YOUR RIGHTS AS A PATIENT

All too often, patients and their families are unaware of their rights relating to issues surrounding medical care. Laws vary from state to state; the following is a list of rights you may be entitled to:
You are entitled to understand your rights and the nature of the proposed medical care to be rendered. An interpreter must be provided to you if needed.
You have the right to receive proper medical care and treatment without discrimination regarding your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.
You are entitled to receive considerate and respectful care in a clean and safe environment free of unnecessary restraints
You have the right to receive emergency care if you need it regardless of your ability to pay
You have the right to be informed of the name and position of the doctor who will be in charge of your care in the hospital, and know the names, positions and functions of any hospital staff involved in your care
You have the right to refuse treatment, examination or observation
You have the right to receive a non-smoking room
You have the right to receive complete information in terms you understand about your diagnosis, treatment and prognosis
You have the right to be fully informed before you give your consent for any proposed procedure or treatment. This information should include the possible risks and benefits of the procedure or treatment, as well as the alternatives, and should be given in terms which are understandable to you. Furthermore, you have the right to modify or delete statements on a consent form before signing, and to withdraw consent at any time.
You are entitled to be given a full explanation regarding your proposed participation in research so that you may decide whether or not to participate. You have the right to refuse to take part in the research.
You have the right to privacy in the hospital and confidentiality of all information and records regarding your care
You have the right to participate in all decisions about your treatment and discharge from the hospital. In many states, the hospital must provide you with a written discharge plan and written description of how you can appeal your discharge.
You have the right to review your medical record without charge and obtain a copy of your medical record for a reasonable fee. In most states there is a statutory cap on what the hospital may charge you per page. You cannot be denied a copy solely because you cannot afford to pay
You have the right to complain without fear of reprisals about the care and services you are receiving and to receive a response from the hospital. If you request it, you are entitled to a written response. If you are not satisfied with it, you may complain to your state health department, and the hospital should provide you with the appropriate number to call
You have the right to to have your medical records reviewed by an attorney of your choice
You have the right to to institute a medical malpractice action if it can be certified that medical malpractice caused an injury to you or your family member


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