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/her health. He/she has the responsibility to report unexpected changes in his/her condition to the responsible practitioner. A patient is responsible for making it known whether he/she 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 responsible 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/her actions if he/she refuses treatment or does not follow the practitioner's instructions.

Hospital charges

The patient is responsible for assuring that the financial obligations of his/her 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 medical center.