Patients and visitors have the right to considerate and respectful care, with recognition of personal dignity Patients should be considerate of the rights of other patients and medical and dental staff. Patients have the right to know at all times the identity, professional status, and professional credentials of health care personnel, as well as the names of the health care providers responsible for their care. Patients have the right to respectful and responsive care which includes treatment of symptoms and effective pain management from birth through the end of life. Patients also have the right to refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law and government regulations, and to be informed of the consequences of refusal. Patients must be advised if the facility proposes to perform research associated with his or her care or treatment.
Patients have the right to refuse to participate in any research projects.
Patients have the right to an explanation concerning diagnosis, treatment, procedures, and prognosis of illness in non-medical terms that the patient can understand, in order to make knowledgeable decisions on treatment. Such information should include complications, risks, benefits, and alternative treatments. When it is not medically advisable to give such information to the patient, the information should be provided to appropriate family member or, in their absence, another appropriate person. Patients are responsible for participation with the health care provider in designing a medical treatment plan to include follow up care that they will be able to comply with. This includes keeping appointments on time and notifying the facility when appointments cannot be kept.