Patient Rights and Responsibilities

[Guest guest]

I know that many of you are aware of this list, but I thought I'd post it anyway for future reference. Some laws can vary from state to state, but for the most part, this is what the law says: Patient Rights: You have the right to.... 1. Be informed of your patient rights in advance of receiving or discontinuing care when possible. 2. Have impartial access to care. No one is denied access to treatment because of sex, disability, national origin, age color, race, religion, or source of payment. 3. Give informed consent for all treatment and procedures with an explanation in layman terms of the: --recommended treatment or procedure --risks and benefits of the treatment or procedure --likelihood of success, serious side effects and risks of death --alternatives and consequences if you are not treated --explanation of the recovery period 4. Participate in all areas of your care plan, treatment, care decisions, and discharge plan. 5. Have appropriate assessment and management of your pain. 6. Be informed of your health status/prognosis. 7. Be treated with respect and dignity. 8. Personal privacy, comfort, and security. 9. Be free from restraints and seclusion of any form that is not medically necessary. 10. Confidentiality of all communication and clinical records related to your care. 11. Have access to visitors, telephone calls, mail, etc. Any restrictions will be discussed with you. 12. Have access to interpretor services. 13. Have access to spiritual/pastoral care. 14. Receive care in a safe setting. 15. Be free from all forms of abuse or harassment. 16. Have access to protective services. 17. Request medically necessary and appropriate care and treatment. 18. Refuse any drug, test, procedure, or treatment and be informed of the medical consequences of such a decision. 19. Consent to or refuse to participate in teaching programs, research, experimental programs, and/or clinical trials. 20. Give advance directives or instructions concerning your medical treatment. 21. Participate in decision making regarding ethical issues, personal values or beliefs. 22. Have a family member or representative of your choice and your physician promptly notified of an admission to a hospital. 23. Know the names, professional status and experience of your caregivers. 24. Have access to your medical records within a reasonable time frame. 25. Be examined, treated, and if necessary, transferred to another facility if you have an emergency medical condition or are in labor, regardless of your ability to pay. (EMTLA law) 26. Request and receive, prior to the initiation of nonemergent care or treatment, the charges (or estimate of charges) for routine, usual and customary services and any copayment, deductible, or noncovered charges, as well as the facility's general billing procedures including receipt and itemized bill. 27. Be informed of the facility's/clinic/MD office complaint/grievance procedure and whom to contact to file a concern, complaint, or grievance. Patient Responsibilities: You have the responsibility to.... 1. Ask questions and promptly voice concerns. 2. Be considerate of other patients and staff. 3. Give full information as it relates to your care. 4. Understand and honor financial obligations related to your care, including understanding your own insurance coverage. 5. Follow your recommended treatment plan. 6. Secure valuables. 7. Follow facility rules and regulations. 8. Respect property that belongs to the facility or others.