PATIENT’S BILL OF RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Section 381.026 Florida Statues

A PATIENT HAS THE RIGHT TO:

•   Be treated with courtesy and respect, with appreciation of his/her dignity, and with protection of privacy.
•   Receive a prompt and reasonable response to questions and requests.
•   Know who is providing medical services and is responsible for his/her care.
•   Know what patient support services are available, including if an interpreter is available if the patient does not speak English.
•   Know what rules and regulations apply to his/her conduct.
•   Be given by the health care provider information such as diagnosis, planned course of treatment, alternatives, risks, and prognosis.
•   Refuse any treatment, except as otherwise provided by law.
•   Be given full information and necessary counseling on the availability of known financial resources for care.
•   Know whether the health care provider or facility accepts the Medicare assignment rate, if the patient is covered by Medicare.
•   Receive prior to treatment, a reasonable estimate of charges for medical care.
•   Receive a copy of an understandable itemized bill and, if requested, to have the charges explained.
•   Receive medical treatment or accommodations, regardless of race, national origin, religion, handicap, or source of payment.
•   Receive treatment for any emergency medical condition that will deteriorate from failure to provide treatment.
•   Know if medical treatment is for purposes of experimental research and to give his/her consent or refusal to participate in such research.
•   Express complaints regarding any violation of his/her rights.

A PATIENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR:

•   Giving the health care provider accurate information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and any other information about his/her health.
•   Reporting unexpected changes in his/her condition to the health care provider.
•   Reporting to the health care provider whether he/she understands a planned course of action and what is expected of him/her.
•   Following the treatment plan recommended by the health care provider.
•   Keeping appointments and, when unable to do so, notifying the health care provider or facility.
•   His/her actions if treatment is refused or if the patient does not follow the health care provider’s instructions.
•   Making sure financial responsibilities are carried out.
•   Following health care facility conduct rules and regulation.