Patients’ Rights and Responsibilities

This statement of basic rights and responsibilities applies to all patients within NorthCrest Medical Center regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or ability to pay. When a patient is unable to exercise these rights on their own behalf, their family, a guardian or other legal representative, or the parent of a minor child may do so for them.

You have the right to:

• Considerate and compassionate care that is respectful of your personal beliefs and values.
• Reasonable access to appropriate medical care.
• Be well informed about your illness, possible treatment, risks of treatment, reasonable alternatives and likely outcome. Information about treatment will be given in clear, understandable language. Reasonable efforts will be made to have interpreters and special aids accessible should you have language, visual, hearing or other limitations which would affect your ability to understand this information.
• Participate in the development and implementation of your care plan. This includes the right to request or refuse treatment.
• Request a second opinion.
• Receive appropriate assessment and management of pain.
• Participate in resolution of ethical questions, including: withholding resuscitative services, forgoing or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment, participation in investigational studies and other issues where there is a conflict of opinion.
• Obtain information about continuing healthcare needs and to participate in discharge planning including selecting the provider of services needed after discharge from the hospital.
• Know the names and roles of those who provide your direct care.
• Question any hospital policy, procedure or other matter related to your care. This includes the right to detailed information about your bill.
• Voice concerns and access resources to help you solve problems and grievances without fear of reprisal.
• Be treated in a manner that protects your personal safety, security, privacy and confidentiality. This includes the right to have your personal property respected and to not be subject to any form of abuse or harassment.
• Be free from restraints (or seclusion) of any form that are not medically necessary or are used as a means of coercion, discipline, convenience or retaliation by staff.
• Have your family and physician notified promptly of your admission.
• Designate a surrogate health care decision maker.
• Formulate advance directives and have hospital staff and practitioners comply with these directives.
• Access information in your medical record within a reasonable time frame.

You have the responsibility to:

• Provide thorough and accurate health information. Such information typically includes your past medical history, current medications, previous hospitalizations, and any use of tobacco, alcohol or drugs.
• Actively participate in decision making about your treatment. Ask questions when you do not understand instructions or information. Clearly express your feelings regarding the plan of care proposed by your doctor and the NorthCrest team.
• Follow the instructions of your doctor and the healthcare team. This includes taking medications provided for you, complying with recommended lifestyle changes, and keeping follow-up appointments scheduled on your behalf.
• Assume responsibility for your actions if you refuse to follow the instructions or advice of your doctor or the healthcare team.
• Bring an updated copy of your Living Will and/or Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, to be placed in your medical record as soon as possible following your admission.
• Show consideration for others by following all hospital rules and regulations, especially pertaining to smoking, visitors and general conduct.
• Refrain from disclosing confidential information you may have overheard regarding other patients.
• Provide accurate insurance information and accept the financial obligations associated with your care, including, as necessary working with the billing office regarding payment arrangements.
• Advise your healthcare provider if you have concerns or dissatisfaction regarding your care.