Patient Rights

Patients have the right to receive impartial access to treatment or accommodations regardless of race, creed, color, sex, national origin, religion, disability/handicap, diagnosis, age, or source of payment.

Patients have the right to considerate, respectful care at all times and under all circumstances, with recognition of their personal dignity and psychosocial, spiritual and cultural variables that influence the perceptions of illness. This includes respect for the individual's property.

Patients have the right, within the law, 1) to personal and informational privacy concerning their medical care and records and 2) to examine their medical records and have the information explained to them. Examinations and consultations are confidential and should be conducted in as discreet a manner as possible. Individuals not directly involved in care will not be present without the patient's permission.

Patients have the right to know the identity and professional status of the individuals providing service and to know which physician or other practitioner is primarily responsible for their care. This includes the right to know of the existence of any professional relationship among the individuals who are treating them, as well as the relationship of the department/facility to any other healthcare or educational institution involved in their care. Participation by patients in clinical training programs or in the gathering of data for research purposes should be voluntary.

Patients have the right to expect reasonable safety insofar as the department/facility practices and environment are concerned. This includes freedom from abuse, neglect and exploitation, and the right to access protective services.

Patients have the right to receive complete and current information concerning diagnosis (to the degree known), treatment and known prognosis. This information should be communicated in terms that the patient could reasonably be expected to understand. When it is not medically advisable to give such information to the patient, the information should be made available to a legally authorized individual.

Patients have the right to communicate with people outside the department/facility. Any restrictions due to medical standards of care will be fully explained to the patient and family and are determined with their participation. Restrictions established by a transferring facility will be honored. When a patient does not speak or understand the predominant language of the community, access to an interpreter will be arranged, whenever possible.

Patients have access to their spiritual leader, if they so desire.

Patients have the right to be given necessary information so they can make healthcare decisions in collaboration with their healthcare provider. To the degree possible, this should be based on a clear, concise explanation of their condition and of all proposed technical side effects, problems related to recuperation, and probability of success. The patient should not be subjected to any procedure without voluntary, competent and understanding consent, by the patient or their designee. Where medically significant alternatives for care or treatment exist, the patient will be informed. Patients have the right to know who is responsible for authorizing and performing the procedures or treatment. Patients will be informed of any investigation, research or educational activities related to their care, and they have the right to refuse to participate in any such activity. If patients choose not to take part, they will receive the most effective care the department/facility otherwise provides. If a conflict arises about care and treatment or a patient needs help in making difficult decisions about their care and treatment, the ethics committee may be consulted.

Patients have the right to accept medical care or refuse treatment, to the extent permitted by law, and to be informed of the medical consequences of such a refusal. When refusal of treatment prevents the provision of appropriate care in accordance with ethical and professional standards, the relationship with the patient may be terminated upon reasonable notice. As appropriate, the hospital may notify the proper agency and/or the court.

Patients have the right to written information about advance directives upon hospital admission.

Dying patients have the right to respectful, responsive care that promotes comfort and dignity, as well as appropriate treatment, as desired.

Patients have the right to expect that the department/facility will give necessary health services to the best of its ability. Treatment referral or transfer may be recommended. If transfer is recommended or requested, the patient will be informed of the risks, benefits and the alternatives. The transfer must be acceptable to the receiving facility.

Patients have the right to request and receive an itemized explanation of their bill, regardless of the source of payment.

The rights of the patient may be delineated on behalf of the patient to the extent permitted by law to the patient's guardian, next of kin or legally authorized responsible person. If the patient is 1) legally adjudicated incompetent, 2) found by the physician to be medically incapable of understanding the proposed treatment or procedure, 3) unable to communicate their own wishes regarding treatment, or 4) a minor.

Patients have the right to be informed of the department/facility rules and regulations that are applicable to their conduct, as a patient.

Patients have the right to initiate a complaint or express concerns about any part of their care or hospital stay without restraint, interference, coercion, discrimination or reprisal.

Patients are responsible for providing complete information about present complaints, past illness, hospitalizations, medications and matters relating to their health. They are responsible for reporting changes in their condition to their practitioner and are responsible for telling their practitioner if they do not understand their plan of care or what is expected of them.

Patients are responsible for following the treatment plan recommended by their practitioner, which may include cooperating with the hospital care team, following their instructions as they carry out the plan of care. Patients are responsible for 1) keeping appointments and, when unable to do so for any reason, 2) notifying the department/facility to allow for rescheduling.

Patients are responsible for the consequences of their actions, if they refuse treatment or do not follow the practitioner's instructions.

Patients are responsible for assuring that the financial obligations of their healthcare are fulfilled to the full extent of their ability, including the provision of complete insurance information, contacting the insurance company prior to admission if such a requirement exists, and cooperating with the financial counselor in providing information to determine the appropriateness of charity care and payment arrangements.

Patients are responsible for 1) being considerate of the rights and property of other patients and staff; 2) control of noise and the conduct of their visitors.

Patients are responsible for following the rules and regulations affecting patient care and conduct.

A patient's health depends not only on their care but on the daily decisions they make. Patients are responsible for recognizing how their lifestyle choices affect their health and personal life.