Patient Bill of Rights | St. Peter's Health

St. Peter's Health recognizes and respects the rights of the patients it serves and, therefore, has adopted the following Patient Bill of Rights and is providing these in advance of receiving care. The patient may appoint a representative to receive this information if desired.

The patient has the following rights:

To care, without regard to race, creed, religion, color, sex, physical or mental disability, age, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, cultural, economic,language, educational background, criminal background, or the source of payment for care.
To have a patient's designated personal representative including, but not limited to, family member and personal physician notified promptly of their admission to the hospital.
To considerate and respectful care, provided in a safe environment, free from all forms of abuse/harassment.
To access clergy and religious and spiritual caregivers, and to participate in spiritual/cultural affairs. The patient’s cultural and personal values, beliefs, and preferences are respected.
To obtain from the physician information regarding diagnosis, course of treatment (including unanticipated outcomes), and prospects for recovery in terms that are understandable to the patient. Interpretation assistance for foreign language speakers and sign language will be provided free of charge to the patient and/or patient’s personal representative (see Interpretation Services Policy).
To the name of the physician who has primary care responsibility for coordinating the patient's care and to the names and professional relationships of other physicians and healthcare providers who will see the patient.
To give informed consent before the start of any procedure or treatment, participate in the development and implementation of their plan of care and actively participate in decision regarding their medical care.
To refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law and to leave the hospital even against the advice of their physician.
To privacy concerning their own medical care program and the right to be advised as to the reason for the presence of any individual involved in their healthcare, as well as the right to refuse the involvement of students in their healthcare.
To confidential records and communications.
To access information contained in their medical record within a reasonable time frame.
To expect that the hospital will make a reasonable response to a patient's request for service.
To information regarding the relationship of their hospital to other health and educational institutions insofar as their care is concerned.
To refuse to participate in research projects.
To appropriate assessment and management of pain.
To expect a reasonable continuity of care and to be informed by their physician of the continuing healthcare requirements following discharge from the hospital.
To examine and question their bill, regardless of the source of payment.
To know the hospital rules and regulations that apply to the patient's conduct.
To access the hospital's Ethics Committee by contacting the Hospital Chaplain at 406 447 2409.
To formulate advance directives regarding their healthcare and have hospital staff and practitioners who provide care in the hospital comply with these directives (to the extent provided by law and regulations).
To voice concerns regarding care received without recrimination and be advised of the hospital's complaint/grievance process.
To remain free from seclusion or restraints of any form that are not medically necessary or used as a means of coercion, discipline, convenience, or retaliation by staff (see Restraints and Seclusion Policy).
To have all rights apply to the person who has legal responsibility to make decisions regarding medical care on behalf of the patient.
To receive visitors designated by the patient, including, but not limited to, a spouse, domestic partner (including same-sex domestic partner), another family member, or a friend. Patients may withdraw or deny such visitation at any time. Visitation may be restricted for health and/or safety reasons (see Visitation Guidelines).

The patient has the following responsibilities:

Speak Up: As the patient, you can play a vital role in making your care safe by becoming an active, involved and informed member of your health care team. As patients have a responsibility to report perceived risks in their care and unexpected changes in their condition to the responsible practitioner to help prevent health care errors, patients are urged to "Speak Up." Speak up if you have questions or concerns, and if you don't understand, ask again. It's your body and you have a right to know. Pay attention to the care you are receiving. Make sure you're getting the right treatments and medications by the right health care professionals. Don't assume anything. Educate yourself about your diagnosis, the medical tests you are undergoing, and your treatment plan. Ask a trusted family member or friend to be your advocate. Know what medications you take and why you take them. Medication errors are the most common health care mistakes. Use a hospital, clinic, surgery center, or other type of health care organization that has undergone a rigorous on-site evaluation against established, state-of-the-art quality and safety standards. Participate in all decisions about your treatment. You are the center of the health care team.
To provide accurate and complete information concerning their present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalization, medications and other matters relating to their health.
To ask questions or speak up when information about the treatment or care plan are not clear and understandable.
To follow the treatment plan established by their physician, including the instructions of nurses and other healthcare providers as they carry out the physicians orders.
To be responsible for his/her own actions should the patient refuse treatment or not follow his/her physician's orders.
To follow hospital instructions, policies and procedures, and be considerate of the rights of other patients and hospital personnel to support quality care and a safe environment for all.
To be responsible for his/her personal property and to be respectful of the personal property of others.
To assure that financial obligations of his/her hospital care are fulfilled as promptly as possible.
To support mutual consideration and respect by maintaining civil language and conduct in interactions with staff and providers.

References:

NIAHO Standard: Patient Rights (PR) (NIAHO® Accreditation Requirements, Interpretive Guidelines and Surveyor Guidance Revision 18.1, 03-30-2018)