Patient's Bill of Rights
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The patient has the right to considerate and respectful care.
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The patient has the right to and is encouraged to obtain from physicians and other direct caregivers relevant, current and understandable information concerning diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Except in emergencies when the patient lacks decision-making capacity and the need for treatment is urgent, the patient is entitled to the opportunity to discuss and request information related to specific procedures and/or treatments, the risks involved, the possible length of recuperation, and the medically reasonable alternatives and their accompanying risks and benefits.
Patients have the right to know the identity of physicians, nurses and others involved in their care. The patient also has the right to know the immediate and long-term financial implication of treatment choices, insofar as they are known.
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The patient has the right to make decisions about the plan of care prior to and during the course of treatment, to refuse a recommended treatment or plan of care to the extent permitted by law and Clinic policy, and to be informed of the medical consequences of the this action. In case of such refusal, the patient is entitled to other appropriate care and services that the Clinic provides. The Clinic should notify patients of any policy that might affect patient choice within the organization.
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The patient has the right to every consideration of privacy. Case discussion, consultation, examination and treatment should be conducted so as to protect each patient’s privacy.
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The patient has the right to expect that all communications and records pertaining to his or her care will be treated as confidential by the Clinic, except in cases such as suspected abuse and public health hazards when reporting is permitted or required by law. The patient has the right to expect that the Clinic will emphasize confidentiality of this information when it releases it to any other parties entitled to review information in these records.
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The patient has the right to review the records pertaining to his or her medical care and to have the information explained or interpreted as necessary, except when restricted by law.
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The patient has the right to expect that, within its capacity and policies, the Clinic will make reasonable response to the request of a patient for appropriate and medically indicated care and services.
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The patient has the right to ask and to be informed of the existence of business relationships among the Clinic, educational institutions, other healthcare providers or payers that may influence the patient’s treatment and care.
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The patient has the right to consent to or decline to participate in proposed research studies or human experimentation affecting care and treatment or requiring direct patient involvement, and to have those studies fully explained prior to consent. A patient who declines to participate in research or experimentation is entitled to the most effective care that the Clinic can otherwise provide.
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The patient has the right to be informed of Clinic policies and practices that relate to patient care, treatment and responsibilities. The patient has the right to be informed of available resources for resolving disputes, grievances and conflicts, such as the Quality Assurance Committee, or other mechanisms available in the organization. That patient has the right to be informed of the Clinic’s charges for services and available payment methods.
The collaborative nature of healthcare requires patients, or their families/surrogates, to participate in their care. The effectiveness of care and patient satisfaction with the course of treatment depends, in part, on fulfilling certain responsibilities. Patients are responsible for providing information about past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications and other matters related to health status. To participate effectively in decision making, patients must be encouraged to take responsibility for requesting additional information or clarification about their health status or treatment when they do not fully understand information and instructions.
Patients are responsible for informing their physicians and other caregivers if they anticipate problems in following prescribed treatment. Patients also should be aware of the Clinic’s obligation to be reasonably efficient and equitable in providing care to other patients and the community. The Clinic’s rules and regulations are designed to help the Clinic meet this obligation. Patients and their families are responsible for making reasonable accommodations to the needs of the Clinic, other patients, medical staff and Clinic employees. Patients are responsible for providing necessary information claims and for working with the Clinic payment arrangements, when necessary. A person’s health depends on much more than healthcare services. Patients are responsible for recognizing the impact of their lifestyle on their personal health.