The Patient Bill of Rights
What is the Patient Bill of Rights? America was founded on the belief that every individual is entitled to certain rights—like life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. And, we don’t lose our rights just because we get sick, need home care or move into a nursing home or assisted living facility. Here are the rights:
| Rights | Which means they have a right to . . . | Your role is . . . |
| High Quality Care | Expect their health care workers to be considerate and respectful, without discrimination because of their race, culture, religion, age, gender or physical disability. Be allowed to live life, free from unnecessary physical or chemical restraints. |
Show sensitivity to the beliefs and needs of every patient. Do your best to honor your patients’ personal preferences every day. |
| A Clean and Safe Environment | Expect that their health care workers will keep them safe from abuse, neglect, harm or injury. Make suggestions or complaints about their care—without being afraid of the consequences. |
Make sure your clients know how to make a complaint. Encourage your patients to tell you when they are unhappy with or worried about their care. |
| Be Involved in Their Own Care | Receive current information about their diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Make decisions, change their minds or even refuse care. |
Provide opportunities for you patients to participate in their personal care. Let your supervisor know if your patients are asking questions about their illnesses, treatments or medications. |
| Protection of Privacy | Decide who can have access to their personal records. Expect confidentiality from every health care worker who provides care. |
Keep all patient information confidential, including information that you write or say. |
| Be Prepared to Leave Care | Access to professional staff to deliver discharge planning services. Receive education, training or counseling in how to perform self-care after being discharged. |
As discharge nears, talk to your client about what will happen “next.” Ask your patient and their family if they have been given clear instructions, understand those instructions and are willing and able to carry out the plan. |
| Help with Bill and Insurance Claims | Know how much a particular treatment or service will cost—and how much of this cost will come out of their pocket. | If your patient or patient’s family members have questions about particular charges . . . provide a name and contact information for someone in the billing department. |