Patient Rights & Responsibilities

The patient has the right to:

• Respectful care given by competent personnel.
• Be given the names of physicians and other healthcare personnel directly participating in his/her care.
• Every consideration of privacy concerning his/her own medical care program. Case discussion, consultation, examination and treatment are considered confidential and should be conducted discreetly.
• Have all medical records pertaining to his/her medical care treated as confidential except as otherwise provided by law or third-party contractual arrangements.
• Know what hospital rules and regulations apply to his/her conduct as a patient.
• Expect emergency procedures to be implemented without unnecessary delay.
• Good quality care and high professional standards that are continually maintained and reviewed.
• Be well-informed about your illness, possible treatments and likely outcome and to discuss this information with your doctor.
• Except for emergencies, the physician must obtain the necessary informed consent prior to the start of any procedures or treatment.
• Consent or decline to take part in research affecting your care. If you choose not to take part, you will receive the most effective care the hospital otherwise provides.
• Consent to or refuse a treatment, as permitted by law, throughout your hospital stay. If you refuse a recommended treatment, a physician shall inform you of the medical consequences of the refusal of any drugs, treatment o procedure.
• Assistance in obtaining consultation with another physician at the patient's request and own expense.
• Medical and nursing services without discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual preference, national origin or source of payment.
• Review your medical records and to have the information explained, except when restricted by law.
• Have your pain assessed and managed effectively.
• When medically permissible, be transferred to another facility. If transfer to another facility is recommended or requested, you will be informed of risks, benefits and alternatives. You will not be transferred until the other institution agrees to accept you.
• Examine and receive a detailed explanation of your medical bill and receive full information and counseling on the availability of known financial resources for your healthcare.
• Be informed upon discharge of his/her continuing healthcare requirements following discharge and the means for reaching them.
• Not be denied the right of access to an individual agency who is authorized to act on his/her behalf to assert or protect the sight set out in the section.
• Be informed of his/her rights at the earliest possible moment in the course of his/her hospitalization.
• To be informed regarding the unanticipated outcomes of care or when the outcomes differ significantly from the anticipated outcome.

The patient's responsibilities include:

• Providing information about your health, including past illnesses, hospital stays, and use of medicine.
• Asking questions when you do not understand information or instructions.
• Being considerate of the needs of other patients, staff and the hospital.
• Telling your doctor if you believe you can't follow through with your treatment. You are responsible for your actions if you refuse treatment or do not follow instructions.
• Helping the physicians, nurses, and allied medical personnel in their effort to care for you by following their instructions and medical orders.
• Having authorized persons to be available to review your treatment in the event you are unable to properly communicate.
• Providing information for insurance and for working with the hospital to arrange payment when needed.
• Not taking any drugs which have not been prescribed by your attending physician and administered by the hospital staff and you will not complicate or endanger the healing process by consuming alcoholic beverages or toxic substances during your hospital stay.