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Patient Responsibilities
- Provision of Information - A patient has the responsibility to provide, to the best of his knowledge, accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and other matters relating to his health. He has the responsibility to report unexpected changes in his condition to the responsible practitioner. A patient is responsible for reporting whether he clearly comprehends a contemplated course of action and what is expected of him.
- “Speak Up” - CMC encourages patients to become involved in their care. Patients are responsible for questions about the care and treatment they are receiving. Ask a trusted friend to be your advocate. Educate yourself about your diagnosis.
- Compliance with Instructions – Patients are responsible for following the treatment plan recommended by the practitioner primarily responsible for their care. This includes following instructions of nurses and allied health personnel as they carry out a coordinated plan of care and implement the responsible practitioner’s orders, and as they enforce applicable hospital rules and regulations. The patient is responsible for keeping appointments and, when unable to do so for any reason, for notifying the responsible practitioner or the hospital.
- Refusal of Treatment - The patient is responsible for his actions in cases of refused treatment or not following the practitioner’s instructions.
- Hospital Charges - The patient is responsible for fulfilling the financial obligations of healthcare provided, as promptly as possible.
- Hospital Rules and Regulations - The patient is responsible for following hospital rules and regulations affecting patient care and conduct.
- Respect and Consideration - The patient is responsible for consideration of the rights of other patients and hospital personnel and for assisting in the control of noise, smoking, and the number of visitors. The patient is responsible for being respectful of the property of other persons and of the hospital.
- Conflicts Concerning Care of Patient - Occasionally, a conflict develops between the patient (and/or parent or guardian, in the case of minors) and hospital staff or physicians concerning care of a patient. When this occurs, it is the patient’s responsibility (or guardian, if appropriate) to inform the unit supervisor of the conflict.
The unit supervisor will attempt to resolve the matter. If she cannot, she will refer the matter to the director of nursing, who will review the matter with the patient (or guardian), administration and the physician as appropriate to resolve the matter. The final outcome will be communicated to the patient (or guardian). Presentation of a complaint does not in itself serve to compromise a patient’s future access to care.
Rights of Patients with Pain
The patient has the right to have reports of pain accepted and acted on by healthcare professionals.
The patient has the right to have pain controlled, no matter what its cause or how severe it may be.
The patient has the right to be treated with respect at all times. When the need for pain medication arises, the patient has the right to not be treated like a drug abuser.
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