Patient Rights & Responsibilities

Our Mission

To improve the health & well-being of those we serve.

Our Vision

To be the trusted healthcare leader, delivering a lifetime of exceptional care.

Every hospital patient, support person and/or surrogate decision-maker has the right to:

1. Receive considerate, respectful, and compassionate care;
2. Be provided care in a safe environment free from all forms of abuse and neglect, including verbal, mental, physical or sexual abuse.
3. Have a medical screening exam and be provided stabilizing treatment for emergency medical conditions and labor;
4. Be free from restraints and seclusion unless needed for safety;
5. Be told the names and jobs of the health care team members involved in the patient’s care if staff safety is not a concern;
6. Have respect shown for the patient’s personal values, beliefs, and wishes;
7. Be treated without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, culture, physical or mental disability, religion, language, or ability to pay;
8. Be provided a list of protective and advocacy services when needed;
9. Receive information about the patient’s hospital and physician charges and ask for an estimate of hospital charges before care is provided and as long as patient care is not impeded;
10. Receive information in a manner that is understandable by the patient, which may include:
    • Sign and foreign language interpreters;
    • Alternative formats, including large print, braille, audio recordings, and computer files; and
    • Vision, speech, hearing, and other temporary aids as needed, without charge;
11. Receive information from the patient’s doctor or other health care practitioners about the patient’s diagnosis, prognosis, test results, possible outcomes of care, and unanticipated outcomes of care;
12. Access the patient’s medical records in accordance with HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices;
13. Be involved in the patient’s plan of care;
14. Be screened, assessed, and treated for pain;
15. Refuse care;
16. In accordance with hospital visitation policies, have an individual of the patient’s choice remain with the patient for emotional support during the patient’s hospital stay, choose the individuals who may visit the patient, and change the patient’s mind about the individuals who may visit;
17. Appoint an individual of the patient’s choice to make health care decisions for the patient, if the patient is unable to do so;
18. Make or change an advance directive;
19. Give informed consent before any nonemergency care is provided, including the benefits and risks of the care, alternatives to the care, and the benefits and risks of the alternatives to the care;
20. Agree or refuse to take part in medical research studies and/or clinical trials, without the agreement or refusal affecting the patient’s care;
21. Allow or refuse to allow pictures of the patient for purposes other than the patient’s care;
22. Expect privacy and confidentiality in care discussions and treatments;
23. Be provided a copy of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Notice of Privacy Practices; and
24. File a complaint about care and have the complaint reviewed without the complaint affecting the patient’s care.

Additional Patient Rights:

1. Have a family member or representative of the patient’s choice and the patient’s own physician notified of admission to the hospital;
2. Be told in advance about the plan for discharge or transfer to another level of care;
3. Participate in the consideration of ethical issues that arise during the hospital stay;
4. Be notified of the existence of any business relationship among the hospital, educational institutions, other health care providers, and/or payers that may influence treatment and care;
5. Be provided care in an environment free of harassment and exploitation;
6. Receive treatment without regard to socioeconomic status; and
7. A written copy of the patient rights.

Every hospital patient, support person and/or surrogate decision maker has the responsibility to:

1. Provide accurate and complete information, including name, address, and date of birth, phone number, social security number, insurance carrier and employer when required.
2. Provide accurate and complete information about health, medical history and medications, including over the counter medications.
3. Follow the plan of care and ask questions.
4. Talk to the provider if there are concerns about following the treatment plan.
5. Accept outcomes if the plan of care is not followed based on lifestyle choices.
6. Show respect and consideration for others.
   • Follow hospital rules and safety regulations.
   • Be in control of behavior, unless unable to control behavior due to a medical condition.
   • Be mindful of noise levels, privacy and number of visitors.
   • Refrain from behaviors that are aggressive, hostile and sexually inappropriate, including threats of verbal abuse, physical attacks and indecent exposure.
7. Provide a copy of an Advance Directive if one is available.
8. Leave valuables at home.
9. Select a capable caregiver for discharge planning.
10. Meet financial obligations.