Patient’s Bill of Rights and Responsibilities
FLORIDA STATUTES CHAPTER 381.026
- A patient has the right to be treated with courtesy and respect, with appreciation of his or her individual dignity, and with protection of his or her need for privacy.
- A patient has the right to a prompt and reasonable response to questions and requests.
- A patient has the right to know who is providing services and who is responsible for his/her care.
- A patient has the right to know what patient support services are available, including whether an interpreter is available if he or she does not speak English.
- A patient has the right to know what rules and regulations apply to his or her conduct.
- A patient has the right to be given by the healthcare provider information concerning diagnosis, planned course or treatment, alternatives, risks, and prognosis.
- A patient has the right to refuse any treatment, except as otherwise provided by law.
- A patient has the right to be given, upon request, full information and necessary counseling on the availability of known financial resources for his or her care.
- A patient who is eligible for Medicare has the right to know, upon request and in advance of treatment, whether the healthcare provider of healthcare facility accepts the Medicare assignment rate.
- A patient has the right to receive, upon request, prior to treatment, a reasonable estimate of charges for care.
- A patient has the right to receive a copy of a reasonably clear and understandable, itemized bill and, upon request, to have the charges explained.
- A patient has the right to impartial access to treatment or accommodations, regardless of race, national origin, religion, handicap, or source of payment.
- A patient has the right to treatment for an emergency condition that will deteriorate from failure to provide treatment.
- A patient has the right to know if treatment is for purposes of experimental research and to give his or her consent or refusal to participate in such experimental research.
- A patient has the right to express grievances regarding any violation of his or her rights, as stated in Florida law, through the grievance procedure of the healthcare provider or health care facility which served him or her and to the appropriate states licensing agency.
- A patient is responsible for providing to the healthcare provider, to the best of his or her knowledge, accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and other matters relating to his or her health.
- A patient is responsible for reporting unexpected changes in his or her condition to the healthcare provider.
- A patient is responsible for reporting to the healthcare provider whether he or she comprehends a contemplated course of action and what is expected from him or her.
- A patient is responsible for following the treatment plan recommended by the healthcare provider.
- A patient is responsible for keeping appointments and, when he or she is unable to do so for any reason, for notifying the healthcare provider of healthcare facility.
- A patient is responsible for his or her actions if he or she refuses treatment or does not follow the healthcare provider’s instructions.
- A patient is responsible for assuring that the financial obligations of his or her healthcare are fulfilled as promptly as possible.
- A patient is responsible for following healthcare facility rules and regulations affecting patient care and conduct.