Your rights and responsibilities as a patient

We consider you a partner in your health care. When you're well informed, participate in treatment decisions, and communicate openly with your doctor and other healthcare professionals, you help make your care as effective as possible. We encourage respect for the personal preferences and values of each individual.

Patient rights

While you’re a patient here, you have the right to…

1. reasonable access to care.
2. care that’s considerate and respectful of your personal values and beliefs.
3. be well informed about your illness, possible treatments, and likely outcomes, and to participate in decisions regarding your care.
4. know the names and roles of all the persons involved in your care.
5. refuse a treatment as permitted by law throughout your hospital stay. If you refuse a recommended treatment, you have the right to be informed of the possible alternatives and outcomes of your action.
6. participate in ethical questions that arise in the course of your care, including issues of conflict resolution, withholding resuscitation measures, foregoing or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment, and participating in investigational studies or clinical trials.
7. have an advance directive, such as a healthcare surrogate or living will, and to be fully informed about these options.
8. security, personal privacy, and confidentiality of information.
9. expect that we will provide necessary health services to the best of our ability. If you’re a hospital patient, treatment, referral, or transfer may be recommended. If transfer is recommended or requested, you’ll be informed of the risks, benefits, and alternatives. You won’t be transferred until another institution agrees to accept you. You won’t be transferred without your permission.
10. know if this organization has relationships with outside parties that may affect your treatment and care. These may be with educational institutions, other healthcare providers, or insurers.
11. be informed about rules and procedures that affect your care, your treatment decisions, charges for your care, and payment methods.
12. be informed about rules and procedures for educating staff about patient rights and their role in supporting these rights.
13. access protective services and to receive assistance in accessing community resources when appropriate.
14. express grievances and to know the procedure for handling them.
15. have an interpreter, when possible, if you’re hearing impaired or if English is not your primary language.
16. receive, upon request, an itemized bill and an explanation of charges.
17. have your pain addressed in the following ways:

Patient responsibilities

While you’re a patient here, it’s your responsibility to:

1. provide accurate information regarding your health, including past illnesses and hospitalizations.
2. tell a member of the treatment team if you’re in pain so medication adjustments can be made as appropriate.
3. inform your physician about all medications you’re taking. This includes prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements such as vitamins and herbal medications.
4. let your doctor know of any known allergies or negative reactions you’ve experienced with medications in the past.
5. request information regarding possible side effects of medications prescribed for you.
6. let your physician or another member of the treatment team know if you have
7. questions regarding your treatment plan.
8. let us know if you don’t understand any information given to you either verbally or in writing so further explanation can be given.
9. ask healthcare providers if they’ve washed their hands.
10. identify someone who can take charge of your care if you at any time become unable to speak for yourself. This can be a family member or friend, who in that case, will become your healthcare surrogate.
11. let your physician know if you cannot follow through with your treatment plan.
12. understand that you’re responsible for your outcome if you choose not to follow your physician’s recommendations. Please recognize that there are consequences for your personal decisions and lifestyle on your health. To help you resolve problems and questions about your care, speak to your physician, nurse, or case manager.