What rights and privileges can you expect from a hospital when you become a
patient? According to the American Hospital Association (AHA), there are specific
standards of care that all patients are entitled to. The AHA has developed a voluntary
code, the Patient's Bill of Rights, which presents guidelines for both staff and patients.
You have the right to considerate and
respectful care.
You have the right to obtain from your
physician complete, current information concerning your diagnosis, treatment, and
prognosis in terms you can reasonably be expected to understand.
You have the right to receive from your
physician information necessary to give informed consent prior to the start of any
procedure and/or treatment.
You have the right to refuse treatment to
the extent permitted by law, and to be informed of the medical consequences of your
action.
You have the right to privacy concerning
your own medical care program, including all communications and records
pertaining to your care.
You have the right to expect that within
its capacity a hospital must make a reasonable response to your request for services.
You have the right to obtain information
about any relationship of your hospital to other health care and educational institutions insofar as your
care is concerned
You have the right to be advised if the
hospital proposes to engage in or perform human experimentation affecting your care or
treatment.
You have the right to expect reasonable
continuity of care.
You have the right to examine and receive
an explanation of your bill regardless of the source of payment.
You have the right to know what hospital
rules and regulations apply to your conduct as a patient.
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 02/01/99