Patients and Families Bill of Rights

Children and patients deemed incompetent to make medical decisions shall be represented by their next of kin. All patient’s rights apply to the person who may have legal responsibility to make decisions regarding medical care on behalf of the patient.

You have the right to:

1 Receive equitable medical care from all hospital staff in a considerate manner without regard to sex, cultural, economic, educational or religious background.

2 Request religious and spiritual support.

3 Receive considerate and respectful care, provided in a safe environment, free from all forms of abuse, neglect, harassment, assault, and/or exploitation.

4 Receive medical care that is appropriate and resulting in proper diagnosis and treatment.

5 Designate a care partner to participate in your care and decision making to the extent that you wish.

6 Have your privacy, dignity, and comfort respected during care.

7 Receive appropriate assessment and management of pain.

8 Receive respectful and compassionate care at the end of life.

9 Know the name and specialty of the physician in charge, and the names and specialties of other physicians and healthcare professionals who will provide healthcare services.

10 Receive information about your health status, illness, course of treatment, and outcomes of care (including unanticipated outcomes) from your health care team, specifically physicians responsible for your care, in an easily understood manner.

11 Have an interpreter whenever language presents a barrier, so that you may fully understand the details of your comprehensive care.

12 Obtain all necessary information that enables you to give a general consent for treatment when you are admitted to the hospital; or an informed consent before undertaking Surgery/Invasive and/or High Risk Procedure, Anesthesia, Blood or Blood Components Transfusion.

13 Refuse or discontinue treatment and be informed about the consequences of your decisions and your responsibilities in this regard, as well as the available care and treatment alternatives.

14 Ask for a second opinion for treatment without fear of compromise to their care within or outside the hospital.

15 Participate in your care decisions to the extent you wish.

16 Review your record and have the information explained or interpreted as necessary.

17 Keep your medical/personal information confidential, your written permission will be obtained before any information about your medical care is accessed by anyone not directly concerned with your care, including a family member or representative sent from your behalf.

18 Be advised on how to submit complaints, comments, and/or suggestions regarding the quality of care or services received.

19 Be informed by your physician or designee of the continuing healthcare requirements following your discharge from the hospital and receive related written instructions.

20 Request for integrative medicine as available in the hospital.

21 Request for spiritual assistance when needed.

Patients and Families Bill of Responsibilities

You are responsible to:

1 Follow the approved rules and regulations of the organization by reading and signing the general consent.

2 Provide complete and accurate information on your present complaints, history of illness, previous hospitalizations, medications, drug allergies and other matters related to your health.

3 Notify your doctor or nurse of new or uncontrolled pain and work with the staff to achieve effective pain management.

4 Report perceived risks in your care and unexpected changes in your condition to the responsible practitioner.

5 Follow the treatment plan established by your physician and the instructions of other healthcare providers. Provide required samples and undergo tests in a timely manner.

6 Bear the responsibility for refusal of treatment or for not abiding by the plan of care.

7 Ask questions when you do not understand what you have been told or what you are expected to do.

8 Inform your nurse if your are bringing with you any medication, food or electrical /medical devices or appliances.

9 Attend all appointments on time; notify the hospital or physician when you are unable to do so.

10 Be considerate of the rights of other patients and of the hospital personnel.

11 Respect the privacy of other patients; assist in the control of noise and number of visitors.

12 Respect the priority given to the emergency cases.

13 Abide by safety regulations including the Non-Smoking Policy.

14 Pay all financial dues (when applicable).

15 Avoid bringing personal valuable possessions to the hospital, or leave them unattended in places where they may be lost or accidentally thrown out. If this is not possible, hand over valuable possessions to your nurse who will place them in the unit safe.