Patient Rights & Responsibilities

A patient has the right to:

• Access to care regardless of race, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, personal or cultural beliefs, or payment sources.
• Respect, dignity and considerate care.
• Every consideration of privacy and to expect that all communications and records pertaining to his/her care will be treated as confidential.
• Receive care in a safe setting, free from abuse or harassment.
• Know the identity and professional status of individuals providing service.
• Expect that a family member or representative and physician will be notified promptly of the patient’s admission to the hospital, unless the patient requests this not be done.
• Obtain from physicians and other direct caregivers relevant, current, and understandable information concerning diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
• Be informed of his/her rights in writing.
• Unrestricted access to communication, visitors, mail, telephone calls, unless clinically contraindicated. Any restrictions are explained fully to the patient.
• Consent and participate in decision making and ethical issues involving his/her care and to refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law, and to be informed of the medical consequences of refusal.
• Have an advance directive (Living Will/Power of Attorney for Healthcare) and to expect the hospital will honor the intent of that directive to the extent permitted by law and the hospital policy.
• Have issues related to care at the end of life addressed with sensitivity.
• Reasonable access to his/her medical records.
• A complete explanation and information concerning the need for, risks, benefits and alternatives to a transfer to another facility.
• Information about the hospital’s affiliations, business relationships, rules and regulations.
• Consent or refuse to participate in research or experimental treatment and to have his/her rights protected during research, investigation, and clinical trial involving human subjects.
• Expect continuity of care and to be informed of realistic options when hospital care is no longer appropriate.
• Appropriate assessment and management of pain.
• Access pastoral care and spiritual services.
• Be free from restraints or seclusion imposed as a means of coercion, discipline, convenience, or retaliation.
• Access the internal complaint/grievance process and also to appeal to an external agency.
• An itemized statement of charges upon request.
• Notification of available payment methods and financial assistance.
• Obtain nurse staffing / staff training information by contacting Advocacy Services. Advocacy Services is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

A patient has the responsibility to:

• Ask questions about anything he/she does not understand
• Provide full and accurate information.
• Respect and have consideration for others in the hospital and follow the rules of the hospital.
• Accept consequences of refusing treatment
• Follow the instructions of hospital staff concerning care and treatment.
• Report any changes in health status
• Assure financial obligations

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