Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Central North Alabama Health Services, Inc. is committed to providing quality health care. When patients understand their rights, accept their responsibilities, and have a sincere, passionate belief in their well-being, they become a dynamic partner in the decision making regarding their care. It is with this understanding that we present our Patient Rights and Responsibilities.

Your Rights as a Patient to:

• Care provided without regard to race, creed, sex or national origin.

• Considerate, respectful and dignified care in a clean and safe environment.

• Expect that all communications and records pertaining to your care will be treated as confidential.

• Approve or disapprove the release of any disclosures of medical records except when the law requires the release.

• Access, request amendment to and receive an accounting of disclosures regarding your own health information as permitted under applicable law.

• Expect every consideration of your privacy concerning your medical care and treatment.

• Obtain from your healthcare provider complete, current information about your diagnosis, treatment and prognosis in terms you can understand. Your designated surrogate decision-maker can exercise your rights as permitted under applicable law.

• Know the identity and professional status of all persons participating in your care.

• Accept or refuse medical care, treatment and services to the extent permitted by law, and to be informed of the potential medical consequences of such action.

• Receive information about your diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. This information will help you make informed decisions regarding your care.

• Participate in the consideration of ethical issues that may arise in your care.

• Refuse to participate in experimental treatment.

• Examine and receive an explanation of charges related to services rendered.

• Request assistance in formulating advance directives.

• Receive pain management from our organization based on understanding of and agreement to our pain management protocols and willingness to accept referrals to pain management specialist or clinic.

• Express a complaint and to expect responses to that complaint within a reasonable period of time.

• Report concerns about patient safety and quality of care to CNAHSI at 1-855-724-7325 or may contact The Joint Commission at 1-800-994-6610.

Your Responsibilities as a Patient

• Being considerate and cooperative in dealing with our medical center staff and to respect the rights and property of fellow patients.

• Asking any questions you may have and to seek clarification in order to understand your illness or treatment.

• Obtaining and carefully considering all information you may want or need in order to give informed consent for a procedure or treatment.

• Weighing the potential consequences of any refusal to comply with instructions or recommendations of your healthcare provider.

• Scheduling appointments and arriving at our medical centers on time for your scheduled visits.

• Notifying us at least 24 hours prior to your appointment if you must cancel.

• Following instructions recommended by your healthcare provider pertaining to schedules, medications and treatments.

• Notifying your healthcare provider concerning any changes in your medical condition.

• Giving accurate and complete personal, medical history, financial and insurance information.

• Paying promptly for services rendered.

• Complying with the medical center’s rules and regulations relative to patient care and conduct.

• Informing staff right away if there are changes in your name, address, telephone number, insurance status, or emergency contact information.