Rights & Responsibilities

You Have the Right to the Best Care

Staten Island University Hospital/Northwell Health prioritizes the well-being, comfort, and dignity of the patient. Every patient has the right to receive treatment without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, or disability. In carrying out this principle, it is recognized that the patient has certain rights in his/her relationship with this hospital. Parents or guardians may exercise these rights for minors. Guardians or surrogates may exercise these rights for individuals who are incapacitated or incompetent. The rights outlined in this policy apply equally to inpatients, outpatients, and Emergency Department patients, regardless of age. In addition to these rights, patients also have responsibilities as a patient.

As a patient in a hospital in New York State, you have the right, consistent with law, to:

• Understand and use these rights. If for any reason you do not understand or you need help, the hospital MUST provide assistance, including an interpreter.
• Receive treatment without discrimination as to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, age, or source of payment.
• Receive considerate and respectful care in a clean and safe environment, free of unnecessary restraints.
• Receive emergency care if you need it.
• Be informed of the name and position of the doctor who will be in charge of your care in the hospital.
• Know the names, positions, and functions of any hospital staff involved in your care and refuse their treatment, examination, or observation.
• Identify a caregiver who will be included in your discharge planning and sharing of post-discharge care information or instruction.
• Receive complete information about your diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
• Receive all the information that you need to give informed consent for any proposed procedure or treatment. This information shall include the possible risks and benefits of the procedure or treatment.
• Receive all the information you need to give informed consent for an order not to resuscitate. You also have the right to designate an individual to give this consent for you if you are too ill to do so. If you would like additional information, please ask for a copy of the pamphlet “Deciding About Health Care: A Guide for Patients and Families.”
• Refuse treatment and be told what effect this may have on your health.
• Refuse to take part in research. In deciding whether or not to participate, you have the right to a full explanation.
• Privacy while in the hospital and confidentiality of all information and records regarding your care.
• Participate in all decisions about your treatment and discharge from the hospital. The hospital must provide you with a written discharge plan and written description of how you can appeal your discharge.
• Review your medical record without charge and to a copy of your medical record for which the hospital can charge a reasonable fee. You cannot be denied a copy solely because you cannot afford to pay.
• Receive an itemized bill and explanation of all charges.
• View a list of the hospital’s standard charges for items and services and the health plans the hospital participates with.
• Challenge an unexpected bill through the Independent Dispute Resolution process.
• Complain without fear of reprisals about the care and services you are receiving, and to have the hospital respond to you, and if you request it, a written response. If you are not satisfied with the hospital’s response, you can complain to the New York State Health Department. The hospital must provide you with the State Health Department telephone number.
• Authorize those family members and other adults who will be given priority to visit consistent with your ability to receive visitors.
• Make known your wishes in regard to anatomical gifts. Persons sixteen years of age or older may document their consent to donate their organs, eyes, and/or tissues upon their death by enrolling in the NYS Donate Life Registry or by documenting their authorization for organ and/or tissue donation in writing in a number of ways (such as a health care proxy, will, donor card, or other signed paper). The health care proxy form is available from the hospital.

Public Health Law (PHL) 2803 (1)(g) Patient’s Rights, 10NYCRR, 405.7, 405.7(a)(1), 405.7(c)

Patients and families are partners in making sure that the best possible care is provided to you in a safe and healthy environment. We ask that you participate in your care:

• Provide complete and up-to-date information to your health care providers about your present and past medical conditions.
• Report unexpected changes in your condition to your health care providers.
• Inform your health care providers whether or not you understand the plan of care and what is expected of you.
• Follow the treatment plan recommended by your health care providers.
• Keep your appointments. Notify your provider’s office if you cannot make your appointment.
• Know the consequences of your own actions if you refuse treatment or do not follow the health care providers’ instructions.
• Be considerate of other patients and hospital personnel. Follow hospital policy and regulations regarding care and conduct.
  

Our goal is to provide the best patient care. If at any time you have questions or concerns about the quality of care that you or a family member is receiving or has received at our hospital, do not hesitate to speak with your nurse or the nursing supervisor.

In addition, you have the right to file a complaint or concern with either or both:

New York State Department of Health

Centralized Hospital Intake Program

433 River St., 6th Floor

Troy, NY 12180

(800) 804-5447

Office of Quality and Patient Safety

The Joint Commission

One Renaissance Blvd.

Oakbrook Terrance, IL 60181

File a complaint online