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Richland Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Patient Rights
The right to have information and explanations in a language and level of comprehension that the patient can understand.

  • The right to participate in the development and implementation of his/her plan of care or his/her representative (as allowed under state law) has the right to make informed decisions regarding his/her care.
  • The right to be informed of his/her health status, being involved in care planning and treatment, and being able to request or refuse treatment. The right to formulate advance directives and to have staff who provide care comply with advance directives.
  • The right to have a family member or representative of his/her choice and physician notified promptly of admission to hospital.
  • The right to personal privacy.
  • The right to receive care in a safe setting.
  • The right to be free from all forms of abuse or harassment.
  • The right to the confidentiality of clinical records.
  • The right to access information contained in his/ her clinical records within a reasonable time frame.
  • The right to be free from restraints of any form that are not medically necessary or are used as a means of coercion, discipline, convenience or retaliation by staff.
  • The right to be fully informed of and to consent or refuse to participate in any unusual, experimental or research project without compromising his/her access to services.
  • The right to know the reasons for any proposed change in the professional staff responsible for his/her care.
  • The right to know the reasons for his/her transfers either within or outside the hospital.
  • The relationship(s) of the hospital to other persons or organizations participating in the provision of his/her care.
  • The right to access to the cost (itemized when possible) of services rendered within a reasonable period of time.
  • The right to be informed of the source of the hospital’s reimbursement for his/her services, and of any limitations which may be placed upon his/her care.
  • The right to have pain treated as effectively as possible.
  • The right to have visitation rights including those setting forth any clinically necessary or reasonable restriction or limitation.
  • The right of patient’s family to have informed cons ent for donation of organs and tissues.

In addition to the before mentioned rights, patients also have the following responsibilities:

  • To provide accurate information.
  • To comply with treatment as planned.
  • To take responsibility for outcome when treatment is refused.
  • To ensure financial arrangements.
  • To comply with Hospital rules and regulations.
  • To respect the rights and confidentiality of others.

 

Pain Management Information


Patient Rights
All patients have the right to the most comprehensive pain assessment and management available.

These rights include, but are not limited to:

  • Information about pain assessment and relief measures.
  • Concerned staff committed to the prevention and/or management of pain.
  • A quick response to your report of pain.
  • Aggressive, current and comprehensive pain management techniques.

Pain is whatever the patient reports it is. Optimal management of pain enhances healing and promotes both physical and psychological wellness.

Reassessment of pain will be done within one hour after pain control measures have been implemented.

Pain control mechanisms may include: Medications, repositioning, ambulation, mild exercise, therapeutic massage, bathing, sitz bath, diversional techniques (eg. reading, TV, tapes), therapeutic communication, spiritual counseling or visitation from family.

 

Patient Responsibilities
There are certain responsibilities or things that you, as a patient, must do to help the healthcare provider assess and manage your pain. Those responsibilities include:

  • Discussing pain relief options with your physicians and nurses.
  • Reporting your pain.
  • Asking for pain relief measures when your pain first begins.
  • Helping the staff and physicians assess your pain.
  • Telling the staff and physicians when your pain is not relieved.

All healthcare providers will provide information to the patient’s family that optimal management of pain is a primary goal of patient care and is consistent with our mission and vision statement.