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Patient Rights
As a patient, you have the right to respectful and considerate care. In addition, there are specific rights and responsibilities you have during your hospital stay.
You have the right to:
- be informed of the hospital’s rules and regulations as they apply to your conduct.
- expect privacy and dignity in treatment consistent with receiving good medical and psychiatric care.
- receive considerate, respectful care at all times and under all circumstances.
- expect prompt and reasonable responses to your questions.
- know who is responsible for authorizing and performing your procedures or treatments.
- know the identity and professional status of your caregivers.
- know what patient support services are available, including access to an interpreter if language is a problem.
- have access to your medical records according to hospital policy.
- be informed of the nature of your condition, proposed treatment or procedure, risks, benefits and prognosis, and any continuing health care requirements after your discharge in terms you can understand.
- be informed of medical alternatives for care or treatment.
- refuse treatment, except as otherwise provided by law, and to be informed of the consequences of your refusal.
- receive access to medical treatment or accommodations regardless of age, race, sex, creed, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, physical handicap or sources of payment.
- know if the medical treatment prescribed for you is for experimental purposes and to give your written consent to participate if you choose.
- participate in the decision-making process related to the plan of your care.
- have access to professionals to assist you with emotional and/or spiritual care.
- exercise your cultural values and spiritual beliefs as long as they do not interfere with the well-being of others, or the planned course of any medical care.
- participate in the discussion of ethical issues that may arise.
- express concerns regarding any of these rights in accordance with the grievance process.
- formulate Advance Directives and appoint an agent to make healthcare decisions on your behalf to the extent permitted by law.
You are responsible for:
- providing accurate and complete information to your health care providers about your present and past medical conditions and all other matters pertaining to your health.
- reporting unexpected changes in your condition to your health care providers.
- informing your health care providers whether or not you understand the plan of care and what is expected of you.
- following the treatment plan recommended by your health care providers.
- keeping appointments and, if you cannot, notifying the proper person.
- knowing the consequences of your own actions if you refuse treatment or do not follow the health care providers’ instructions.
- being considerate of the rights of other patients and hospital personnel and to follow hospital policy and regulations regarding care and conduct.
- fulfilling your financial obligations to the hospital as promptly as possible.
Decatur Morgan Hospital
1201 7th Street SE
Decatur, AL 35601
Phone: (256) 973-2000
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Decatur Morgan Hospital is an affiliate of the Huntsville Hospital Health System
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