We want our patients to be an advocate for their care. Thus, we are providing this Speak Up For Your Rights information provided by The Joint Commission.
As a patient, you have the right to …
• Be informed about your care.
• Make decisions about your care.
• Refuse care.
• Know the names of your caregivers.
• Be treated with courtesy and respect.
• Be listened to by your caregivers.
• Have an interpreter.
• Receive information in a way that meets your needs, such as if you have impaired vision.
• Religious or spiritual services.
• Copies of your test results and medical records.
• Have a patient advocate with you during your care.
• Privacy of your health information.
• Ask that pictures or videos taken of you be used only to identify you or assist in your care.
• Care that is free from discrimination.
Be active in your care …
• Ask questions.
• Pay attention to instructions from your caregivers.
• Inform caregivers about your medicines, supplements and allergies.
• Share your wishes about life-saving actions, such as being put on a ventilator.
Your advocate can help …
• Get information and ask questions when you cannot.
• Ask for help if you are not getting the care you need.
• Make care decisions when you cannot (so long as he or she is a legal guardian, a health care power of attorney, or has some other legal permission).
If you think something is wrong …
• Ask to speak to a patient representative.
• Work with the facility or health system to address the issue.
• File a complaint with the state agency that licenses or certifies the facility.
• Report a patient safety event to The Joint Commission.