Patient Rights

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: 

1. Receive considerate, respectful, and compassionate care. 
2. Receive safe care without neglect and abuse. Abuse includes verbal, mental, physical or sexual abuse. 
3. An exam and treatment for emergency medical conditions and labor. 
4. Be free from restraints and seclusion unless needed for safety. 
5. Know the names and jobs of the people taking care of you if staff safety is not a concern. 
6. Have respect shown for your personal values, beliefs, and wishes. 
7. Be called by your proper name and pronoun of choice in an environment that maintains your dignity. 
8. Be treated without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, religion, language, or your ability to pay.  
9. Have a family member or person of your choice and your personal doctor notified of your admission to the hospital. 
10. Receive a list of protective and advocacy services when needed. 
11. Ask for a cost estimate of your care if it does not slow down your care. 
12. Receive information in a way that you understand for free. This may include:  

• Sign language and someone who speaks and understands your language 
• Other formats like large print, braille, audio recordings, and computer files  
• Vision, speech, hearing, and other temporary aids as needed 

13. Receive information from your doctor about your diagnosis, prognosis, test results, and outcomes of care.  
14. Access your medical records according to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).  
15. Be involved in decisions about your care including your discharge plan. You will be told of your discharge in a timely manner. Before your discharge, you will receive information about follow-up care.  
16. Be screened, assessed, and treated for pain. 
17. Refuse care. We are not responsible for any medical issues that occur if you refuse care.  
18. Let someone stay with you ( see our visitation policy). You may choose who may visit you. You may also change your mind about who may visit. 
19. Choose someone to make health care decisions for you if you cannot. 
20. Make or change an advance directive. We can give you information on advance directives. We can also help you complete an advance directive if you do not have one. 
21. Give written permission before receiving non-emergency care. We will tell you the benefits and risks of the care. We will advise you of options, along with benefits and risks if any. 
22. Agree or refuse to take part in medical research. Agreeing or refusing will not affect your care.   
23. Allow or refuse any images of you for reasons other than your care.  
24. Expect privacy and confidentiality in care discussions and treatments. You have the right to a copy of your medical records and to request changes to those records. You have the right to request who has seen your personal health information. Contact Medical Records for more information.  
25. Receive a copy of the HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices.  
26. Discuss ethical issues with the Ethics Service. The operator or staff can call the Ethics Service for you.  
27. Receive spiritual services from Staff Chaplains or your own clergy by calling the operator or asking staff to assist you.  
28. File a complaint and have the complaint reviewed. Filing a complaint will not affect your care. Talk to your doctor, nurse, or department manager if you have a concern. You may also contact our Patient Relations team at  443-481-6890 or [email protected]. 

If your concern is not resolved to your liking, you may also contact: 

Maryland Department of Health 
Office of Health Care Quality         
7120 Samuel Morse Drive, Second Floor 
Columbia, MD 21046 
410-402-8015 or 877-402-8218 
Maryland Department of Health website 

The Joint Commission 

The preferred method for submitting a complaint to the Joint Commission is online using the Joint Commission's safety event reporting form. 

Mail: Office of Quality and Patient Safety   
         The Joint Commission  
         One Renaissance Boulevard   
         Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181  
 

The care you receive depends partially on you. Therefore, in addition to the Patient’s Rights, you have certain responsibilities. These responsibilities are presented to you in the spirit of mutual trust and respect.  

YOU ARE EXPECTED TO: 

1. Give complete and accurate information, including your full name, address, telephone number, date of birth, Social Security number, insurance carrier and employer when it is required. 
2. Provide the hospital or your doctor with a copy of your advance directive if you have one. 
3. Provide complete and accurate information about your health and medical history. This includes your current condition, past illnesses, hospital stays, medicines, vitamins, herbal products, and any other matters of your health, including perceived safety risks. 
4. Ask questions when you do not understand information or instructions. If you believe you cannot follow your treatment plan, you are responsible for telling your doctor. You are responsible for outcomes if you do not follow the care/treatment plan. 
5. Actively participate in your pain management plan and let your doctors and nurses know how well it’s working. 
6. Leave valuables at home. Bring only necessary items for your hospital stay. You are responsible for your own belongings.    
7. Treat all hospital staff, other patients, and visitors with courtesy and respect; follow all hospital rules and safety regulations; and be mindful of noise levels, privacy, and number of visitors. Threats will not be tolerated. 
8. Provide complete and accurate information about your health insurance coverage and pay your bills on time. 
9. Keep appointments, be on time, and call if you cannot keep your appointments. 
10. Not take pictures or record staff in any way without their permission. 

Most importantly, it’s your responsibility to inform us if you believe any of your rights have been or may be violated. You may do this at any time by calling our Patient Relations team at 443-481-6890 .