Patient Rights & Responsibilities
Your Rights
Federal and state law provide for specific patient rights. At Sturdy Memorial Hospital, we recognize our responsibility to respect these rights as well as to inform you of them. The Patient Rights and Responsibilities [PDF] document summarizes both federal law and the Massachusetts Patients' Bill of Rights.
Patient Responsibilities
Accuracy
Providing Accurate Information
As a patient, you have the responsibility to provide, to the best of your knowledge, accurate and complete information about present medical conditions, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and other issues relating to your health including any concerns about changes in your condition. Based on the information you provide, a treatment plan will be recommended.
Compliance
Complying With Treatment Instructions
You are responsible for following the treatment plan recommended by your healthcare providers. You are responsible for your actions if you refuse treatment or do not follow the recommended instructions.
Belongings
Your Personal Belongings
You are responsible for your belongings, including eye glasses, hearing aids, and dentures.
Respect
Respect and Consideration
You are responsible for being considerate of the rights of other patients and Hospital staff, as well as assisting in the control of noise and limiting the number of visitors. You are also responsible for being respectful of the property of other persons and the Hospital.
Patient Privacy
Effective April 14, 2003, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requires hospitals to maintain the privacy of medical and health information about you, called Protected Health Information, and to provide you with a notice of our legal duties and privacy practices with respect to your health information. Our staff is dedicated to making your stay as pleasant as possible. Still, you may encounter situations which present unforeseen difficulties. Please bring any concerns and/or requests for additional assistance in addressing patient care needs to the attention of the Hospital staff immediately. The entire process is outlined in the “Letter to Our Patients Concerning Patient Rights” that will be given to you at the time of registration and in the Patient Rights and Responsibilities [PDF] located in the patient materials. Most issues can be rectified while in the Hospital, and resolution will help make your stay more comfortable.
Notice of Privacy Practices
