Patient’s Rights

• A patient has the right to be treated with courtesy and respect, with appreciation of his/her individual dignity, and with protection of his/her need for privacy.
• A patient has the right to know who is providing medical services and who is responsible for his/her care.
• A patient has the right to be given by his/her health care provider, information concerning diagnosis, planned course treatment, alternatives, risks and prognosis.
• A patient has the right to receive a copy of a reasonably clear and understandable, itemized bill and upon request, to have the charges explained.
• A patient has the right to impartial access to medical treatment or accommodations, regardless of race, national origin, religion, physical handicap or source of payment.
• A patient has the right to know if medical treatment is for purpose of experimental research and to give his/her consent or refusal to participate in such experimental research.
• A patient has the right to confidential handling of medical records and, except when required by law, patients are given the opportunity to approve or refuse their release.

Patient’s Responsibility

• A patient is responsible for providing to his/her health care provider, to the best of his/her knowledge, accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications and other matters related to his/her health.
• A patient is responsible for reporting unexpected changes in his/her condition to his/her health care provider.
• A patient is responsible for reporting to his/her health care provider whether he/she comprehends a contemplated course of action and what is expected of him/her.
• A patient is responsible for following the treatment plan recommended by his/her health care provider.
• A patient is responsible for keeping appointments and, when he/she is unable to do so for any reason, for notifying the health care provider or health care facility.
• A patient is responsible for his/her actions if he/she refuses treatment or does not follow the health care provider’s instructions.
• A patient is responsible for assuring that the financial obligations of his/her health care are fulfilled as promptly as possible.
• A patient is responsible for following health care facility rules and regulations affecting patient care and conduct.