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.