Patient Rights & Responsibilities

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT:

• To receive considerate, respectful and compassionate care regardless of your age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, language, physical or mental disability, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.
• To receive care in a safe environment, free from all forms o abuse, neglect, or harassment.
• To be called by your proper name and be told the names of the doctors, nurses, and other health care team members involved in your care.
• To have a family member or representative of your choice to be notified promptly of your admission to the hospital and you may allow the person of your choosing to be present for emotional support during your hospital stay.
• To have your own physician notified promptly of your admission to the hospital.
• To be told by your doctor, in a manner you understand, about your diagnosis and possible prognosis, the benefits, risks of treatment, and outcomes, including unanticipated outcomes.  You have the right to give informed consent before an non-emergency procedure begins.
• To discuss or request a change in physician, room, and/or hospital.
• To refuse any medication, treatments, or test offered by the hospital to the extent allowed by law.
• To have your pain assess and to be involved in decisions about managing your pain.
• To be free from restraints and seclusion in any form that is not medically required.
• To expect full consideration of your privacy and confidentiality in care discussions, examinations, and treatments.
• To access protective and advocacy services in cases of abuse or neglect.  A list of services is provided in your patient information book in your hospital room. 
• For you and your family members or friends, with your permission, to participate in decisions about your care, treatment, and services provided, include the right to refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law.  If you leave the hospital against the advice of your doctor, the hospital and doctors will not be responsible for any medical consequences that may occur.  The family and/or guardians of infants, children, adolescents, or incompetent adults have the right to be involved and informed in the plan of care for that patient.  They have the right to have their needs and wishes considered in the overall plan of care.
• To make an advance directive, appointing someone to make health care decisions for you if you are unable.  If you do not have an advance directive, we can provide you with information and help to complete one.
• To be involved in your discharge plan.  You can expect to be told in a timely manner of the need for planning your discharge or transfer to another facility or level of care.  Before your discharge you can expect to receive information about follow-up care that you may need.  You have the right to select providers of goods and services after discharge.
• To receive detailed information about your hospital and physician charges.
• To expect all communication and records about your care to be confidential, unless disclosure is allowed by law.  You have the right to see or get a copy of your medical records and have the information explained, if needed.
• To request to meet with the Ethics Committee, if you or your family has a need to discuss ethical issues related to your care that may arise during your hospital stay.  Please ask your nurse and a meeting will be arranged. 
• To have pastoral or other spiritual services.  Chaplains are available to help you directly or to contact your own clergy.  Please as your nurse to contact the chaplain on call.
• To voice concerns about the care you receive.  If you have a problem or complaint, you may talk with your doctor, nurse manager, department manager, or the hospital administrator.  If your complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction, you have the right to request a review by the Georgia Department of Human Resources or The Joint Commission.  Contact information is provided in the patient information book. 

YOU HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY:

• To provide complete and accurate information, including your full name, address, home telephone number, date of birth, Social Security number, insurance carrier and employer, when requested.
• To provide the hospital or your doctor with a copy of your advance directive, if you have one.
• To provide complete and accurate information about your health and medical history, including present condition, past illnesses, hospital stays, medicines, vitamins, herbal products, and any other matters that pertain to your health.  You are encouraged to report any perceived unsafe practices.
• To ask questions when you do not understand information or instructions.  If you believe you can’t follow through with your treatment plan, you are responsible for telling your doctor.
• To actively participate in your pain management plan and to keep your doctors and nurses informed of the effectiveness of your treatment.
• For personal items brought from home.  Please leave valuables at home and only bring necessary items for your hospital stay.
• For treating all hospital staff, other patients, and visitors with courtesy and respect, abide by all hospital rules and safety regulations.  Be mindful of noise levels, privacy and number of visitors.
• To provide complete and accurate information about your health insurance coverage and to pay your bills in a timely manner.
• Upon discharge, if possible, have someone to be with you that can help make sure all your discharge instructions are received and understood.
• Upon discharge, to keep appointments, be on time for appointments, or to call your health care provider if you cannot keep your appointments.
• To follow your medication therapy as directed by your physician and according to your discharge medication list.