Patient Rights and Responsibilities
The patient has a right:
- to receive confidential medical treatment
- to privacy
- to approve or
refuse the release of their medical records, except when required by law
- to the history of disclosure of their confidential medical records
- to be
treated with respect and dignity and to be provided with courteous, considerate
care
- to be informed about the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the
health problem in terms that can be understood
- to know the potential
effects of treatment and to know the possible risks, side effects and
alternative methods of treatment
- to know the credentials of the person
responsible for providing treatment
- to have access to a second medical
opinion before making any decisions
- to refuse treatment or referral
- to participate in decisions involving the health problem
- to be informed of
the personal responsibilities involved in seeking medical treatment and
maintaining health and well-being thereafter
- to have access to resource
persons and information concerning health education, self-care and prevention of
illness
- to be informed of costs of services
- be informed about
grievance policies
The patient has a responsibility
- to inform the provider of their health status including the use of prescription,
over-the-counter medications and/or supplements
- to disclose known
allergies
- to engage in discussions regarding recommended treatment plan
- to adhere to a prescribed treatment plan and to discuss any desired change
- to act in a considerate and cooperative manner with Health Services staff
- to ask questions and seek clarification regarding areas of concern
- to weigh the consequences of refusing to comply with instructions and
recommendations
- to assist the providers in compiling a complete record by
authorizing Health Services to obtain necessary medical information from
appropriate sources
- to inform the provider of any living will, medical
power of attorney, or other advance directives
- to make appointments and be
on time
- to cancel appointments in a timely manner so that other patients
might utilize the time
