Your Rights As A Patient
Important Patient Information
These rights apply to all patients, including neonate, child, adolescent and geriatric patients, their families and/or guardians.
As a Patient, You Have the Right To:
- Considerate and respectful care
- A clean, safe and pleasant environment
Privacy and Confidentiality
Regarding all records pertaining to your treatment except as otherwise provided by law or third party payment contract
Information
Review your medical records and have information explained or interpreted as necessary, except as restricted by law. Obtain the identity, upon request, of healthcare and educational institutions that the hospital has authorized to participate in your treatment.
Communication
Expect the hospital to respond to your requests for service within its capacity, and to provide evaluation, services or referrals, depending on the urgency of your care needs. Have access to people outside the hospital by means of visitors, and by verbal and written communication.
Security
Obtain information regarding any relation ship between the hospital and other healthcare and educational institutions which may influence your care, as well as the name and function of any person providing healthcare services to you, the patient.
Participation in Care Decisions
Consent or refuse to participate in any treatment that is considered experimental in nature. Have such studies fully explained prior to consent. Receive from your physician complete and current information concerning your diagnosis prior to the start of any procedure and/or treatment. Participate in decisions regarding ethical issues surrounding your care. Patients have the right to freedom from restraints (physical restraints or drugs) used in the provision of medical and surgical care unless clinically necessary.
Resolution of Complaints
Information about hospital policies that relate to your care. Express a concern or complaint regarding your care to the attending physician, nurse or nurse supervisor. A timely response to your concern or complaint and a resolution whenever possible. (Expression of a concern or complaint will not compromise your care or future access to care.)
Pastoral Core/Counseling
Have your spiritual, psychosocial and cultural beliefs respected. Have pastoral care/counseling provided upon request.
- Access to protective services, if necessary
- Examine and receive an explanation of your hospital bill, regardless of the source of payment
Code of Ethics
Patients will have access to a copy of the Code of Ethical Behavior Policy upon request. They will be informed of this in the list of Patients' Rights, which are provided at the time of admission or entry to the hospital system.
Patient/Parent/Guardian Responsibilities
As a patient, parent, and/or guardian, you have the following responsibilities:
- Ask questions about specific problems and request information when you do not understand your illness or treatment.
- Provide accurate and complete medical information to physicians and other caregivers.
- Provide the hospital with a copy of your Written Advance Directive, if you have one.
- Follow the treatment plan recommended by physicians and other caregivers, or if such treatment is refused, be accountable for your actions and the medical consequences.
- Consider the rights of all hospital personnel and other patients. Please ask your visitors to be considerate in controlling noise. Limit the number of visitors. Maintain a non-smoking environment.
- Respect hospital property and the property of other patients.
- Follow all hospital policies affecting patient care and conduct.
- Provide information necessary to ensure processing of hospital bills. Make payment arrangements when necessary.
Advance Directives and Special Considerations
You and your loved ones should be entitled to the best healthcare and most appropriate services available. To achieve this goal, certain decisions involving the kind of care given must be made. As a patient in a Texas hospital, you have certain legal rights concerning your medical treatment The following information is designed to help you understand those rights. If you have questions, or simply wish to execute an Advance Directive, contact your physician or nurse for further information.
Informed Consent
Every adult of sound mind has the right decide what may be done to his or her body in the course of medical treatment. As a patient, you have the right to be told about the nature of your condition, the proposed treatment, the risks of failing to undergo the treatment, and alternate procedures available. This information helps you make an informed and rational decision about accepting or declining a proposed course of treatment. Your physician will discuss with you the risks associated with any medical procedures, as identified under state law. Texas law allows you to make an "Advance Directive" concerning your medical care. That is, you may make your wishes concerning medical treatment known before you actually need such care. One type of directive is authorized under the Texas Natural Death Act and is known as a "Directive to Physicians."
Your Responsibilities
Rules and regulations pertaining to patient conduct are necessary to ensure that all patients are treated fairly and feel secure while in the Hospital. Your cooperation in these responsibilities will help us provide quality care and services. Good communication promotes good care. Talk to our staff and ask questions.
- Please cooperate with your caregivers and follow the plan of care you, your physician, and your health care team have agreed upon.
- We ask that you respect the privacy of your roommate and respect the rights of others by assisting in the control of smoking, noise, and the number of visitors you receive.
The Hospital maintains a Patient Liaison to answer questions about patients' rights, provide information and referrals, solve problems, investigate complaints, and act as your advocate. To reach the Patient Advocate, please call 956-523-2004.