Representatives: You may have a family member, chosen representative and/or your own physician
notified promptly of admission to the hospital.
Lack of discrimination: You will receive treatment and medical services without discrimination
based on your age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, language, physical
or mental disability, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation, gender
identity or expression, ability to pay, or source of payment.
Electing a support person: You may Identify and access a support person during your care. The support
person may remain with you at all times except if their presence is medically
or therapeutically contraindicated or infringes on other people’s
rights or affects patient safety. In these circumstances, staff will explain
the reason for the limitation.
Respect for privacy: Every patient will be treated with consideration, respect, and recognition
of their individuality, including the need for privacy in treatment.
Information regarding practitioner names and functions: Be informed of the names and functions of all physicians and other healthcare
professionals who are providing direct care to you. These people shall
identify themselves by introduction and/or by wearing a nametag.
Translator/interpreter services: Every patient can receive the services of a translator interpreter to facilitate
communication between you and the hospital’s health care personnel
and delivered as quickly as possible.
Participate in the development and implementation of your plan of care: You or your representative (as allowed by state law) has the right to
make informed decisions regarding your care, including the right to reject care.
Inclusion: You will be included in experimental research only when you give informed,
written consent to such participation, or when a guardian provides such
consent for you in the event that you are unable, in accordance with appropriate
laws and regulations. You may refuse to participate in experimental research,
including the investigations of new drugs and medical devices.
Up-to-date information: Your rights include being informed of your health status, being involved
in care planning and treatment, and being able to request or refuse treatment.
This right must not be construed as a mechanism to demand the provision
of treatment or services deemed medically unnecessary or inappropriate.
Formulate advances directives: Hospital staff and practitioners who provide care in the hospital must
comply with these directives.
Discharge assistance: You will be informed by the attending physician and other providers of
healthcare services about any continuing healthcare requirements after
your discharge from the hospital. You also have the right to receive assistance
from the physician and appropriate hospital staff in arranging for required
follow-up care after discharge.
Access to confidential medical records: Have your medical records, including all computerized medical information,
kept confidential and secure; and to access information contained your
medical records within a reasonable time frame.
Lack of coercion: Patients will be free from the restraints of any form that are not medically
necessary or are used as a means of coercion, discipline, convenience,
or retaliation by staff. Patients will receive care in a safe setting
and be free from all forms of abuse and harassment.
Ability to file complaints or grievances: You must be informed in writing about the hospital’s policies and
procedures for initiation, review, and resolution of patient complaints,
including the address and telephone number of where complaints may be
filed with the department.
Clearly stated hospital rules: Patients will be informed of their responsibility to comply with hospital
rules. This includes their cooperation in treatment and providing a complete/accurate
medical history. Patients must be respectful of their fellow patients,
staff, and property, and must provide required information regarding payment
of charges.
Reasons for transfers: Except in emergencies, you may be transferred to another facility only
with a full explanation of the reason for transfer, provisions for continuing
care and acceptance by the receiving institution.
Hospital bill explanation: You can examine and receive an explanation of your hospital bill regardless
of source payment and receive upon request information relating to financial
assistance available through the hospital.
Patient responsibilities
Keep staff informed: You should inform staff of any complaints, including your level of pain,
past illness, hospitalizations, medications, and other matters relating
to your health.
Follow the treatment plan: You must inform you practitioner primarily responsible for your care and
inform your physicians and other caregivers if you anticipate problems
in following the prescribed treatment. You must account for the consequence
of your actions if treatment is refused and the practitioner’s instruction
are not followed.
Follow hospital rules and regulations: There are rules affecting patient care, conduct and safety.
Be considerate: All patients must respect other patients and hospital property and personnel,
and to assist in the control of noise, smoking, and number of visitors.
Advance Directives: Ensure that the healthcare institution has a copy of your written advance
directives.
Hygiene: When able, maintain personal hygiene and grooming during your hospital stay.
Payment information: Provide your insurance information and work with the hospital to arrange
for payment when needed. Pay any and all co-payments, deductibles, and
money due related to care received in a timely manner.
Be careful with valuable items: Check personal items of value with the nursing staff at the time of admission
or send them home with family members.
