Patient Rights and Responsibilities

We consider you a partner in your healthcare, and as such, you have a number of rights and responsibilities. When you communicate openly with your doctor, participate in treatment decisions, and stay well informed, you help make your care as effective as possible.

Patient Rights

You have the right to:

• Receive care in a safe environment, free from all forms of abuse, neglect, or harassment.
• Receive care in a dignified manner that respects your personal privacy, cultural and personal values, beliefs, and preferences.
• A reasonable response to requests and needs for treatment or service, within the hospital's capacity, stated mission, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Have a family member or representative of your choice, and your own physician, promptly notified of your admission to the hospital. Your family member, friend, or other individual may be present with you for emotional support during your hospital stay.
• Be called by your proper name and to know the names of the physician, nurses, and staff caring for you.
• Effective communication, including receiving information in a manner you understand. A sign language or foreign language interpreter will be provided as needed.
• Receive information from your physician(s) about your diagnosis, prognosis, risks and benefits of treatment, and any unanticipated outcomes.
• Make decisions about your care in collaboration with your physician. Your family and/or surrogate decision maker may be involved if you desire.
• Make or review and revise advance directives, including appointing someone to make healthcare decisions for you when you are unable to make them yourself. The hospital will honor the surrogate's decisions to the extent allowed by law.
• Informed consent prior to any non-emergency procedures, and to have your questions answered.
• Refuse and/or stop procedures and treatment, and to be informed of the consequences of such a decision. If you leave the hospital against the advice of your physician, the hospital and physician will not be responsible for any medical consequences that may occur.
• Have your pain assessed and managed.
• Access pastoral care or other spiritual services.
• Have communications and records concerning your treatment kept confidential in accordance with law unless consent to release is granted by you.
• Agree or refuse to participate in experimentation, research, or educational projects affecting your care.
• Have access to information contained in your medical record, within a reasonable amount of time, and to request an amendment to, and obtain a record of disclosures of your health information in accordance with law.
• Access protective and advocacy services in cases of abuse or neglect.
• Participate, or designate a representative to participate, with the Ethics Committee regarding ethical issues that arise regarding your care, including withholding and/or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment.
• If a transfer from the hospital is necessary, to receive an explanation of the need for transfer, the risks and benefits of transfer, and any alternatives to transfer. If you or your family members have a concern about patient care or safety at Trios Hospital, please notify the nurse manager, the hospital supervisor, or your physician.

You also have the right to file a complaint with:

Washington State Department of Health
Health Systems Quality Assurance
243 & 310 Israel Rd SE
P.O. Box 47865
Olympia, WA 98504-7865
360-236-2620
doh.wa.gove/hsqa/complaint

The Joint Commission
800-994-6610
jointcommission.org/report_a_complaint.aspx

Patient Responsibilities

In addition to your rights, you have the responsibility to:

• Provide complete and accurate information about your health and medical history, including present condition, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and other matters concerning your health, including perceived safety risks.
• Provide the hospital with a copy of your advance directive or POLST form if you have one.
• Ask questions and have your family ask questions when you do not understand information or instructions.
• Tell your physician if you believe you cannot follow through with your treatment plan. You are responsible for the outcome if you do not follow the treatment plan.
• Provide complete and accurate information including your full name, address, home phone number, date of birth, Social Security number, insurance carrier, and employer when requested.
• Tell your caregivers if they have not fulfilled their commitment to your care or shown concern and respect for you.
• Follow the hospital's rules and safety regulations.
• Treat all hospital staff, other patients, and visitors with courtesy and respect, and be mindful of noise levels, privacy, and number of visitors.
• Fulfill your financial obligations as soon as possible following discharge. If there is a hardship, let us know so we may help you.
• Leave your valuables at home, bringing only the items necessary for your hospital stay.