Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Know Your Rights and Responsibilities.

Summary of Patient’s Rights and Responsibilities

As a patient or patient representative, you have certain rights and responsibilities, which are protected by federal and state law. As a part of your healthcare team, we are committed to honoring your rights.  Below, we want to summarize these rights and bringing to your attention a few patient responsibilities.   

Your Rights

• You have the right to receive considerate, respectful and compassionate care in a safe setting regardless of your age, gender, race, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or disabilities.
• You have the right to receive care in a safe environment free from all forms of abuse, neglect, or mistreatment.
• You have the right to be called by your proper name and to be in an environment that maintains dignity and adds to a positive self-image.
• You have the right to be told the names of your doctors, nurses, and all health care team members directing and/or providing your care.
• You have the right to have a family member or person of your choice and your own doctor notified promptly of your admission to the hospital.
• You have the right to have someone remain with you for emotional support during your hospital stay, unless your visitor’s presence compromises your or others’ rights, safety or health. You have the right to deny visitation at any time.
• You have the right to be told by your doctor about your diagnosis and possible prognosis, the benefits and risks of treatment, and the expected outcome of treatment, including unexpected outcomes. You have the right to give written informed consent before any non-emergency procedure begins.
• You have the right to have your pain assessed and to be involved in decisions about treating your pain.
• You have the right to be free from restraints and seclusion, in any form that is not medically required, and to have restrictions on your freedom kept to the minimum needed to protect other people.
• You have the right to personal privacy and confidentiality in care discussions, consultations, exams, and treatments. You may ask for an escort during any type of exam. You have the right to access protective and advocacy services in cases of abuse or neglect.
• You and your representative(within limits of State statute), have the right to participate in decisions about your care, treatment, and services provided, including the right to refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law. If you leave the hospital against the advice of your doctor, the hospital and doctors will not be responsible for any medical consequences that may occur.
• You have the right to agree or refuse to take part in medical research studies. You may withdraw from a study at any time without affecting your access to standard care.
• You have the right to sign language and foreign language interpreters, as needed, at no cost to you. Information given to you will be appropriate to your age, understanding, and language. If you have vision, speech, hearing, and/or other impairments, you can receive communication that works for you.
• You have the right to make an advance directive and appoint someone to make health care decisions for you if you are unable. If you do not have an advance directive, we can provide you with information and help you complete one.
• You have the right to be involved in your discharge plan. You can expect communication, in a timely manner, about your discharge or transfer to another facility, or another level of care. Before discharge, you can expect to receive information about follow-up care that you may need.
• You have the right to receive detailed information about your hospital and physician charges. You have the right to know what your care will cost and what your payment options are, before services are provided. You have the right to examine and receive explanation of your bill, regardless of your source of payment.
• You can expect all communication and records about your care to be confidential, unless law permits disclosure. You have the right to review and request amendments to your medical records. You have the right to request a list of people to whom your personal health information was disclosed.
• You have the right to give or refuse consent for recordings, photographs, films, or other images used for internal or external purposes other than identification, diagnosis, or treatment. You have the right to withdraw consent up until a reasonable time before the item is used.
• If you or your representative needs to discuss an ethical issue related to your care, a member of our Administrative team is available at all times. To reach a member, dial 318-245-9739.
• You have the right to request or refuse spiritual services.
• You have the right to voice your concerns about your care without compromise in your current or future access to care. If you have a problem or complaint, you may talk with your doctor, nurse, or a department director. You may also contact the Patient Advocate at 318-254-2720.
• If your concern is not resolved to your liking, you may contact: Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), by mail to Health Standards Section P.O Box 3767 Baton Rouge, LA 70821, email: hhs.mail@la.gov, by phone to 225.342.0138 or 866.280.7737, or by fax to 225.342.5073.
• To share concerns of discrimination, you can contact the Office of Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1301 Young Street, Suite 1169, Dallas, TX 75020.

Your responsibilities

• Provide complete and accurate information, including your full name, address, and home telephone number, date of birth, Social Security number, insurance carrier and employer when it is required
• Provide the hospital or your doctor with a copy of your advance directive if you have one
• Provide complete and accurate information about your health and medical history, including present condition, past illnesses, hospital stays, medicines, vitamins, herbal products, and any other matters that pertain to your health, including perceived safety risks
• Ask questions when you do not understand information or instructions. If you believe you cannot follow through with your treatment plan, you are responsible for telling your doctor. You are responsible for outcomes if you do not follow the care, treatment, and service plan.
• Actively participate in your pain management plan and keep your doctors and nurses informed of the progress of your treatment.
• Please leave valuables at home and bring only necessary items for your hospital stay.
• Treat all hospital staff, other patients, and visitors with courtesy and respect; abide by all hospital rules and safety regulations; and be mindful of noise levels, privacy, and number of visitors.
• Provide complete and accurate information about your health insurance coverage and to pay your bills in a timely manner
• Keep appointments, be on time, and call your health care provider if you cannot keep your appointments.
• You have the responsibility to voice your concerns about the care you receive. If you have a problem or complaint, you should talk with your nurse, doctor, nurse manager, and/or Administration. You may also contact the Patient Advocate at 318-254-2720.