Patient Rights and Responsibilities

ARH HOME | For Physicians | Contact Us


	May 13, 2008

About UsHealth SystemPatien/VisitorFoundationNew/MediaCareer CenterYour HealthFind A Doc

Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Our hospital's main purpose is to provide you with quality medical care. We try to offer this care in a compassionate and cost-effective manner that reflects our tradition of warm, personalized caring. In keeping with this goal, we intend to conduct all hospital activities with concern for your rights and for your individual needs. You can help by becoming familiar with your rights and responsibilities.

Patient Rights

You have the right to seek and receive necessary healthcare regardless of race, creed, religion, sex, national origin, or source of payment.

You have the right to considerate and respectful care with dignity and comfort, which includes consideration of your personal time, val ues, and beliefs.

You have the right to be informed about your health status, treatment, and results of care, including unanticipated outcomes, and what you can expect with your illness in terms you can understand.

Youhave the right to participate in your treatment decisions.

You have the right to privacy concerning your medical treatment. All communication and records pertaining to your care, including the source of payment for treatment, will be treated as confidential.

You have the right to be free from verbalor physical abuse,negligence or harassment while hospitalized.

You have the right to expect that, within its capacity, the hospital will make a reasonable response to your request for services. The hospital must provide evaluation, service and/or referral as indicated by the urgency of the case. When medically permissible, you may be transferred after you have received complete information and explanation concerning the need to transfer.

Youhave the right to know about any relationships between Appalachian Regional Healthcare and other healthcare and education institutions as it affects the care provided. You also have the right to be told of any professional relationships among individuals who are treating you.

You have the right to wear appropriate personal clothing and religious or other symbolic items, as long as they do not interfere with diagnostic procedures or treatment.

You have the right to file complaints and grievances about your care, or any aspect of your rights, without the fear of retaliation. You may file a complaint with the state agency directly, in addition to or instead of using the hospital's process. Should you wish to contact the State agency directly, the Nursing Supervisor on duty will provide a phone number and address to you.

You have the right to know the identity and professional status of people providing care, including the doctor responsible for your care and treatment.

You have the right to receive from your physician information necessary to make treatment decisions. Except in emergencies, such information should include, but not be limited to, the specific procedure and/or treatment, associated risks, and the medically significant alternatives for care.

You have the right to accept, refuse, or stop/withdraw treatment to the extent permitted by law, and to be informed of the medical consequences of your action.

You have the right to formulate an Advance Directive, which expresses your wishes concerning treatment in the event you become incapacitated. Advance Directives may include a living will, a durable power of attorney, or similar documents conveying your preferences. Such Advance Directives will be honored to the extent permitted by law Should you desire additional information concerning Advance Directives, contact the nursing staff member on duty.

You have the right to participate in the consideration of any ethical issues, which might arise in your care. Should you identify an ethical issue, contact the Nursing Supervisor on duty.

You have the right to examine and receive an explanation of your bill, regardless of the payment source(s).

You have the right to request transfer to another room if another patient and/or visitor are disturbing you.

You have the right to expect reasonable safety in as far as the hospital practices and environment are concerned.

You have the right to, at your own request and expense, seek a second opinion.

You have the right to know the hospital's rules and regulations which apply to your conduct as a patient.

You have the right to pastoral counseling when requested. Should you desire pastoral counseling, contact the nursing staff member on duty.

You have the right to personal privacy during personal hygiene activities, during medical or nursing treatments and when requested as appropriate.

You have the right to access protective services, which can include protective privacy, guardianship and advocacy services, conservatorship, and child or adult protective services. Should you or your family desire additional information, or require assistance in determining the need for these services, contact the nursing staff member on duty.

You have the right to be interviewed and examined in private. You also have the right to have a member of the same sex present during a physical examination.

You have the right to participate in the development and implementation of your plan of care, and to make decisions regarding that care.

You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of the information contained in your clinical record as permitted by law. We will actively seek to meet your request as quickly as possible.

You have the right to be free from the use of seclusion and restraints as a means of coercion, convenience, or retaliation by staff. If restraints are used, they will be used only if clinically required and in accordance with your plan of care. Restraints may be used only as a last resort and in the least restrictive manner possible to protect you and others from harm.

You have the right to expect a quick response to your reports of pain. We ask that you notify your nurse immediately when pain first begins; help your doctor and nurse assess your pain; and tell your doctor or nurse if your pain is, or is not, relieved.

You have the right to expect reasonable continuity of care upon discharge. We will assist with follow-up appointments and/or referrals as necessary.

You have the right to have visitors, as well as written or verbal communication with people outside the hospital.

You have the right to refuse to talk with or see anyone not officially connected with the hospital or not directly involved in your care.

You have the right to have a family member or representative of your choice or your own physician notified promptly of your admission to the hospital. Please tell your nurse if you wish someone to be notified of your admission.

You have the right to leave the hospital against medical advice. Please note that leaving against medical advice may pose health risks and may result in denial of reimbursement by third-party payors, making you responsible for the entire hospital bill.

Should you be unable to participate in your care and treatment, your rights are to be exercised by your designated representative.

Patient Responsibilities

You are responsible for reporting perceived risks in your care and any unexpected changes in your condition to your nurse and/or physician.

You are responsible for following the treatment plan recommended by your physician and nurse.

You are responsible for your actions if you refuse treatment or do not follow the physician's instructions.

You are responsible for ensuring the financial obligations of your healthcare are fulfilled as promptly as possible.

You are responsible for following hospital rules and regulations affecting your care and conduct.

You are responsible for being considerate of the rights of other patients and hospital personnel, and for assisting in the control of noise and number of visitors.

You and your family are responsible for asking questions when you do not understand what you have been told about your care or what you are expected to do.

You and your family are responsible for providing, to the best of your knowledge, accurate and complete information about present health problems, past illnesses, hospitalization, medications, and other matters relating to your health.

Medical and Behavioral Health Advance Directives

As a patient, you have the right to make decisions regarding your present and future healthcare. An advance directive is a legal document that helps guide your family and doctor should you become terminally ill and/or unable to communicate your wishes about your treatment. There are several different kinds of advance directives you can use if you wish, suchasamedicalorbehavioralhealth livingwill,medicalpowerofattorney or healthcare surrogate.

Anyone over 18 years of age and of sound mind can have an advance directive. Your healthcare provider or practitioner, ARH staff or your attorney can provide you with more information or assistance.

Your Hospital Bill

Be sure that you have your insurance identification cards, policy numbers and any other information necessary for payment processing. A hospital representative will discuss arrangements for payment of your hospital bill with you. You will be asked to show your insurance identification card. Any hospital charges that are not being covered by your insurance will be noted and payment arrangements will be completed.