Patients Rights
- To be treated to the highest professional standards by appropriately licensed, qualified, and experienced practitioners in a properly licensed and approved facility.
- To be informed (both patients and families) about the care and services provided, how to access those services, and the regulations and relevant policies of the healthcare organization.
- To be informed of alternative sources of care and services if they are not available at the facility.
- To receive care regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability.
- To receive considerate and respectful care that is consistent with your personal values and beliefs, and to have access to spiritual or religious support.
- To be in a clean and safe environment.
- To have privacy for both personal information and physical care.
- To have reasonable safety in relation to the healthcare facility and environmental practices, including having valuables and personal belongings safeguarded during emergencies, and to be protected from any type of assault.
- To receive appropriate protection and services if you are a vulnerable child, disabled individual, and/or elderly.
- To have all your information kept confidential and protected from loss or misuse.
- To receive treatment in emergency situations regardless of whether or not you have insurance.
- Before making decisions, to be entitled to information about your medical condition, conveyed in a way you can understand. This information shall include (except in emergencies and where applicable):
- Treatment options (including surgical procedures)
- Known outcomes
- Known risks of treatment
- Known risks and consequences of non-treatment
- Estimated costs and expenses not covered by insurance
- Plan for continued care after discharge
- Names of the healthcare professionals responsible for your treatment
- To request a medical report and access your medical records, as permitted by law.
- To be involved in any decision-making about your treatment and care.
- To refuse or discontinue treatment against the doctor’s advice, to the extent permitted by law, after signing a form acknowledging discharge against medical advice and understanding the consequences.
- To have adequate assessment and management of pain.
- To access your medical records and expect those records to be accurate and up to date.
- To receive communication in your native language or through the services of an interpreter.
- To receive information on how to file a complaint with the healthcare facility if you are dissatisfied with your rights, medical examination or treatment, staff behavior, or facility safety standards.
- To give general consent for treatment and have the scope and limits of this consent fully explained.
- To provide written consent prior to any video recordings or other images being taken.
- To be informed about your financial responsibilities.
- To receive respectful and compassionate end-of-life care.
- To have the right to seek a second opinion without compromising your care, whether within or outside the organization.
Patient Responsibilities
- To bring your insurance card with you when attending a healthcare facility.
- To follow any specific rules and regulations of the healthcare facility.
- To follow the treatment plan as outlined by your healthcare professional.
- To ask questions if you do not understand any aspect of the care provided.
- To respect the rights and responsibilities of other patients and healthcare professionals.
- Not to use abusive language or engage in antisocial behavior toward other patients, visitors, or staff.
- To show consideration for the needs of others at all times, especially when their needs may be greater than your own.
- To use emergency services only for urgent problems or when you are unable to use other available health services.
- To give accurate information about your personal details, medical history, current medications, and any allergies or sensitivities to medications.
- To accept the consequences of your actions if you choose not to follow advice, instructions, or treatment recommendations.
- To safeguard your personal belongings while receiving healthcare treatment.
- To keep your appointments and notify staff in advance if you are unable to attend, so that your time slot may be used by other patients.
- To inform staff if you have any special needs for discharge. You should also begin preparing for discharge as soon as you are medically fit.
- To be responsible for the payment of any deductibles or for services not covered under your insurance plan.
