Patient Bill of Rights

PATIENT RIGHTS

As a patient in the State of New York you have the right to:

  1. Understand and use these rights. If for any reason you do not understand or you need help, you must be provided with assistance.
  2. Receive treatment without discrimination as to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or source of payment.
  3. Receive considerate and respectful care in a clean and safe environment free of unnecessary restraints.
  4. Receive emergency care if you need it.
  5. Be informed of the name of the doctor who will be in charge of your care.
  6. Know the names, positions, and functions of any staff member involved in your care and refuse their treatment, examination or observation.
  7. A no smoking room.
  8. Receive complete information about your diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
  9. Receive all information you need to give informed consent for any proposed procedure or treatment. This information shall include the possible risks and benefits of the procedure or treatment.
  10. Receive all the information you need to give informed consent for an order not to resuscitate. You also have the right to designate an individual to give this consent for you if you are too ill to do so.
  11. Refuse treatment and be told what effect this may have on your health.
  12. Refuse to take part in research. In deciding whether or not to participate, you have the right to a full explanation.
  13. Privacy while in the center and confidentiality of all information and records regarding your care.
  14. Participate in all decisions about your treatment and discharge from the center. The center must provide you with a written discharge plan and written description of how you can appeal your discharge.
  15. Review your medical record without charge and obtain a copy of your medical records for which the center can charge a reasonable fee. You cannot be denied a copy solely because you cannot afford to pay.
  16. Receive an itemized bill and explanation of all charges.
  17. Complain without fear of reprisals about the care and services you are receiving and have the center respond to you and if you request it, a written response. If you are not satisfied with the centerŐs response, you can complain to the New York State Health Department. The center must provide you with the Health Department phone number.
  18. Authorize those family members and other adults who will be given priority to visit consistent with your ability to receive visitors.
  19. Make known your wishes in regard to anatomical gifts. You may document your wishes in your health care proxy or on your state license.

PATIENT RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. You, your family, and visitors are responsible for following the rules involving patient care and conduct.
  2. You are responsible for providing a complete and accurate medical history. This history should include all prescribed and over-the-counter medications that you are taking.
  3. You are responsible for informing the Center about all treatments and interventions that you are involved in.
  4. You are responsible to consider and follow the suggestions and advice prescribed in a course of treatment by your healthcare providers.
  5. If your refusal of treatments prevents us from providing care according to ethical and professional standards, we may need to end our relationship with you after giving you reasonable notice.
  6. You are responsible for being considerate of the rights of other patients and Center personnel and property.
  7. You are responsible for providing information about unexpected difficulties you have involving your health care.
  8. You are responsible for making it known whether you clearly understand your plan of care and the things you are asked to do.
  9. You are responsible for making appointments and arriving on time. You must call in advance when you cannot keep a scheduled appointment.
  10. You are responsible for providing us with the correct information about your sources of payments and ability to pay your bill.