Mandatory Policy Signs
IN-02.07
Patient Rights and Responsibilities
Size
Display Window:
1168 mm H x 775 mm W
(46" H x 30 1/2" W)
Description
Non-illuminated extruded
aluminum case with hinged glass
door. Case holds foam core-
mounted paper print.
PATIENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Veterans Health Administration (VHA) employees will respect and support your rights as a patient.
We are pleased you have selected us to provide your health care. We plan to make your visit or stay
Sign Components
as pleasant for you as possible. Your basic rights and responsibilities are outlined in this document.
Please talk with VA treatment team members or a paitient advocate if you have any questions or would
like more information about your rights.
Non-illuminated.
I. Respect and Nondiscrimination
You will be treated with dignity, compassion and respect as an individual. Your privacy will be protected. You will receive
care in a safe environment. We will seek to honor your personal and religious values.
You or someone you choose has the right to keep and spend your own money. You have the right to receive an
Graphic Process
accounting of VA held funds.
Treatment will respect your professional freedoms. In rare cases, the use of medication and physical restraints may be
VA Provided Poster
used if all other efforts to keep you or others free from harm have not worked.
As an inpatient or long term care resident you may wear your own clothes and keep personal items. This depends
on your medical condition.
As an inpatient or long-term care resident, you have the right to social interaction and regular exercise. You will have the
Colors
opportunity for religious worship and spiritual support. You may decide whether or not to participate in these activities.
You may decide whether or not to perform tasks in or for the Medical Center.
As an inpatient or long-term care resident, you have the right to communicate freely and privately. You may have or refuse
Case: Frame color and finish P1
visitors. You will have access to public telephones. You may participate in civic rights.
As a long-term care resident, you can organize and take part in resident groups in the facility. Your family also can
or P2
meet with the families of other residents.
In order to provide a safe treatment environment for all patients and staff, you are asked to respect other patients and
staff and to follow the facility's rules. Avoid unsafe acts that place others at risk for accidents or injuries. Please
immediately report any condition you believe to be unsafe.
Mounting
II. Information Disclosure and Confidentiality
You will be given information about the health benefits that you can receive. The information will be provided in a
Wall mounted with bolts into heavy
way you can understand.
You will receive information about the costs of your care, if any, before you are treated. You are responsible for paying
duty wall anchors.
for your portion of the costs associated with your care.
Your medical record will be kept confidential. Information about you will not be released without your consent
unless authorized by law (for example, State public health reporting). You have the right to information in your
medical record and may request a copyof your records. This will be provided except in rare situations where
your VA physician feels the information will be harmful to you. In that situation, you have the right to have this
discussed with you by your VA provider.
Installation
You will be informed of all outcomes of care, including any injuries caused by your medical care. You will be informed
about how to request compensation for injuries.
Position display so visitors have
III. Participation in Treatment Decisions
a clear, unobstructed view of the
You, and any persons you choose, will be involved in all decisions about your care. You will be given information
you can understand about the benefits and risks of treatment. You will be given other options. You can agree to
or refuse treatment. Refusing treatment will not affect your rights to future care but you have the responsibility
sign.
to understand the possible results to your health. If you believe you cannot follow the treatment plan, you have a
responsibility to notify the treatment team.
As an inpatient or long-term care resident, you will be provided any transportation necessary for your treatment plan.
You will be given in writing, the name and professional title of the provider in charge of your care. As a partner in the
healthcare process, you have the right to be involved in choosing your provider. You will be educated about your role and
responsibilities as a patient. This includes your participation in decision-making and care at the end of life.
Tell your provider about your current condition, medicines (including over-the-counter and herbals) and medical history.
Also, share any other information that affects your health. You should ask questions when you don't understand
something about your care. This will help in providing you the best care possible.
You have the right to have your pain assessed and to receive treatment to manage your pain. You and your treatment
team will develop a pain management plan together. You are expected to help the treatment team by telling them if
you have pain and if the treatment is working.
You have the right to choose whether or not you will participate in any research project. Any research will be clearly
identified. Potential risks of the research will be identified and there will be no pressure for you to participate.
You will be included in resolving any ethical issues about your care. You may consult with the Medical Center's Ethics
Committee and/or other staff knowledgeable about health care ethics.
If you or the Medical Center believes that you have been neglected, abused or exploited, you will receive help.
IV. Complaints
You are encouraged and expected to seek help from your treatment team and/or a patient advocate if you have problems
or complaints. You will be given understandable information about the complaint process avaliable to you. You may
complain verbally or in writing, without fear of retaliation.
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02/2005
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