Patient Bill of Rights

The American Hospital Association presents a Patient Bill of Rights with the expectation that observance of these rights will contribute to more effective patient care and greater satisfaction for the patient his/her physician and the hospital organization.  Further, the Association presents these rights in the expectation that they will be supported by the hospital on behalf of its patients, as an integral part of the healing process.  It is recognized that a personal relationship between the physician and the patient is essential for the provision of proper medical care.  The traditional physician-patient relationship takes on a new dimension when care is rendered within an organizational structure.  Legal precedent has established that the institution itself also has a responsibility to the patient.  No catalog of rights can guarantee for the patient the kind of treatment he/she has a right to expect.  A hospital has many functions to perform, including the prevention and treatment of disease, the education of both health professionals and patients and the conduct of clinical research.  All these activities must be conducted with an overriding concern for the patient and, above all, the recognition of his/her dignity as a human being.  Success in achieving this recognition assures success in the defense of the rights of the patient.  It is in recognition of these factors that these rights are affirmed by Hillsdale Hospital.

These rights can be exercised on the patient’s behalf by a designated surrogate or proxy decision maker if the patient lacks decision making capacity, is legally incompetent, or is a minor.

Patient’s have the right:

1. To receive considerate, respectful care from all members of the health care industry at all times, under any circumstance, regardless of race, creed, sex, national origin, age, handicap, marital status, sexual preference, or sources of payment. There will be impartial access to treatment.  This includes access to emergency health services when and where the need arises.
2. To have Hillsdale Hospital support and protect the basic human, civil, constitutional rights and statutory rights of each patient.  The patient may exercise their rights while receiving care or treatment in the hospital without coercion, discrimination, or retaliation.
3. To have a family member or representative of his/her choice and his/her physician notified promptly of his /her admission to the hospital.
4. To having a surrogate (parent, legal guardian, person with medical power of attorney) exercise the patient’s rights when the patient is incapable of doing so, without coercion, discrimination, or retaliation.  This includes being informed of his/her health status, being involved in the care, planning and treatment, and being able to request or refuse treatment.  This will not be construed as a mechanism to demand the provision of treatment or services deemed medically unnecessary or inappropriate.
5. To be treated with respect, consideration, and dignity in all circumstances.
6. To be fully informed in advance of care or treatment and to actively participate in the planning of his or her care.
7. To personal and informational privacy, including confidentiality of clinical records.
8. To receive accurate, easily understood information to assist them in making informed decisions about their health plans.
9. To formulate advance directives and to be informed about any hospital policy that may limit implementation of a legally valid advance directive.
10. To know the identity and professional status of his/her caregivers and the right to chose the provider sufficient to assure access to quality health care.
11. To be advised if the hospital proposes to engage in or perform human experimentation affecting his/her care or treatment and the right to refuse to participate in such research projects.
12. To receive prompt and appropriate assessment and management of pain.
13. To receive care in a safe setting.
14. To be free of any form of seclusion or restraints that are not medically necessary or are used as a means of coercion, discipline, convenience or retaliation by staff.
15. To be free of any form of abuse or harassment.
16. To have visitors and communicate with people outside the hospital when medically appropriate.
17. To pastoral care and spiritual services.
18. To have access to protective services.
19. To consent or refuse treatment after being adequately informed of the benefits and risks of, and alternatives to treatment.
20. To know the reasons for any proposed change in the Professional Staff responsible for his/her care.
21. To access information contained in his/her medical record and to have the information explained or interpreted as necessary.
22. To expect that the hospital will provide a mechanism whereby he/she is informed by his/her physician or delegate of the patient’s continuing health care requirements following discharge.
23. To know what hospital rules and regulations apply to his/her conduct as a patient and to be informed about the hospital mechanism for initiation, review, and resolution of patient complaints.  The process will be fair and efficient and may include rigorous internal review and independent external review.
24. To know the reasons for his/her transfer either within or outside of the hospital.
25. To information regarding hospital charges, available payment options, and notice of non-coverage.  To request and examine an explanation of his/her bill regardless of source of payment.
26. To be informed of the source of the facility’s reimbursement for his/her services, and of any limitations which may be placed upon his/her care.
27. To know the relationships of the facility to other persons or organizations participating in the provision of his/her care and treatment.
28. Receive interpretation for individuals who speak languages other than English.
29. The patient’s family has the right of informed consent of donation of organs and tissues.

Complaints:  We want to hear from you regarding any concerns, questions, and/or suggestions you have about your care.  Please feel free to tell us if you are dissatisfied with any part of your treatment.  It is our goal to resolve any concerns you may have as soon as possible.  Your concerns can be shared with hospital staff, or you may contact the Patient Advocate at 517-437-5193 while in the Hospital or after discharged.  The hospital telephone operator (517-437-4451) can also assist you in contacting the Patient Advocate. You may also submit your concern in writing to the Patient Advocate at 168 S. Howell St., Hillsdale, MI  49242. Alternatively, you are free to contact the State of Michigan (Department of Commerce Bureau of Occupational and Professional Regulation Complaint and Allegations Division), P. O. Box 30018, Lansing, MI  48909 (800-882-6006).