney (DPoA) for Health Care, these documents allow you to choose the medical care you want at the end of life, or designate the person you want to make those choices for you. Talking with your doctor, family, and friends, and putting your decisions in writing is important. We can give you or your family members information on advance directives, and help you obtain these documents if you don’t already have them. If you already have a Living Will or DPoA, please bring it with you to the hospital and have a copy placed in your record.
Confidentiality
Clark Fork Valley Hospital has always recognized its duty and obligation to provide services to the community in a professional and confidential manner. Even with today’s rapid expansion of computerized medical records, Clark Fork Valley Hospital meets the challenge of balancing patients’ needs to have their information handled confidentially with our health care team’s need to provide efficient, effective care based on accurate information.
Clark Fork Valley Hospital trains staff and volunteers annually on confidentiality and related issues. We request authorization to release confidentiality medical records for purposes other than your treatment. We offer families a confidential status option, where no information beyond required releases will be provided to anyone.
Clark Fork Valley Hospital’s policies and procedures are compliant with federal privacy regulations. If you have questions about the confidentiality of your medical records, please contact the Privacy Officer at (406) 826-4816.