Patient Rights and Responsibilities

At Bothwell Regional Health Center, quality patient care is our primary concern. By outlining these rights and responsibilities, we hope to improve the level of care, treatment and outcomes. Your individual rights, as outlined by the Joint Commission can be found below.

The Joint Commission Patient Bill of Rights

  • To choose a designated support person or representative to participate in the development and implementation in the inpatient or outpatient treatment care plan, pain management plan and discharge planning.
  • To be informed of and involved in decisions regarding proposed and ongoing care/services.
  • To refuse services in accordance with law and regulation.
  • To access, request amendment to and receive an accounting of disclosures or health information.
  • To choose whether or not to participate in research or clinical trials.
  • To receive effective communication about services being provided.
  • To have complaints heard, reviewed and, if possible, resolved.
  • To file a complaint with the state authority.
  • To have assurance of confidentiality of information, privacy and security.
  • To receive appropriate assessment and management of pain.
  • To be free from mental, physical, sexual and verbal abuse, neglect and exploitation.
  • To address end-of-life decisions.
  • Access to care and treatment within the mission and capability of this hospital regardless of race, age, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, diagnosis or source of payment.
  • Choose your visitors, regardless of whether the visitor is a family member, a spouse, a domestic partner or friend, as well as your right to withdraw such consent to visitation at any time and the right for a “support person” to be identified who can also make the visitation decisions. The hospital respects the patient’s rights that visitation privileges will not be restricted, limited or denied on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, diagnosis or source of payment.

Activating Rapid Response Team

If you are worried that you or a loved one is experiencing a medical emergency, please do not hesitate to notify a staff member. A team of specially trained intensive care nurses and respiratory therapists are available to respond quickly to evaluate the patient in need of emergency attention. You may also dial "0" and ask the hospital operator for assistance.

Patient Responsibilities

The patient, caregivers and family have the responsibility:

  • To provide complete and accurate information about current complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications and other matters relating to the patient’s health.
  • To report unexpected changes in the patient’s condition. To provide feedback about service needs and expectations.
  • To ask questions about care or services.
  • To follow instructions. The patient, caregiver and family should express any concerns they have about their ability to follow and comply with the proposed care plan.
  • To understand and accept consequences for the outcomes if they do not follow the care plan.
  • To follow the organization’s policies and procedures concerning patient care and conduct.
  • To show respect and consideration of the organization’s personnel and property.
  • To promptly meet any financial obligation agreed to with the organization.

A patient’s rights and responsibilities are taken very seriously at Bothwell Regional Health Center. If you have questions or concerns regarding these requirements, contact our Patient Advocate at 660.827.9588.