Patient Rights & Responsibilities

Your Rights

You have certain rights and protections as a patient guaranteed by state laws. These laws help promote the quality and safety of your Hospital care. You will be provided with the booklet, Your Rights as a Hospital Patient. Share it with family and friends involved in your care. If you have a question about your rights, or do not understand something, speak to your nurse, doctor, social worker, or Patient Relations Executive.

Your Responsibilities

This statement of Patient Responsibilities was designed to demonstrate that mutual respect and cooperation are basic to the delivery of quality health care. You are responsible to:

• Provide, to the best of your knowledge, accurate and complete information about present complaints,
• Past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and other matters relating to your health; and, provide, upon admission, a copy of your Health Care Proxy or other advance directives, if available.
• Notify your doctor or nurse if you have recently been taking any of the following: vitamins, minerals, herbals, both prescription and non-prescription medications, and nutritional supplements. By letting them know what you are taking, they can take steps to avoid possible problems with the medications and treatments you may be getting during your Hospital stay.
• Your food and nutrition needs will be met during your stay. However, if food is brought in from the outside, please let your nurse know. We need to see that the food is stored safely and won't interfere with your special diet or treatment.
• Report any unexpected changes in your condition to the responsible medical care provider.
• Report whether you clearly understand each proposed course of action in your care and what is expected of you.
• Follow the treatment plan recommended by the health care team responsible for your care. This group may include doctors, nurses, and allied health personnel who are carrying out the coordinated plan of care, implementing your doctor's orders, and enforcing the applicable Hospital rules and regulations.
• Be responsible for your actions if you refuse treatment or do not follow your medical care provider's instructions.
• Follow Hospital rules and regulations affecting patient care and conduct.
• Be considerate of the rights of other patients and Hospital personnel, especially with regard to minimizing noise, refraining from smoking, and assuring the appropriate conduct of your visitors.
• Be respectful of the property of others.
• Assure that the financial obligations for your health care are fulfilled as promptly as possible.