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Patients' Rights
The following list of rights and responsibilities does not presume to be all-inclusive, but is intended to show our concern for you and to emphasize the need for observance of these rights and responsibilities.
As a patient you have the right to . . .
 Considerate and respectful care provided in a safe environment, free from all
forms of abuse, harassment or discrimination.
Participate in the development and implementation of your plan of care and
actively participate in decisions regarding your medical care. To the extent
permitted by law, this includes the right to request and/or refuse treatment.
Be well informed about your illness, possible treatments, and likely outcomes of
care (including unanticipated outcomes) and to discuss this information with
your doctor. In an emergency, when you lack decision-making capacity and the
need for treatment is urgent, the information is made available to another
person on your behalf.
Have an advance directive (such as health care proxy, organ donation or living )
and the expectation that Iberia Medical Center will honor the intent of the
directive to the extent permitted by law and hospital policy.
Upon your request, have a family member, chosen representative and/or your
own notified promptly of your admission to the hospital.
Access to people outside the hospital by means of visitors and by verbal or
written communication.
Expect effective pain management to include the following:
Express your pain and have that expression accepted and respected as the
most indicator of pain,
Your pain assessed systematically and thoroughly
Have your pain managed according to the most currently accepted methods
Receive a prompt response to unrelieved pain
Be informed and involved in all decisions regarding all aspects of your pain
care.
Not undergo any procedure unless you or your legally authorized representative
gives voluntary, competent and understanding consent.
Remain free from seclusion or restraints of any form that are not medically
necessary or are used as a means of coercion, discipline, convenience or
retaliation by staff.
Expect that those providing care will protect your privacy and support your
personal dignity.
Expect that treatment records are confidential unless you have given permission
to release information or reporting is required or permitted by law. When the
hospital releases your records to others, such as insurers, it emphasizes that the
records are confidential.
Review your own medical record and to have the information explained within a
reasonable amount of time, except when restricted by law.
Expect that Iberia Medical Center will make a reasonable response (to the best
of its ability) to a patient's request for medically indicated care.
Treatment, referral or transfer may be recommended.
If transfer is recommended or requested, you will be informed of risks, benefits
and alternatives.
You will not be transferred until the other institution agrees to accept.
Leave the hospital even against the advice of your physician.
Know the name of the physician who has primary responsibility
for coordinating your care and if Iberia Medical Center has relationships with
outside parties that may influence your treatment and care.
Be told of alternatives when hospital care is no longer appropriate.
Be informed by your physician of the continuing healthcare requirements
following your discharge from the hospital.
Know about hospital rules that affect your treatment and about hospital charges
and payment methods.
An itemized and detailed explanation of your complete hospital bill, regardless
of the source of payment for your care.
Communicate concerns/grievances regarding your care to a patient rep.
Receive answers to ethical questions that may arise in the course of your care or
access the Ethics Committee.
Receive assistance in accessing protective services.
Access to an interpreter or translator if necessary.
Expect that medical information disclosed about you and your rights and our
obligations regarding the use and disclosure of your medical information is
done in accordance with our Notice of Privacy Practices.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Health care organizations are entitled to reasonable and responsible behavior on the part of the patient and his/her family. Such responsibilities may include, but need not be limited to the following:
As a patient you have the responsibility to . . .
Follow the treatment plan recommended by your doctor. This may include the
instructions of nurses and other health care personnel who carry out doctor's
orders and/or plan of care.
Notify Iberia Medical Center if you are unable to keep appointments for
outpatient services.
Provide, to the best of your knowledge, accurate and complete information
about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalization, medications and other
matters concerning your health.
Ask questions whenever you do not understand the information or instructions
being provided.
Assist with pain management by:
discussing relief with your healthcare providers
asking for pain medication when pain first begins
telling your physician or nurse if you are in pain
Report perceived risks in your care and unexpected changes in your condition to
the person in charge of your care.
Meet financial obligations regarding your health care as promptly as possible.
Treat other patients and personnel with respect.
Accept the consequences of your actions if you refuse treatment or
if instructions are not followed.
Be courteous and considerate of the needs of other patients, staff and hospital
property. You are responsible for assisting in the control of noise and the
number of visitors to your room.
Respect the property of other patients, the staff and the hospital.
Inform healthcare personnel of desired changes in your Advance Directives.
Provide own safekeeping of clothing, money or any other personal possessions
you choose to keep with you while you are in the facility.
Recognize the effect of life-style on your personal health. Your health depends
not just on your hospital care, but also on the decisions made in day-to-day
living.
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