Patient Rights and Responsibilities

As a patient, you have certain rights guaranteed by this hospital and by the American Hospital Association. The policies apply upon admission for treatment as an inpatient, outpatient, or emergency room patient.

A summary of your rights and responsibilities follows:

• A patient has the right to be treated with courtesy and respect, with appreciation of his or her individual dignity and with protection of his or her need for privacy.
• A patient has the right to a prompt and reasonable response to questions and requests.
• A patient has the right to know who is providing medical services and who is responsible for his or her care.
• A patient has the right to know what patient support services are available, including whether an interpreter is available if he or she does not speak English.
• A patient has the right to know what rules and regulations apply to his or her conduct.
• A patient has the right to be given by the healthcare provider information concerning diagnosis, planned course of treatment, alternatives, risks, and prognosis.
• A patient has the right to refuse treatment, except as otherwise provided by law.
• A patient has the right to be given, upon request, full information and necessary counseling on the availability of known financial resources for his or her care.
• A patient who is eligible for Medicare has the right to know, upon request and in advance of treatment, whether the healthcare provider or healthcare facility accepts the Medicare assignment rate.
• A patient has the right to receive, upon request, prior to treatment, a reasonable estimate of charges for medical care.
• A patient has the right to receive a copy of a reasonably clear and understandable, itemized bill and, upon request, to have 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 treatment for any emergency medical condition that will deteriorate from failure to provide treatment.
• A patient has the right to know if medical treatment is for purposes of experimental research and to give his or her consent or refusal to participate in such experimental research.
• A patient has the right to express grievances regarding any violation of his or her rights, as stated in Florida law, through the grievance procedure of the healthcare provider or healthcare facility which served him or her and to the appropriate state licensing agency.
• A patient is responsible for providing to the healthcare provider, to the best of his or her knowledge, accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and other matters relating to his or her health.
• A patient is responsible for reporting unexpected changes in his or her condition to the healthcare provider.
• A patient is responsible for reporting to the healthcare provider whether he or she comprehends a contemplated course of action and what is expected of him or her.
• A patient is responsible for following the treatment plan recommended by the healthcare provider.
• A patient is responsible for keeping appointments and, when he or she is unable to do so for any reason, for notifying the healthcare provider or healthcare facility.
• A patient is responsible for his or her actions if he or she refuses treatment or does not follow the healthcare provider’s instructions.
• A patient is responsible for assuring that the financial obligations of his or her healthcare are fulfilled as promptly as possible.
  

  ---

Patient Responsibilities

A patient is responsible for following healthcare and facility rules and regulations affecting patient care and conduct.

Patients are responsible for- Providing, to the best of their knowledge, accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and other matters relating to their health. They have the responsibility to report unexpected changes in their condition to the responsible practitioner. Patients are responsible for reporting whether they clearly comprehend a contemplated course of action and what is expected of them.

Patients are responsible for - Following the treatment plan recommended by the practitioner primarily responsible for their care. This may include following the instructions of nurses and allied health personnel as they carry out the coordinated plan of care, implement the responsible practitioner’s orders, and enforce the applicable hospital rules and regulations. Patients are responsible for keeping appointments and, when they are unable to do so for any reason, for notifying the responsible practitioner or the hospital.

Patients are responsible for - Their actions if they refuse treatment or do not follow the practitioner’s instructions.

Patients are responsible for - Assuring that the financial obligations for healthcare expenses are fulfilled as promptly as possible. Any co-pays or deductibles will be collected at the time of discharge.

Patients are responsible for - Following hospital rules and regulations affecting patient care and conduct.

Patients are responsible for - Being considerate of the rights of other patients and hospital personnel and for assisting in the control of noise, smoking and the number of visitors. Patients are responsible for being respectful of the property of other persons and of the hospital.

Patients are responsible for - Providing current and accurate insurance information at the time of service. Failure to provide this information may result in the patient being responsible for the entire bill.