Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Patient Rights

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

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.
Receive treatment without discrimination as to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or source of payment.
Receive considerate and respectful care in a clean and safe environment free of unnecessary restraints.
Receive emergency care if you need it.
Be informed of the name and position of the doctor who will be in charge of your care in the hospital.
Know the names, positions, and functions of any hospital staff involved in your care and refuse their treatment, examination or observation.
A no-smoking room.
Receive complete information about your diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
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)
Receive all the information that you need to give informed consent for an order not to resuscitate. You also have the right to designate an individualto 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 "Do Not Resuscitate Orders — A Guide for Patients and Families."
Refuse treatment and be told what effect this may have on your health.
Refuse to take part in research. In deciding whether or not to participate, you have the right to a full explanation.
Privacy while in the hospital and confidentiality of all information and records regarding your care.
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.
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.
Receive an itemized bill and explanation of all charges.
Formulate an advance directive and appoint a health care proxy.
Participate in the consideration of ethical issues that arise in your care.
Authorize those family members and other adults who will be given priority to visit consistent with your ability to receive visitors.
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. You should first speak to the nurse or doctor caring for you and, if you remain dissatisfied, to Patient Relations. 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 Health Department phone number.

If you have any questions about your rights, please speak with a staff member, especially the doctor or nurse caring for you.

Patient Responsibilities

At Strong Memorial Hospital, we believe patients and families are partners in ensuring that the best possible care is provided in a healthful, safe environment. We count on you to participate in your care in the following ways:

To the best of your knowledge, provide accurate and complete information about your present symp toms, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications and other matters relating to your health.
Provide upon admission a copy of your health care proxy or any other advance directives or
power of attorney forms, if you have them.
Report any changes in your condition to your nurse or doctor.
Inform your nurse or doctor if you do not clearly understand the proposed plan of care and what is expected of you.
Follow the treatment plan that you and your doctor have developed. This may include following the instructions of nurses and other health care staff who are involved in your care.
Keep appointments. When you are unable to do so for any reason, notify the office appointment center in advance.
Please provide accurate insurance information and promptly pay balances not covered by your insurance.
Treat other patients and staff with consideration and respect.
Please be considerate of the rights of other patients and our hospital staff by assisting with the control of noise and the number of visitors to the hospital.
Be respectful of other patients' right to privacy.
Please be respectful of the property of other persons and of the hospital.

For your information the following items and behaviors are prohibited at Strong Memorial Hospital:

Alcoholic Beverages
Disruptive or Violent Behavior
Smoking
Street Drugs
Weapons

If patients are unable to maintain safe and respectful behavior, their activities may be restricted; or, in extreme situations, the hospital may terminate their treatment and offer an alternative plan for care.

Thank You For Your Cooperation