Patients’ Bill of Rights

Patients’ Bill of Rights

As a patient in a Surgery Center in New York State, you have the right, consistent with law, to:

(1) Understand and use these rights. If for any reason you do not understand or you need help, the hospital MUST provide assistance, including an interpreter.

(2) Receive treatment without discrimination as to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, source of payment, or age.

(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 and position of the doctor who will be in charge of your care in the hospital.

(6) Know the names, positions and functions of any hospital staff 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 the information that 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. If you would like additional information, please ask for a copy of the pamphlet “Do Not Resuscitate Orders — A Guide for Patients and Families.”

(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 hospital. The hospital 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. Obtain a copy of your medical record for which the hospital 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 to have the hospital respond to you and if you request it, a written response. If you are not satisfied with the hospital’s response, you can complain to the New York State Health Department. The hospital must provide you with the State Health Department telephone number.

To initiate a complaint about a hospital or a diagnostic and treatment center, you may call the toll-free number at 1-800-804-5447, or you may file a complaint in writing and send it to:

New York State Department of Health
Centralized Hospital Intake Program
433 River Street, Suite 303
Troy, New York 12180-2299

(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 a donor card, available from the hospital.

Public Health Law(PHL)2803 (1)(g)Patient’s Rights, 10NYCRR, 405.7,405.7(a)(1),405.7(c)

20)    The patient has the right to information regarding credentialing of Health Care Professionals at the Center.

21)    The patient has the right to refuse any treatment, except as otherwise provided by law.

22)    The patient has the right to choose his/her own pharmacy.

23)    The patient has the right to receive care in a safe setting.

24)   The patient has the right to be free from all forms of abuse or harassment.

The administrator shall also provide all patients and/or their families upon request with the names, addresses, and           telephone numbers of offices where information concerning Medicare and Medicaid coverage may be obtained.

http://www.medicare.gov/Ombudsman/activities.asp

Each patient receiving care in this ambulatory Center shall have the following responsibilities:

Patients are required to:

  1. Provide complete and accurate information to the best of his/her ability about his/her health, any medications, including over-the-counter products and dietary supplements and any allergies or sensitivities.
  2. Follow the treatment plan prescribed by his/her provider
  3. Provide a responsible adult to transport him/her home from the facility and remain with him/her for 24 hours, if required by the provider
  4. Inform his/her provider about any living will, medical power of attorney, or other directive that could affect his/her care
  5. Accept personal financial responsibility for any charges not covered by his/her insurance
  6. Be respectful of all the health care providers and staff, as well as other patients.

Advance Directives and Health Care Proxy in New York

The New York Health Care Proxy Law allows you to appoint someone you trust – for example, a family member or close friend – to make health care decisions for you if you lose the ability to make decisions yourself. By appointing a health care agent, you can make sure that health care providers follow your wishes.

For information on creating an Advance Directives document please visit

NEW YORK  Advance Directive

Planning for Important Healthcare Decisions

Caring Connections

1731 King St., Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22314

www.caringinfo.org

800/658-8898