Patient Responsibilities

Provision of Information

A patient has the responsibility to provide, to the best of his/her knowledge, accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and other matters relating to his health.  He/She has the responsibility for reporting perceived risks in their care and unexpected changes in his condition to the responsible practitioner.  A patient is responsible for reporting whether he clearly comprehends a contemplated course of action and what is expected of him/her. 

Compliance with Instructions

A patient is responsible for following the treatment plan recommended by the practitioner primarily for his/her care.  This may include following the instructions of nurses and allied health personnel as they carry out the coordinated plan of care and implement the responsible practitioner’s orders, and as they enforce the applicable hospital rules and regulations.  The patient is responsible for keeping appointments and, when he/she is unable to do so for any reason, for notifying the responsible practitioner or the hospital.

Refusal of Treatment

The patient is responsible for his actions if he refuses treatment or does not follow the practitioner’s instructions. 

Hospital Charges

The patient is responsible for assuring that the financial obligations of his health care are fulfilled as promptly as possible.

Hospital Rules and Regulations

The patient is responsible for following hospital rules and regulations affecting patient care and conduct.

Respect and Consideration

The patient is responsible for being considerate of the rights of other patients and hospital personnel and for assisting in the control of noise, smoking, and the number of visitors.  The patient is responsible for being respectful of the property of other persons and of the hospital.

Pain Management

As a patient, we expect that you will:

• Ask your doctor or nurse what to expect regarding pain and pain management.
• Discuss pain relief options with your doctor or nurse.
• Work with your doctor and nurse to develop a pain management plan.
• Ask for pain relief when pain first begins.
• Help the doctor and nurse measure your pain.
• Tell the doctor or nurse if your pain is not relieved.