Patient's Responsibilities

As a patient you have the following responsibilities:

1. to actively participate in decisions regarding your health care.
2. to be as accurate and complete as possible when you are asked for information about your medical history.
3. to be honest and direct about everything that happens to you as a patient.
4. to let you doctor or nurse know if you are concerned about treatment, or if you feel you cannot or will not allow for a certain treatment plan.
5. to notify a doctor or nurse at once if you notice or think you notice a change in your health.
6. to notify your doctor or nurse at once if you have any concern about your hospital care.
7. to follow your doctor’s advice and to let your doctor determine your level of activity, diet and health care requirements.
8. to ask promptly for clarification if you do not understand what is asked of you, or why it is asked.
9. to be considerate of other patients. (Noise and smoking can be irritating to other patients).
10. to use hospital property and equipment only for their intended use.
11. to examine your bill and make arrangements for payment.
12. As a patient at this hospital, we expect that you will ask your doctor or nurse what to expect regarding pain and pain management; discuss pain relief options with your doctor or nurse; work with your doctor and nurse to develop a pain management plan; ask for pain relief when pain first begins; help your doctor and nurse asses your pain; tell your doctor or nurse if your pain in not relieved; and tell your doctor or nurse about any worries you have about taking pain medication.