Patient's Bill of Rights

As a patient in a hospital in New York State, you  have the right, consistent with law, to:
   

1. Understand and use these rights. If for any reason you do not understand  or you need help, the hospital MUST provide assistance, including an  interpreter.
2. Receive treatment without discrimination as to race, color, religion,  sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or source of payment.
3. Receive considerate and respectful care in a clean and safe environment  free of unnecessary restraints.
4. Receive emergency care if you need it.
5. Be informed of the name and position of the doctor who will be in charge  of your care in the hospital.
6. Know the names, positions and functions of any hospital staff involved  in your care and refuse their treatment, examination or observation.
7. A no smoking room.
8. Receive complete information about your diagnosis, treatment and  prognosis.
9. Receive all the information that you need to give informed consent for  any proposed procedure or treatment. This information shall include the  possible risks and benefits of the procedure or treatment.
10. Receive all the information you need to give informed consent for an  order not to resuscitate. You also have the right to designate an  individual to give this consent for you if you are too ill to do so. If  you would like additional information, please ask for a copy of the  pamphlet "Do Not Resuscitate Orders-A Guide for Patients and  Families."
11. Refuse treatment and be told what effect this may have on your health.
12. Refuse to take part in research. In deciding whether or not to  participate, you have the right to a full explanation.
13. Privacy while in the hospital and confidentiality of all information  and records.
14. Participate in all decisions about your treatment and discharge plan  and a written description of how you can appeal your discharge.
15. Review you medical record without charge. Obtain a copy of your medical  record for which the hospital can charge a reasonable fee. You cannot be  denied a copy solely because you cannot afford to pay.
16. Receive an itemized bill with an explanation of all charges.
17. Complain without fear of reprisals about the care and services you are  receiving and to have the hospital respond to you in writing if requested.  If you are not satisfied with the hospitalÂ’s response, you can complain  to the New York State Health Department. The hospital must provide you  with the Health Department Telephone number.
18. Authorize those family members and other adults who will be given  priority to visit consistent with your ability to receive visitors.
19. Make known your wishes in regard to anatomical gifts. You may document  your wishes in your health care proxy or on a donor card, available from  the hospital.

© 2008 Montefiore Medical Center