Patient Rights & Responsibilities

You have the right to:

• be informed of the hospital’s rules and regulations as they apply to your conduct.

• expect privacy and dignity in treatment consistent with receiving good medical and psychiatric care.

• receive considerate, respectful care at all times and under all circumstances.

• expect prompt and reasonable responses to your questions.

• know who is responsible for authorizing and performing your procedures or treatments.

• know the identity and professional status of your caregivers.

• know what patient support services are available, including access to an interpreter if language is a problem.

• have access to your medical records according to hospital policy.

• be informed of the nature of your condition, proposed treatment or procedure, risks, benefits and prognosis, and any continuing health care requirements after your discharge in terms you can understand.

• be informed of medical alternatives for care or treatment.

• refuse treatment, except as otherwise provided by law, and to be informed of the consequences of your refusal.

• receive access to medical treatment or accommodations regardless of age, race, sex, creed, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, physical handicap or sources of payment.

• know if the medical treatment prescribed for you is for experimental purposes and to give your written consent to participate if you choose.

• participate in the decision-making process related to the plan of your care.

• have access to professionals to assist you with emotional and/or spiritual care.

• exercise your cultural values and spiritual beliefs as long as they do not interfere with the well-being of others, or the planned course of any medical care.

• participate in the discussion of ethical issues that may arise.

• express concerns regarding any of these rights in accordance with the grievance process.

• formulate Advance Directives and appoint an agent to make health care decisions on your behalf to the extent permitted by law.

You are responsible for:

• providing accurate and complete information to your health care providers about your present and past medical conditions and all other matters pertaining to your health.

• reporting unexpected changes in your condition to your health care providers.

• informing your health care providers whether or not you understand the plan of care and what is expected of you.

• following the treatment plan recommended by your health care providers.

• keeping appointments and, if you cannot, notifying the proper person.

• knowing the consequences of your own actions if you refuse treatment or do not follow the health care providers’ instructions.

• being considerate of the rights of other patients and hospital personnel and to follow hospital policy and regulations regarding care and conduct.

• fulfilling your financial obligations to the hospital as promptly as possible.