PATIENT RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Bill Of Rights
• Organ/Tissue Donation
• Patient Responsibilities

The patient has the right to the following:

• To reasonable access to care.
• To care that is considerate and respectful of patient's values and beliefs.
• To be informed about and participate in decisions regarding their care.
• To accept medical care or refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law and to be informed of the consequences of such refusal.
• To participate in ethical issues that arise in their care, including issues of conflict resolution, withholding resuscitative services, forgoing or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment, and participation in investigational or clinical trials.
• To security and personal privacy and confidentiality of information.
• You also have another right. You have the right to prepare a document called an "Advance Directive". In one type, a "Living Will", you will state in advance what kind of treatment you want or do not want if you ever become mentally or physically unable to choose or communicate your wishes. In a second type, "Medical Power of Attorney", you authorize another person to make those decisions for you if you become incapacitated. Be mindful, however, that state laws governing advance directives differ.

Many people have made the decision to become an organ and tissue donor. You can declare your wishes on your driver license. Most important, however, is to discuss this important decision with your family to ensure they are aware of your wishes. Then sign an organ donor card in the presence of two witnesses and carry the card in your wallet or purse. In the event of your death, if you are a donor candidate, your family member or legal representative will be approached and will be asked to sign a consent form if they are in agreement with your wishes.

As a patient, you can help yourself by being responsible for:

1. Respecting other patient's rights to privacy, and maintaining an atmosphere of confidentiality regarding medical care information.
2. Being open and direct about everything that relates to you as an individual and creating a sense of mutual trust and acceptance.
3. Making an effort to understand your health needs and asking for information relating to treatment needs.
4. Understanding and informing those treating you whether or not you want to accept or decline specific treatment.
5. Abiding by the hospital policies, which determine available services that support the values and principles of the facility.
6. Being open, reasonable, understanding and making concerns known.
7. Keeping appointments and cooperating with the physician and others caring for you.
8. Fulfilling the financial commitment to this hospital which has provided resources to meet your health needs.
9. Being considerate of other persons and upholding the rights of all being served.
10. Reporting concerns, complaints and suggestions about the quality of care received to department management.