The Patient's Bill of Rights
* The patient has the right to considerate and respectful care in a secure environment.

* The patient has the right to obtain relevant, current and understandable information about his or her diagnosis, treatment and prognosis, including specific procedures.

* The patient has the right to communicate with caregivers; to have information explained in a way he or she can understand.

* The patient has the right to make decisions about his or her care before and during treatment.

* The patient has the right to an advance directive, such as living will and durable power of attorney for healthcare.

* The patient has the right to privacy in all consultations, examinations, treatments and discussion of his or her care.

* The patient has the right to expect the hospital to keep confidential all communications and records about his or her care.

* The patient has the right to review records pertaining to his or her medical care.

* The patient has the right to expect the hospital to reasonably respond to requests for appropriate , medically indicated and legally permissable care.

* The patient has the right to ask and be informed of business relationships among the hospital, educational institutions, other health care providers, or payers that may influence the patient's treatment and care.

* The patient has the right to consent to or decline to participate in proposed research studies.

* The patient has the right to expect reasonable continuity of care.

* The patient has the right to be informed of hospital policies and practices related to patient care, treatment and responsibilities.

* The patient has the right to have pastoral counseling and care that respects personal values, beliefs and spiritual/cultural practices.

The Patient's Responsibilities
The collaborative nature of health care requires that patients, or their families or surrogates participate in their care. The effectiveness of care and patient satisfaction with the course of treatment depend, in part, on the patient fulfilling certain responsibilities. Patients are responsible for providing information about past illnesses, hospitalizations, and 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 also responsible for ensuring the medical center has a copy of their written advance directive if they have one. Patients are responsible for informing their physicians and other caregivers if they anticipate problems in following prescribed treatment.
Patients should also be aware of the hospital's obligation to be reasonably efficient and equitable in providing care to other patients and the community. The hospital's rules and regulations are designed to help the hospital meet this obligation. Patients and their families are responsible for making reasonable accommodations to the needs of the hospital, other patients, medical staff, and hospital employees. Patients are responsible for working with the hospital to make payment arrangements, when necessary.
The health of any individual depends on much more than health care services. Patients are responsible for recognizing the impact of their lifestyle on their personal health.
Conclusion
Hospitals have many functions to perform, including the enhancement of health status, health promotion, and the prevention of injury and disease; the immediate and ongoing care and rehabilitation of patients and the education of health professionals, patients, and the community. All these activities must be conducted with an overriding concern for the values and dignities of patients.

Hamilton. Health Care Syst. | About HMC | Health & Wellness | Health Plans | Giving Opps. | Online Gift Shop | Volunteers | Employment | The Baby Page | For Vendors Only | For Media Only | For Physicians Only | Se Habla Español | Physician's Directory