Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Rights

1. Access to Care. Patients shall be accorded impartial access to services or accommodations that are available and medically indicated, regardless of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, religion, disability, or source of payment for care.
2. Respect and Dignity. Patients have the right to considerate, respectful care given by competent personnel at all times and under all circumstances, with the recognition of personal dignity and respect of religious and cultural beliefs.
3. Spiritual Needs. Patients have the right to access spiritual care and other spiritual services.
4. Privacy and Confidentiality. Patients have the right, within the law, to personal and informational privacy.
5. Personal Safety. Patients have a right to expect reasonable safety in hospital/clinic settings; to be free from mental and physical abuse, neglect, exploitation, unnecessary physical and/or chemical restraints; and to have access to protective services.
6. Identity. Patients have the right to know the identity and professional status of those providing care.
7. Consent. Patients have the right to be reasonably informed and to participate in decisions involving their health care, including information regarding organ donation procedures.
8. Information. Patients – and their families, if appropriate – have the right to obtain complete and current information concerning diagnosis, treatment and pain management from the attending physician; to participate in care decisions; and be advised of any changes to the plan of care. Patients have the right to access information in their clinical records.
9. Communication. Patients have the right to receive information in a manner they understand. If necessary for effective communication, a qualified interpreter and/or other communication services will be provided at no charge.
10. Consultation. Patients have the right to consult with a specialist at their request and at their own expense.
11. Pain Management. Patients can expect to have their pain management needs met through assessment, clinical interventions, reassessment, and education directed toward appropriate pain management.
12. Refusal of Treatment. Patients may refuse, consent to, or limit treatment to the extent permitted by law, and will be informed of the medical consequences of refusing treatment.
13. Conflict. Patients can expect Methodist Hospital to address conflicts that may arise among patients, families, hospital/clinic staff and physicians concerning care decisions.
14. Advance Directives. Patients have a right to formulate advance directives and have staff and practitioners who provide care comply with these directives.
15. Transfer and Continuity of Care. Patients will not be transferred to another facility without a complete explanation of the need for transfer, the risks and alternatives to transfer, and the acceptance of the patient by the other facility.
16. Billing Practices. Patients will be billed only for services provided. Patients have the right to request and receive an itemized explanation of the entire bill, regardless of the source of payment.

Responsibilities

1. Information. Patients shall provide accurate and complete information about present complaints, prior illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, changes in condition, and other health matters.
2. Instructions. Patients are responsible for complying with applicable hospital rules and regulations, for following the treatment plan recommended by their provider, and for cooperating with health personnel as they carry out the plan of care. Patients are responsible for keeping appointments and notifying the provider/hospital when unable to do so.
3. Refusal of Treatment. Patients are responsible for providing copies of their living will or other advance directives to their health care providers. Patients are responsible for their actions if they refuse treatment or refuse to follow the provider’s instructions.
4. Health Care Charges. Patients are responsible for assuring the financial obligations of their health care are fulfilled as promptly as possible.
5. Respect and Consideration. Patients are responsible for being considerate of the rights of other patients and hospital personnel, and for assisting in the control of noise and the number of visitors. Patients are also expected to respect the property of others and of the hospital.
6. Personal Property. Patients are responsible for any property or valuables kept in their possession (e.g. jewelry, electronics, phone, money, etc.)