You have certain rights and responsibilities as a patient in a Minnesota hospital. These rights and responsibilities help you take an active role in your health care and promote your well-being and recovery.
Your rights
You have a right to:
receive medical and personal care that is:
courteous and respectful
based upon your specific needs
know the name of the doctor or other health care provider who is responsible for coordinating your care
have complete and current information about your treatment so you can make informed decisions; this includes:
knowing the diagnosis, treatment, alternatives, risks and most likely results
having the information stated in terms and words you understand
having a family member or other chosen person present when you talk with your health care provider if you wish
see a copy of your medical records as allowed by law
be cared for with reasonable regularity and continuity of staff (as allowed by facility policy)
know what services are available at the facility
quick and reasonable response to your questions and requests
join in discussions about your care or treatment; this includes:
being able to discuss treatments and alternatives
being able to attend formal care conferences
having a family member or other chosen person with you if you feel more comfortable that way
having a family member or other chosen person speak for you if you cannot do so yourself unless you have stated otherwise in writing
refuse care
be free from restraints that are not medically necessary and be free from abusive or harassing behavior
have privacy for medical and personal care; this includes:
discussions, exams, treatments
medical records (except where a release of records is authorized by law)
personal hygiene activities
have personal privacy with respect to your preferences (such as cultural, social or religious preferences) and for communications with others (such as phone calls or mail)
have an interpreter provided with no charge
make a formal grievance and recommend changes in the facility's policies or services without fear of revenge or punishment.
Your responsibilities
You are responsible for:
showing respect and consideration for the facility staff and property
providing accurate and complete information about your health and reporting any changes in it
asking questions when you do not understand what you have been told about the care being offered to you or what you are being asked to do
following the care or treatment plan developed with you
reporting any risks you think are related to your care as well as any unexpected changes in your condition
accepting the consequences if you don't follow the care or treatment plan
paying for charges related to your care.
For more information
This is a brief summary of your rights and responsibilities.
If you would like more information:
ask your health care provider for a copy of the Minnesota Patients' Bill of Rights
