Patient Rights

Monroe Surgical Hospital and medical staff have adopted the following statement of patient rights. This list shall include but not be limited to the patient's right to:

• Exercise these rights without regard to sex or cultural, economic, educational or religious background or the source of payment for care.
• Considerate and respectful care.
• Knowledge of the name of the physician who has primary responsibility for coordinating his/her care and the names and professional relationships of other physicians and healthcare providers who will see him/her. Note:
• The definition of "physician" is the same as that used by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
• Receive information from his/her physician about his/her illness; his/her course of treatment and his/her prospects for recovery in terms that he/she can understand.
• Receive as much information about any proposed treatment or procedure as you may need in order to give informed consent or to refuse the course of treatment. Except in emergencies, this information shall include a description of the procedure or treatment, the medically significant risks involved in the treatment, alternate course of treatment or non-treatment and the risks involved in each and to know the name of the person who will carry out the procedure or treatment.
• Participate actively in decisions regarding his/her medical care. To the extent permitted by law, this includes the right to refuse treatment.
• Full consideration of privacy concerning his/her medical care program. Case discussion, consultation, examination and treatment are confidential and should be conducted discretely. The patient has the right to be advised as to the reason for the presence of any individual.

Patient Responsibilities

The care a patient receives depends partially on the patient himself. Therefore, in addition to these rights, a patient has certain responsibilities as well. These responsibilities should be presented to the patient in the spirit of mutual trust and respect:

• The patient has the responsibility to provide accurate and complete information concerning his/her present complaints, past illnesses and hospitalizations, and other matters relating to his/her health.
• The patient is responsible for making it known whether he/she clearly comprehends the course of his/her medical treatment and what is expected of him/her.
• The patient is responsible for following the treatment plan established by his/her physician, including the instructions of nurses and other health professionals as they carry out the physician's orders.
• The patient is responsible for keeping appointments and for notifying the hospital or physician when he/she is unable to do so.
• The patient is responsible for his/her actions should he/she refuses treatment or not follows his/her physician's orders.
• The patient is responsible for assuring that the financial obligations of his/her hospital care are fulfilled as promptly as possible.
• The patient is responsible for following hospital policies and procedures.
• The patient is responsible for being considerate of the rights of other patients and hospital personnel.

At the time of admission, the patient is given the printed material entitled "Patient Rights and Responsibilities", which are listed below and supported throughout the hospital stay.