Bill of Rights

Rights

The observance of the following guidelines will provide more effective patient care and greater satisfaction for the patient, the physician and the individuals that make up the organization. It is in recognition of these factors that these rights are affirmed.

The patient has the right to considerate and respectful care; cultural, psychosocial, spiritual, personal values, beliefs, and preferences will be respected and care will be given in a safe setting. Patients with vision, speech, hearing, language and cognitive impairments have the right to effective communication.

The patient has the right to receive from his/her physician information necessary to give informed consent prior to the start of any procedure and/or treatment. Except in emergencies, such information for informed consent should include but not necessarily be limited to the specific procedure and/or treatment, the medically significant risks involved, and the probable duration of incapacitation. Where medically significant alternatives for care or treatment exist, or when the patient requests information concerning medical alternative, the patient has the right to know the name of the person(s) responsible for the procedures and/or treatment as well as the person(s) responsible for their sedation and anesthesia.

The patient has the right to every consideration of his/her privacy concerning his/her medical care program. Case discussion, consultation, examination, and treatment are confidential and should be conducted discreetly. The patient has the right to expect that all communications and records pertaining to his/her care should be treated as confidential. Those not directly involved in his/her care must have permission of the patient to be present.

The patient has the right to obtain from the physician complete current information concerning his/her diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in terms the patient can be reasonably expected to understand. The patient has the right to be involved in decisions about their care, treatment and services and the patient has the right to have their pain assessed, managed, and treated as effectively as possible.

The patient has the right, and when appropriate, the patient’s family or surrogate to be informed of unanticipated outcomes of care, treatment, and services that relate to sentinel or adverse reviewable events.

The patient has the right to expect that within its capacity, this ambulatory facility must provide evaluation, service and/or referral as indicated by the urgency of the case. When medically permissible, a patient may be transferred to another facility only after he/she has received complete information and explanation concerning the needs for and alternatives to such a transfer.

The patient has the right to obtain information as to any relationship of this facility to other health care and educational institutions insofar as his/her care is concerned. The patient has the right to obtain information as to the existence of any professional relationships among individuals, by name, which is treating him/her.

The patient has the right to expect reasonable continuity of care. The patient has the right to expect that this facility will provide a mechanism whereby he/she is informed by his physician of the patient’s continuing health care requirements following discharge.

If a patient is adjudged incompetent under applicable State health and safety laws by a court of proper jurisdiction, the rights of the patient are exercised by the person appointed under State law to act on the patient's behalf. Such a family member or surrogate must prove legal authority to represent the patient via legal guardianship, proof of health care proxy or power of attorney. Proof of legal authority must be presented before treatment is rendered.

Additionally, if a State court has not adjudged a patient incompetent, any legal representative designated by the patient in accordance with State law may exercise the patient's rights to the extent allowed by State law.

The patient has the right to know the mechanisms for grievance as well as suggestions.

The patient has the right to change their choice of physician.

The patient has the right to refuse care, treatment, and services in accordance with law and regulation.

The patient has the right to dispute information in their medical record

The patient has the right to examine and receive an explanation of his/her bill and to expect ethically billing
practices.

The patient has the right to exercise all rights without discrimination or reprisal, abuse or harassment.

Responsibilities

The patient has the responsibility to provide the physician with the most accurate and complete information regarding present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, allergies and unexpected changes in the patient’s condition.

The patient is responsible for asking questions when they do not understand what they are told or what they are expected to do. If the plan of care is agreed upon, the patient has the responsibility to follow the plan of care or express concerns with compliance. The patient, family, or surrogate are responsible for following the preoperative and post discharge care plan. The patient, family, or surrogate is responsible for the outcomes if the do not follow the care plan.

The patient is responsible to provide an adult to transport him/her home from the facility and remain with him/her for 24 hours, if required by his/her physician.

The patient is responsible to inform his/her physician about any living will medical power of attorney, or other directive that could affect his/her care.

The patient, family, or surrogate is responsible for following the practice’s rules and regulations concerning patient care and conduct

Patient, family, or surrogate is responsible for being considerate of the practice’s staff and property.

The patient, family, or surrogate is responsible for promptly meeting any financial obligation agreed to with the practice.