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Seton Hall University

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
  • To accept personal financial responsibility for charges not covered by insurance