Patient Rights and Responsibilities


Patient Rights 

Advance Directive

You have the right to make, review and change an advance directive and appoint someone to make healthcare decisions for you if you are unable. If you do not have an advance directive, we can provide you with information and help you complete one.


Beliefs

You have the right to your cultural and personal values, beliefs and preferences to be respected.

Confidentiality

You can expect that all communication and records about your care are confidential, unless disclosure is permitted or required by law. You have the right to view or get a copy of your medical records. You may request an amendment to your medical record by contacting the health information management department. You have the right to request a list of people to whom your personal health information was disclosed.

Consent

You have the right to be told by your doctor about your diagnosis and possible prognosis, the benefits and risks of treatment and the expected outcome of treatment, including unexpected outcomes.

You have the right to give written informed consent before any nonemergency procedure begins.

Discharge Plan

You have the right to be involved in your discharge plan. You will be told in a timely manner of your discharge, transfer to another facility or transfer to another level of care. Before your discharge, you will receive information about follow-up care that you may need.

Financial Assistance

You have the right to request a detailed bill with an explanation of that bill after discharge. You have the right to apply for financial assistance.

Free From Restraints

You have the right to be free from restraints and seclusion in any form that is not medically required.

Interpretation

You have the right to communication that you can understand. The hospital will provide sign language and foreign language interpreters as needed at no cost. Information given will be appropriate to your age, understanding and language. If you have vision, speech, hearing and/or other impairments, you will receive additional aids to ensure your care needs are met.

Know Your Healthcare Team

You have the right to know the names of your doctors, nurses and all healthcare team members directing and/or providing your care.

Notification

You have the right to have a family member or person of your choice and your own doctor notified promptly of your admission to the hospital.

Pain Assessment

You have the right to have your pain assessed and to be involved in decisions about treating your pain.

Privacy

You can expect full consideration of your privacy and confidentiality in care discussions, exams and treatments.

Refuse Treatment

You, your family and friends, with your permission, have the right to participate in decisions about your care, your treatment and services provided, including the right to refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law. If you leave the hospital against the advice of your doctor, the hospital and doctors will not be responsible for any medical consequences that may occur.

Respect

You have the right to be called by your preferred name and to be treated with respect and dignity.

Right to Give or Refuse Consent

You have the right to give or refuse consent for recordings, photographs, films or other images to be produced or used for internal or external purposes other than identification, diagnosis or treatment. You have the right to withdraw consent up until a reasonable time before the item is used.

Right to Receive Care

You have the right to receive considerate, respectful and compassionate care in a safe setting regardless of your age, gender, race, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or disabilities. 

Safety

You have the right to receive care in a safe environment free from all forms of abuse, neglect or mistreatment.

Support

You have the right to have someone remain with you for emotional support during your hospital stay, unless your visitor’s presence compromises your rights, safety, or health or that of others. You have the right to deny visitation at any time.

Support Services

You have the right to access protective and supportive services in cases of abuse or neglect. Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare (GVMH) will provide a list of these resources upon request.

Patient Responsibilities

Advanced Directive

You should provide the hospital, or your doctor, with a copy of your advance directive, if you have one.

Hospital Stay

You are asked to please leave valuables at home and only bring necessary items for your hospital stay.

Information

You are expected to provide complete and accurate information, including your full legal name, address, telephone number, date of birth, social security number, insurance carrier and employer when it is required.

Keep Appointments

You have the responsibility to keep appointments, be on time and call your healthcare provider if you cannot keep your appointments.

Medical History

You are expected to provide complete and accurate information about your health and medical history, including present condition, past illnesses, hospital stays, medicines, vitamins, herbal products and any other matters that pertain to your health, including safety concerns.

Pain Management

You are expected to actively participate in your pain management plan and to keep your doctors and nurses informed of the effectiveness of your treatment.

Respect

You are expected to treat all hospital staff, other patients and visitors with courtesy and respect; abide by all hospital rules and safety regulations; to not smoke or use tobacco anywhere on the GVMH property; and be mindful of noise levels, privacy and number of visitors.

Timeliness

You are expected to provide complete and accurate information about your health insurance coverage and to pay your bills in a timely manner.

Treatment Plan

You are expected to ask questions when you do not understand information or instructions. If you believe you cannot follow through with your treatment plan, you are responsible for telling your doctor.

You are responsible for the outcomes if you do not follow the care, treatment and service plan.

Do you have a concern about your care?

Customer Care Line
Ethics Committee
Speak to a Chaplain
Joint Commission
Department of Health
Quality Improvement Organization