Patient Rights
As a Patient of Martha Jefferson Hospital, You Have Certain Rights.
The Martha Jefferson Hospital is an institution built and staffed to provide the best patient care possible within the constraints placed upon it by law, custom and available resources. Individuals requiring medical treatment that is available at the Martha Jefferson Hospital, who request such treatment through their physician, and for whom the physician recommends admission, shall be accorded impartial access to such treatment or accommodations that are available regardless of race, color, creed, sex, national origin, religion or source of payment for care.
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Neonates, children and adolescents who are referred to the MJH by their parents/ guardians are afforded the same rights. Their parents and/or guardians will be considered in all care decisions for these patients. In the rights listed below the parent or guardian will be considered in all areas pertaining to patient. In cases where ethical dilemmas may exist in the care and treatment of any patient, including the neonate, child or adolescent, the Hospital Ethics Committee may be consulted.
The hospital and its staff believe that patients who seek treatment here should receive kind, considerate and respectful care at a reasonable cost and that every consideration should be given to reducing the hazards and risks which the patient might expect to encounter in this environment. The Patient Bill of Rights will be reviewed with and/or provided to the patient.
It shall be the policy of the Hospital, its personnel, Medical Staff and Board of Trustees to protect and preserve the rights of the patient and his dignity as a human being. These rights include but shall not necessarily be limited to:
- To have care that respects your beliefs, values, and feelings. This will be true no matter what your race, religion, age, color, place of birth, sex, sexual orientation, disability or how your bill will be paid.
- To receive the visitors you designate, including but not limited to your spouse, domestic partner (including a same sex domestic partner), other family members or friends. You have the right to withdraw or deny such consent at any time. Justified Clinical Restrictions may be imposed if necessary.
- To have your family, your doctor, or other people of your choice told when you are admitted to the hospital.
- To be told the names and titles of the people taking care of you.
- To receive information from caregivers that you can understand so you can give informed consent. You will get information about your condition, your treatment choices, and what the results might be. This will help you make informed decisions. If you need special phones they will be used. If you speak a different language, we will arrange for translation.
- To be part of planning and carrying out your care in the hospital. This plan will include what is done to help you be more comfortable if you are having pain.
- To refuse treatment you do not want (if the law allows). You must be told what might happen if you refuse.
- To receive information about other choices for treatment. You have the right to be seen by a specialist if you make that request.
- To tell us your wishes about future medical care through a document called an advance directive. This may say who you want to make decisions for you if you can’t do so. It may also say what kind of care you do or do not want in the future. It may include instructions about starting or stopping treatments and the use of life support near the end of life.
- To have privacy. Your medical record may not be seen by people who are not part of your care. You have the right to see your own medical record. Any images or films for purposes other than your care will not be used without your consent.
- To have spiritual or religious care that respects and supports your beliefs and religious traditions.
- To be cared for in safety and dignity and not be abused or harassed by anyone.
- To be free from restraints unless they are medically necessary or needed to keep you safe. Restraints will be used only if other methods have failed or are not sufficient to protect you or others from injury.
- To agree or refuse to take part in medical research.
- To make decisions about leaving the hospital. You may not be moved to another place of care without being told about that place. You must be told the reasons for moving you before it is done. You will also be told about any risks of moving, the possible benefits, and what other choices are possible.
- To have any concerns or disagreements addressed. You may be helped by a Patient Advocate or a hospital representative. If you are concerned about treatment choices, you may ask for the help of the Ethics Committee. If you are concerned about your safety, you may ask to speak with someone from Protective Services.
- To have your hospital bill explained. You have the right to be helped if you have questions and concerns about your bill.
As a patient at Martha Jefferson Hospital, you have these responsibilities:
- To give complete and accurate information.
- To tell us if you do not understand something so that we can give the information in a way you do understand.
- To give us a copy of your advance directive if you have one.
- To tell your doctor and your caregivers about your needs and concerns.
- To plan and make decisions about your care with your doctor and other caregivers.
- To follow the plan for your care.
- To respect the rights and property of other patients and hospital staff.
- To respect and follow hospital rules.
- To pay any bills you owe the hospital or make arrangements for payment.
References:
Consumer Bill of Rights and Responsibilities, Quality First: Better Health care for all Americans, 1998, Dept. of Health and Human Services
Patients’ Bill of Rights in Medicare and Medicaid, DHHS., Patient Self-Determination Act
2011 Joint Commission Standards, Patient Rights
