All hospitals have a patient's bill of rights based on the mandated rights outlined by the Federal Government.
You have the right to:
- Ask questions.
- Know who is coordinating your care (this could be your primary doctor and/or a discharge planner/case manager).
- Considerate and respectful care.
- A doctor that will answer your questions, advise you of your treatments and discuss your options.
- A nursing staff that will respond to your needs.
- Ask to speak with a member services representative (if you feel your rights are not being represented). In some cases, hospitals have their own patient advocate to assist you.
You also have the right to:
- Request a second opinion (at any time).
- Have an advanced directive.
- Receive written discharge instructions that you can understand before going home (telling you how to care for yourself at home, follow up appointments and medications).
- Speak to a pharmacist about your medications before going home.
