Our patients and their families are considered an integral member of the health care team. When the patient is involved in and educated about their care, it enhances the delivery of safe and appropriate care. Pattie A. Clay Regional Medical Center recognizes and observes the rights and responsibilities of individual patients of all ages served. Consistent with hospital policies and keeping with the values, principles and philosophy of this facility, the patient has the following rights:

• You have the right to safe, high quality medical care provided in a professional and courteous manner regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, age, creed, religion, disability or ability to pay.
   
• You have the right to obtain information from your physician concerning care, diagnosis, treatment, recovery and outcomes of care in terms that can be easily understood. When it is not medically advisable to give such information to you, the information should be made available to an appropriate person on your behalf. You have the right to access information contained in your clinical records within a reasonable time frame.
   
• You have the right to receive information from your physician necessary to give consent prior to the start of any procedure and/or treatment. Except in emergencies such information for informed consent should include, but not necessarily be limited to, specific procedure and/or treatment, the medically significant risks involved and the probable duration of incapacitation.
   
• You have the right to refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law, and to be informed of the medical consequences of your action and submit or formulate advance directives, if desired.
   
• You have the right to appropriate assessment and management of pain. Your right to pain management is respected and supported through collaboration of all health care providers.
   
• You have the right to expect that all communications and records pertaining to your care will be treated as confidential.
   
• You have the right to examine and receive an explanation of your itemized hospital bill regardless of source of payment. You also have the right to free assistance in completing and processing your insurance forms.
   
• You have the right to express any complaints or dissatisfaction concerning care or treatment you received.
   
• You have the right to expect your complaint to be handled with careful consideration and investigation, and that corrective action will be taken when appropriate.
   
• You have the right participate in the development and implementation of your plan of care.
   
• You have the right to know the professional status of any person providing care and the reason for any changes regarding the staff involved in your care.
   
• You have the right to know reasons for your transfer either within or outside the hospital.
   
• You have the right to have family member or representative of your choice and your physician notified promptly of your admission to the hospital.
   
• You have the right to be informed of the source of the hospitals reimbursement for your services and of any limitations which may be placed upon your care.
   
• You have the right to know the relationship of the hospital to other persons or organizations participating in the provision of your care.
   
• You have the right to be free from restraints of any form that are not medically necessary or are used as a means of coercion, discipline, convenience, or retaliation of staff.
   

Patient Responsibilities
Physicians and the hospital staff care for the sick and injured. We recognize that to be effective the effort must be a partnership, with the patient and the health care team working together for the common goal. The patient will be expected, within the limits of their abilities, to assume a share of the responsibility for their health care.

1. Provision of Information:

• A patient has the responsibility to provide, to the best of their knowledge, all accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, pain, hospitalizations, medications, advance directives and other matters about their health. A patient has the responsibility to report unexpected changes in their condition to the practitioner.
• A patient is responsible for reporting whether they clearly comprehend a contemplated course of action and what is expected of them. A patient has the responsibility to ask questions if they do not understand any directions given or when they do not understand what they have been told about their condition or care.

2. Compliance with Instructions

• A patient is responsible for following the treatment plan recommended by the practitioner primarily responsible for their care. This may include following the instructions of nurses and allied health personnel as they carry out the coordinated plan of care, implement the responsible practitioner orders, and enforce the applicable hospital rules and regulations. The patient is responsible for keeping appointments and when they are unable to do so for any reason, for notifying the responsible practitioner or the hospital.

3. Refusal of Treatment

• A patient is responsible for their actions if they refuse treatment or do not follow the practitioner's instructions.

4. Hospital Charges

• A patient is responsible for assuring that the financial obligations of their health care are fulfilled as promptly as possible. A patient has the responsibility of paying their hospital bills, providing necessary information for insurance processing, and being prompt about asking questions they may have concerning a bill.

5. Hospital Rules and Regulations

• A patient is responsible for following hospital regulations affecting patient care and conduct.

6. Respect and Consideration

• A patient is responsible for being considerate of the rights of other patients and hospital personnel and for helping in the control of noise, smoking, and the number of visitors. A patient is responsible for being respectful of the property of other persons and of the hospital.

If you have a concern regarding patient safety or quality of care please contact the Patient Representative at 859-625-3446 or hospital administration at 859-625-3114. If your concerns are not resolved to your satisfaction you may contact the Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services Office of the Regional Administrator at 404-562-7400 or by e-mailing ROATLHSQ@cms.hhs.gov, or contact the Office of Inspector General at 502-564-1985.