Summary of 1st Class Medical Client’s Bill Of Rights and Responsibilities
Many states require that your health care provider or health care facility recognize your rights while you are receiving medical care and that you respect the health care provider’s or health care facility’s right to expect certain conduct on the part of clients. You may request a copy of the full text of this law from your health care provider or health care facility. A summary of your rights and responsibilities are as follows:
A client has the right to be treated with courtesy and respect, with consideration for his or her individual dignity, and with protection of his or her privacy.
A client has the right to confidentiality and privacy of all information contained in the client record and of Protected Health Information.
A client has the right to a prompt and reasonable response to questions and requests.
A client has the right to know who is providing medical services and who is responsible for his or her care.
A client has the right to know what client support services are available, including whether an interpreter is available if he or she does not speak English.
A client has the right to know what rules and regulations apply to his or her conduct.
A client has the right to be given information concerning diagnosis, planned course of treatment, alternatives, risks, and prognosis.
A client has the right to refuse any treatment, except as otherwise provided by law.
A client has the right to be given, upon request, full information and necessary counseling on the availability of known financial resources for his or her care.
A client has the right to receive, upon request, prior to treatment, a reasonable estimate of charges for medical care.
A client has the right to receive a copy of reasonably clear and understandable, itemized bill and, upon request, to have the charges explained.
A client has the right to impartial access to medical treatment or accommodations, regardless of race, national origin, religion, physical handicap, or source of payment.
A client has the right to know if medical treatment is for purposes of experimental research and to give his or her consent or refusal to participate in such experimental research.
A client has the right to express grievances regarding any violation of his or her rights, as stated in state law, through the grievance procedure of the health care provider or health care facility which served him or her and to appropriate state licensing agency.
A client is responsible for providing, to the best of his or her knowledge, accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and other matters relating to his or her health, as applicable to their care.
A client is responsible for reporting to the health care provider whether he or she comprehends a proposed course of action and what is expected of him or her.
A client is responsible for following the treatment plan recommended by the health care provider.
A client is responsible for keeping appointments and, when he or she is unable to do so for any reason, for notifying the provider.
A client is responsible for his or her actions if he or she refuses treatment or does not follow the health care provider’s instructions.
A client is responsible for assuring that the financial obligations of his or her health care are fulfilled as promptly as possible.
A client is responsible for following health care facility rules and regulations affecting client care and conduct.
