PATIENT’S BILL OF RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Section 381.026 Florida Statutes
A PATIENT HAS THE RIGHT TO:
- Be treated with courtesy and respect, with the appreciation of his/her dignity, and with the 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, 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 facilities’ conduct rules and regulations.