Patient Bill of Rights

Adapted from the American Hospital Association

You have the right to considerate and respectful care.

You have the right to obtain from physicians and other direct caregivers complete, current and understandable information concerning diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. The patient has the right to receive information necessary to give informed consent prior to the start of any procedure and/or treatment. Except in emergencies when the patient lacks decision-making capacity, the patient is entitled to information related to specific procedures and/or treatments, the risks involved, the possible length of recuperation, and the medically reasonable alternatives and their accompanying risks and benefits. The patient also has the right to know the name of the person responsible for the procedure and/or treatments.

You have the right to refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law, and to be informed of the medical consequences of this action.

You have the right to have an advance directive (healthcare directive, living will or durable power of attorney) upon admission. If the patient doesn't have one, a designated surrogate may act on behalf of the patient to ensure that a directive be carried out as permitted by law and hospital policy.

You have the right to every consideration of privacy. Case discussion, consultation, examination and treatment are confidential and should be conducted discreetly.

You have the right to expect that all communications and records pertaining to care should be treated as confidential, except in cases of suspected abuse or public health hazards.

You have the right to review pertinent medical care records and to have the information explained or interpreted as necessary, except when restricted by law.

You have the right to expect that within its capacity, a hospital must make reasonable response to requests for services. The hospital must provide evaluation, service, and/or referral as indicated by the urgency of the case. When medically appropriate and legally permissible, a patient may be transferred to another facility only after receiving complete explanation concerning the need for and the alternatives to such a transfer. The institution to which the patient is to be transferred must first have accepted the patient for transfer.

You have the right to know about business relationships among the hospital, educational institutions, other healthcare providers, or payers that may influence the patient's treatment and care.

You have the right to consent to or decline to participate in proposed research studies or human experimentation affecting care and treatment or requiring direct patient involvement, and to have those studies fully explained prior to consent.

You have the right to expect reasonable continuity of care and to be informed by physicians and other caregivers of available and realistic patient care options when hospital care is no longer appropriate.

You have the right to examine and receive an explanation of hospital-related bills regardless of source of payment. The patient has the right to know what hospital rules and regulations apply to patient conduct and to know what avenues are available -- such as ethics committees and patient representatives -- to resolve disputes, grievances or conflicts.

You have the right to information about pain and pain relief measures, a concerned staff committed to pain prevention and management and health professionals who respond quickly to reports of pain. Your reports of pain will be believed, followed by state-of the-art pain management from a dedicated pain-relief specialist.

You have the right to voice concerns regarding the care received, to have those concerns reviewed and, when possible, resolved. Presentation of a concern by the patient, a family member or a visitor will not compromise the quality of care delivery or present or future access to healthcare at this hospital.

You have the right to receive visitors they designate including, but not limited to a spouse, domestic partner, another family member or a friend regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability. The patient has the right to withdraw or deny visitation privileges based on their preferences.

Patient Responsibilities

At Alton Memorial Hospital, we believe in working with patients for a good health outcome. This requires the health care team to obtain necessary information, plan, deliver and evaluate care and prepare you for discharge. You also play an important role in your care. By working with us and following the responsibilities listed below, you will help us to give you the best care possible.

Providing Information

The patient is responsible for providing to the best of his or her knowledge, accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses; hospitalizations, medications, and other matters relating to his or her health. The patient and family are responsible for reporting perceived risks in their care and unexpected changes in the patient’s condition. This includes providing a copy of his/her written advance directive if he/she has one. The patient and family help the hospital improve its understanding of the patient’s environment by providing feedback about service needs and expectations.

Asking Questions

Patients are responsible for asking questions when they do not understand what they have been told about their care or what they are expected to do.

Following Instructions

The patient and family are responsible for following the care, service or treatment plan developed. They should express any concerns they have about their ability to follow and comply with the proposed care plan or course of treatment. Every effort is made to adapt the plan to the patient’s specific needs and limitations. When such adaptations to the treatment plan are not recommended, the patient and family are responsible for understanding the consequences of the treatment alternatives and not following the proposed course of care.

Accepting Consequences

The patient and family are responsible for the outcomes if they do not follow their care, service, or treatment plan.

Following Rules and Regulations

The patient and family are responsible for following the hospital’s rules and regulations concerning patient care and conduct.

Showing Respect and Consideration

Patients and families are responsible for being considerate of other patients, helping control noise and disturbances, following smoking policies and respecting other’s property. This includes showing consideration to hospital staff and property.

Meeting Financial Commitments

The patient and family are responsible for promptly meeting any financial obligation agreed to with the hospital.