Patient Rights

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 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 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 payment sources.
• Know if the medical treatment prescribed for you is for experimental purposes, and give your written consent to participate if you choose.
• Participate in the decision-making process related to your care plan.
• Have access to professionals to assist you with emotional 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 healthcare 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 healthcare 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 provider’s instructions.
• Being considerate of the rights of other patients and hospital personnel and following hospital policy and regulations regarding care and conduct.
• Fulfilling your financial obligations to the hospital as promptly as possible.