Patient Rights & Responsibilities

In keeping with the philosophy and tradition of St. John's Hospital, a person who receives health services in this hospital has, within the framework of Catholic medical moral teaching, inherent rights and responsibilities as a patient. In the case of a minor patient or a patient incapable of his or her own defense, the preservation of the patient's rights rests with the person otherwise recognized as being morally and legally responsible for the patient.

As a St. John's patient, you have the right to:

• Considerate and respectful care and treatment to the extent that the physicians and the hospital can provide the necessary resources.
• Information in language you can understand about:
  • your medical condition, availability of treatment, levels of care, risks involved, time needed and hoped-for results.
  • any assisting physicians and medical trainees, including names and professional status.
  • the possibility of participating in clinical research.
  • continuity of care available, transfer to another level of care and continuing health requirements following discharge.
• An understandable explanation of your bill regardless of the source of payment.
• Consent to or refuse treatment (as permitted morally and legally), participation in medical education and participation in clinical research. Patients also may refuse the presence of persons not directly involved at the time of treatment, consultation or similar activities related to medical care.
• Expect that any level of discomfort you may experience will be addressed and appropriate pain relief measures or medication will be provided.
• Reasonable and discreet privacy. This includes the right to refuse to talk with or see anyone not officially connected with the hospital or not directly involved in your care.
• Confidentiality regarding communications and records pertaining to your medical condition, treatment and care. You can expect that your medical records will be available only to individuals directly involved in your care or the quality monitoring of your care. And you have the right to approve or refuse release of confidential information.
• Request nurse staffing information by contacting the manager or charge nurse of the department.
• Voice grievances to hospital staff (and/or outside representatives of your choice) and to be free from restraint, interference, coercion, discrimination or reprisal when voicing complaints.

As a patient, you have the responsibility to:

• Bring to the attention of the appropriate person(s) in the hospital those occasions when, in your opinion, your rights are not being respected.
• Cooperate in the treatment program specified by your physician.
• Understand that the nature, content and scope of the information supplied by your physician rests in the sound professional judgment and discretion of the physician.
• Respect the rights of other patients who are also receiving treatment in this hospital.
• Observe the policies and procedures established by this hospital in the best interest of all patients being served, as they are made known to the patient.