Skip to main content

Patient Rights & Responsibilities

Patient Rights and Responsibilities
Derechos y responsabilidades del paciente

As a patient, you have the right to respectful and considerate care. In addition, there are specific rights and responsibilities you have during your hospital stay.

You have the right to:

  • be informed of the hospital’s rules and regulations as they apply to your conduct.
  • expect privacy and dignity in treatment consistent with receiving  good medical and psychiatric care.
  • receive considerate, respectful care at all times and under all circumstances.
  • expect prompt and reasonable responses to your questions.
  • know who is responsible for authorizing and performing your procedures or treatments.
  • know the identity and professional status of your caregivers.
  • know what patient support services are available, including access to an interpreter if language is a problem.
  • have access to your medical records according to hospital policy.
  • be informed of the nature of your condition, proposed treatment or procedure, risks, benefits and prognosis, and any continuing health care requirements after your discharge in terms you can understand.
  • be informed of medical alternatives for care or treatment.
  • refuse treatment, except as otherwise provided by law, and to be informed of the consequences of your refusal.
  • receive access to medical treatment or accommodations regardless of age, race, sex, creed, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, physical handicap or sources of payment.
  • know if the medical treatment prescribed for you is for experimental purposes and to give your written consent to participate if you choose.
  • participate in the decision-making process related to the plan of your care.
  • have access to professionals to assist you with emotional and/or spiritual care.
  • exercise your cultural values and spiritual beliefs as long as they do not interfere with the well-being of others, or the planned course of any medical care.
  • participate in the discussion of ethical issues that may arise.
  • express concerns regarding any of these rights in accordance with the grievance process.
  • formulate Advance Directives and appoint an agent to make health care decisions on your behalf to the extent permitted by law.

You are responsible for:

  • providing accurate and complete information to your health care providers about your present and past medical conditions and all other matters pertaining to your health.
  • reporting unexpected changes in your condition to your health care providers.
  • informing your health care providers whether or not you understand the plan of care and what is expected of you.
  • following the treatment plan recommended by your health care providers.
  • keeping appointments and, if you cannot, notifying the proper person.
  • knowing the consequences of your own actions if you refuse treatment or do not follow the health care providers’ instructions.
  • being considerate of the rights of other patients and hospital personnel and to follow hospital policy and regulations regarding care and conduct.
  • fulfilling your financial obligations to the hospital as promptly as possible.