It is the policy of Union Hospital to support and inform you of your rights and responsibilities. These rights are extended to each patient regardless of age, sex, race, creed, national origin, ethnic group, religion, economics, cultural background or ability to pay.

This commitment is evidenced through the care we provide in accordance with the following patient rights:

• The right to medical care and services without discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual preference, national origin, source of payment or disability.
• The right to participate in your plan of care, including the right to:
• Receive as much information as needed to make informed decisions
• Be informed of health status
• Be involved in planning and treatment
• Request or refuse any treatment, medication or procedure
• Leave against hospital or physician medical advice
• The right to be free from restraints and seclusion of any kind that is used as a means of coercion, discipline, convenience or retaliation by staff.
• The right to formulate advance directives and to have the hospital staff comply with these directives.
• The right to personal privacy and to receive care in a safe setting.
• The right to be free from all forms of abuse or harassment.
• The right to confidentiality of your care and clinical records and the right to access information contained in your records within a reasonable time frame.
  *All records are confidential except as otherwise provided by law or third-party contractual arrangements.
• The right to have a family member or representative and your own physician notified promptly of admission.
• The right to privacy and to know the reason for the presence of any individual during the discussion of your case or during any examination or treatment.
• The right to be informed of the risks, benefits, alternatives, and procedures to be followed if experimental treatment or research is being proposed; you have the right to refuse to participate in such treatment without limiting your access to care and services.
• The right to access protective services, such as guardianship, patient advocacy services, and child and adult protective services.
• The right, where possible, to an interpreter, if you cannot speak, write or understand spoken or written English.
• The right to care that is considerate and respectful of your personal values and beliefs and the right to express those values and beliefs, which do not harm others or interfere with medical therapy.
• The right to have your pain managed effectively through ongoing assessment and timely responsive interventions. You can expect to receive information about pain relief measures, as appropriate, and to be involved in decisions related to the management of your pain.
• The right to know the name and professional status of the physician who has primary responsibility for your care, as well as other physicians and non-physicians involved in providing care.
• The right to quality care and clinical decisions regarding care based on health care needs, not financial incentives. This right extends to:
• Knowledge of any professional and/or business relationships that may exist between individuals, other organizations or health care services, or educational institution involved in your care.
• Referrals based on patient choice, after receiving information, including disclosure of any relationships that may exist.
• Admission and continued hospitalization that is based on clinical need, medical necessity and a collaborative plan with your physician and not based on insurance company recommendations or decisions that may inappropriately restrict or limit care.
• The right to assistance in obtaining consultation with another physician at your request and expense.
• When a transfer to another hospital is necessary, the right to receive information and an explanation regarding the reason, risks and alternatives.
• Your presence in the hospital and your condition may be released to those requesting the information, unless you have stipulated otherwise, or unless you are admitted for treatment of psychiatric illnesses. In cases that are reportable to public authorities, your identity and your condition may be released without your consent.
• The right to expect unrestricted communication (visitors, mail, telephone, etc.). Any restrictions and/or limitations defined in this policy will be fully explained to you. If restrictions or limitations are necessary as part of your care needs, you will be involved in the decision-making process and evaluation of the therapeutic effectiveness of the restrictions.
• The right to expect a response to any reasonable requests within the hospital’s capabilities. This may include requests for room changes.
• The right to request and receive a detailed explanation of the hospital bill and to receive information and counseling on the availability of known financial resources for health care.
• The right to know which hospital rules and policies apply to your conduct while in the hospital.
• Dying is a natural part of life. Patients have the right to be made as comfortable as possible, and treated with dignity. All of your symptoms and discomforts should be treated aggressively and effectively, including the management of pain. All of your needs should be addressed—psychological, social, emotional, spiritual and cultural.
• The right to make decisions and/or request information and advice about decisions related to ethical issues from the Patient Care Advisory committee. They can help patients with decisions about life support and supportive care for terminally ill conditions.
• The right to file a complaint and expect prompt referral to appropriate hospital administrative personnel for resolution. You also have the right to file a complaint with state and federal advocacy and licensing groups, as well as accreditation agencies.
• The right to receive a copy of Union Hospital’s Notice of Privacy Practices under the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act of 1996.

These rights will be extended to the patient’s legally designated representatives should the patient be unable to understand or exercise these rights. These rights are extended to parents and/or guardians of all newborns, children and teenagers.