NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES
Massachusetts – Patient Rights & Responsibilities
Rhode Island – Patient Rights & Responsibilities
NOTICE OF PATIENTS’ RIGHTS
Pursuant to federal and State laws, every patient of this facility shall have the right:
- To freedom of choice in their selection of a facility, physician, or health service mode, except in the case of emergency medical treatment or as
otherwise provided for by contract, as long as the physician, facility, or health service mode can accommodate the patient exercising such right of
choice. - To receive an itemized bill of laboratory charges, pharmaceutical charges, and third party credits and to examine an explanation of said bill
regardless of the source of payment. - To be treated with courtesy, dignity, and respect. The patient shall be treated with consideration, respect, and full recognition of their dignity and
individuality. - To be informed of the name and specialty, if any, licensure status, and staff position of all those with whom the patient has contact.
- To confidentiality of all records and communications to the extent provided by law. The patient shall be ensured confidential treatment of all
information contained in the patient’s personal and clinical record, including that stored in an automatic data bank, and the patient’s written consent
shall be required for the release of information to anyone not otherwise authorized by law to receive it. Medical information contained in the medical
records shall be deemed to be the property of the patient. Patients have the right to request restrictions to the use and disclosure of their protected
health information, such as disclosures to family members or persons involved in the patient’s care; these requests are subject to review and
agreement by the facility. No provision relating to confidentiality of records shall be construed to prevent any third party reimburser from inspecting
and copying, in the ordinary course of determining eligibility for or entitlement to benefits, any and all records relating to diagnosis, treatment, or
other services provided to any person, including a minor or incompetent, for which coverage, benefit, or reimbursement is claimed, so long as the
policy or certificate under which the claim is made provides that such access to records is permitted. No provision relating to confidentiality of
records shall be construed to prevent access to any such records in connection with any peer review or utilization review procedures applied and
implemented in good faith. - To have access to the information contained in their medical records to the extent required by law and to receive a copy of such records, for a
reasonable cost (unless requested for the purpose of supporting a claim, appeal, or under any provision of the Social Security Act or federal or state
financial needs-based benefit program), upon request. Patients have the right to request an amendment to their health record per the HIPAA Privacy
Rule, and it is the policy of this organization to respond to any amendment requests in accordance with this rule. - To be informed, verbally and in writing, of patients’ rights and rules and policies of the facility governing patient conduct and responsibilities before
or at admission, except in the case of emergency. Receipt of the information must be acknowledged by the patient in writing. When a patient lacks
the capacity to make informed judgments, the acknowledgement must be signed by a person legally responsible for the patient. - To have all reasonable requests responded to promptly and adequately, within the capacity of the facility.
- To obtain, on request, an explanation as to the relationship, if any, of the facility to any other health care facility or educational institution insofar as
said relationship relates to his care or treatment; - To privacy during medical treatment or other rendering of care within the capacity of the facility. Case discussion, consultation, examination, and
treatment are considered confidential and shall be conducted discreetly. - To know about their medical condition and to participate in planning their care and medical treatment, including the right to refuse treatment, to the
extent permitted by law, without jeopardizing access to medical care and attention, and to be informed of the medical consequences of this decision.
The patient shall be fully informed by a health care provider of their health care needs and medical condition, unless medically inadvisable and so
documented in the medical record, shall be given the opportunity to participate in the planning of their care and medical treatment, and shall be
involved in experimental research with their written consent only. - To informed consent to the extent provided by law.
- To receive, upon request, a copy of an itemized bill or other statement of charges submitted to any third party by the facility for care of the patient
and to have a copy of said itemized bill or statement sent to the attending physician of the patient. - To prompt lifesaving treatment in an emergency without discrimination on account of economic status or source of payment and without delaying
treatment for purposes of prior discussion of the source of payment unless such delay can be imposed without material risk to the patient’s health. - To receive, upon request, any information which the facility has available relative to financial assistance and free health care.
- To transfer or discharge after appropriate discharge planning only for medical reasons, the patient’s welfare or that of other patients, or for
nonpayment of the patient’s stay, except as prohibited by Title XVIII or XIX of the Social Security Act. - To prompt and safe transfer to a facility which agrees to receive and treat patient, if refused treatment because of economic status or the lack of a
source of payment. - To be free from emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, exploitation, neglect, corporal punishment, and involuntary seclusion.
- To be free from chemical and physical restraints except when they are authorized in writing by a physician for a specific and limited time necessary
to protect the patient or others from injury. In an emergency, restraints may be authorized by the designated professional staff member to protect the
patient or others from injury. The staff member must promptly report such action to the physician and document same in the medical record. - To exercise their rights as a patient and citizen and to voice grievances without fear of reprisal. The patient may voice grievances and recommend
changes in policies and services to facility staff or outside representatives free from restraint, interference, coercion, discrimination, or reprisal. - To manage their personal finances. If the patient authorizes the facility in writing to assist in this management and the facility so consents, the
assistance shall be carried out in accordance with the patient’s rights under this subdivision and in conformance with state law and rules. - To be free from discrimination. The patient shall not be denied appropriate care based on age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color,
marital status, familial status, disability, religion, national origin, source of income, source of payment or profession. - Not to perform services for the facility. Where appropriate for therapeutic or diversional purposes and agreed to by the patient, such services may be
included in his/her plan of care and treatment. - To receive representatives of approved organizations and visitors of their choice, without restrictions if patient is terminally ill, to receive unopened
personal mail, and to regular access and unmonitored use of a telephone. - To communicate, associate, and meet privately with anyone, unless to do so would infringe upon the rights of other patients.
- To participate in social, religious, and community activities of their choice unless to do so would infringe upon the rights of other patients.
- To retain and use their personal clothing and possessions as space permits.
No provision herein shall be construed as limiting any other right or remedies previously existing at law.
Patient responsibilities are established to assist patients in taking ownership of their care. Patients and patients’ guardians or caretakers are responsible for:
- Providing accurate and complete information about the patient’s health including past illnesses, hospital stays, use of medicine, and other matters
relating to their health. - Participating in health care decisions and for following the treatment plan outlined by practitioner responsible for their care.
- Asking questions or for help when they do not understand information or instructions.
- Informing the provider or facility staff if there are limitations that may impact the care provided or barriers to following through with treatment
(cultural, religious, other). - Consequences if patient refuses treatment or is non-compliant in following the recommended plan of treatment.
- Providing information needed for the payment of your medical care, including identification and insurance information, and assuring the financial
obligations for care received are fulfilled as promptly as possible, including working with the facility to arrange payment, when needed. - Supporting an environment where the safety and property of patients and staff are respected. Patients and all those accompanying the patient are
expected to follow the facility’s policies and procedures, including the no smoking/vaping policy. All are expected to interact with health care
providers and staff, other patients, and visitors in a respectful, civil manner, not using offensive, threatening and/or abusing language or behavior. - Notifying the provider or facility staff of any concerns or complaints.
Patient health depends not just on care received in the facility, but, in the long term, on decisions made in daily life. Patients are responsible for
recognizing the effect of lifestyle on personal health.
