Patient Rights and Responsibilities


As a patient, you have these Rights and Responsibilities.

Patient Rights
Our procedures support your right to:
Access Care You are able to receive care when medically necessary regardless of your age, race, sex, language, national origin, disability, religion, income, education, job, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

Access Your Medical Records You are able to receive a copy of your medical records and request a change to your medical records based on laws and rules if needed.

Advance Directives You are able to complete an advance directive, including a living will and healthcare power of attorney.

Confidentiality
You are assured that your medical records and any discussions or decisions about your care will be kept confidential.

Continuity of Care and Discharge InformationYou have the right to written discharge information from your care team about follow-up care.

Designate Others to Make Care Decisions You may have a guardian, next of kin or other authorized responsible person make decisions on your behalf if you are not able to do so.

Information The hospital will provide information specific to your age, language and ability to understand.

Informed Consent and Refusal You have the right to provide consent for your care and to know the risks, benefits and alternatives, except in an emergency. You may refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law.

Know the Identity of Your Caregivers You are entitled to know the identity and professional status of those who care for you.

Language Access. You have the right to receive and request medical information in your preferred language. This includes interpreter services, translation of information, vision and hearing accommodations (for example, CART, Braille, etc).

Pain Management. You will have your pain assessed, evaluated, treated and reassessed.

Participate in Decisions About Your Care. You are encouraged to be involved in decisions about your care, treatment and services provided, including the informed consent process.

Privacy. You have the right to personal privacy during the course of your treatment.

Protective Services. You may expect a safe and secure environment, including assistance in receiving protective services as needed.

Receive Effective Communication. Caregivers will communicate clearly with you, your family and other visitors. At times, communication may be restricted due to your medical condition or at your request.

Release of Your Records. You may expect that your medical records will not be released to anyone without your consent, except when required by law or a third-party payer contract.

Report Concerns Regarding Care and Safety. You are encouraged to share concerns and receive assistance to settle a complaint.

Research and Teaching. You have the right to choose whether or not to participate in any research study or education program.

Respectful Care. You have the right to care with attention to your personal dignity, which contributes to a positive self-image. You have the right to be free from abuse, neglect, inappropriate use of restraint and seclusion, humiliation, financial or other mistreatment.

Safe and Clean Environment. You may expect to be cared for in a safe and clean environment. You are encouraged to report concerns regarding care and safety.

Special Needs Assistance. You are able to request assistance with any special needs. These include vision and hearing problems.

Patient Responsibilities
As a patient you are expected to:
Give full information about your health and any changes in your condition to your doctors and others on your healthcare team. You and your family need to ask questions when you do not understand your treatment or what to do about your care. Follow the rules of the hospital and be thoughtful about the rights and property of other patients and hospital employees. Tell your nurse before you leave your room or the floor.
Follow your treatment plan and tell your doctor or nurse if you have any concerns, so we are able to help with your care needs. If you choose not to follow your care instructions, you will be responsible for the outcome.
Pay your bills in a timely manner.
Hospital will not be responsible for your valuable belongings.



© 2022 St. John's Hospital all rights reserved | Designed by INTEGRO