Patient Rights at SMDC Health System

SDMC Health System and its staff are committed to providing quality health care. In accordance with this commitment, we believe that patients are entitled to the following rights and the right to be informed of their rights:

Care Decisions/Informed Consent

Patients have the right to be informed about and to participate in decision making related to their care.

Patients have the right to obtain from their physician complete, current information concerning diagnosis, treatment and prognosis in terms patients can be reasonably expected to understand. When it is not medically advisable to give such information to patients, the information should be made available to an appropriate person on their behalf. Families are encouraged to participate in decisions regarding care when such participation is appropriate. 

Patients have the right to receive from their physician information necessary to give informed consent prior to the start of any procedure and/or treatment. Where medically significant alternatives for care or treatment exist, or when patients request information concerning medical alternatives, patients have the right to such information. Patients also have the right to know the name of the person responsible for the procedures and/or treatment.

Except in emergencies, patients may not be transferred to another facility without being given a full explanation for the transfer, without provision being made for continuing care, and without acceptance by the receiving institution.

Nondiscrimination

Patients will not be denied appropriate care because of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, newborn status, handicaps, or source of payment.

Privacy, Respectful Care and Security

Patients have the right to considerate and respectful care, including privacy, security, safety and freedom from all forms of abuse and harassment.

All patients have the right to consideration of privacy during their medical care. Case discussion, consultation, examination and treatment are confidential and should be conducted discreetly. Charts and patient documents will be used in a manner which

will preserve the identity of the individual patient from display to persons not authorized to have such information.

Patients have the right to know the identity and professional status of all staff members and physicians providing services. Patients have the right to be treated in an environment that provides for their security and safety.

Advance Directives/Ethical Issues

Advance directives for medical care such as Health Care Directives, Living Wills or the designation of a surrogate decision maker or agent are respected to the extent provided by law. Patients may receive information about advance directives if they make such a request.

Ethical questions that may arise concerning various treatment options may be first explored with the physician involved with the case and, if necessary, may be taken to the bioethics committee. This may be done by staff, providers, patients or their families by speaking to the appropriate manager.

If you have a complaint or grievance regarding an Advance Directive, follow the grievance policy at the end of this booklet.

Refusal of Treatment

Patients have the right to refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law and to be informed of the medical consequences of this action. Patients have the right to refuse to participate in research investigation or clinical trials without limitation.

Cultural and Religious Practices

SMDC respects and accommodates the cultural and religious practices or ceremonies of patients and their families unless such practices would be in direct conflict with the ethics or values of SMDC.

Confidential Records and Information

Patients have the right to expect that all communication and records pertaining to their care be treated confidentially and that requests for access to their records will be met within a reasonable period of time.

Pain Management

Pain can be a common part of the patient experience. Patients have the right to appropriate assessment and management of pain. Patients’ right to pain management is respected and supported.

Special Communication Needs: Hearing, Sight and Language

If patients are hearing impaired, SMDC will provide, at no cost, a qualified language interpreter and/or other auxiliary aids to offer patients effective access to our health care services. Patients should inform staff when the appointment is made if they wish an interpreter, auxiliary aid or telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD).

If patients are sight impaired, appropriate services, information and auxiliary aids will be provided. Patients should notify the registration staff when the appointment is made.

If patients or family members speak a language other than English, SMDC is willing to make every attempt to locate an interpreter. Patients may request an interpreter through registration or clinical staff.

Billing Process

Patients have a right to receive a statement of their account if a payment is due from them. Patients with questions about their bill are encouraged to call our Patient Financial Services Department.

Visitors

Patients may designate persons who are permitted to visit during their hospital stay.

Relationship With Other Health Services

Patients or their designated representative have the right to receive information upon request about SMDC’s relationship with outside providers to which patients may be referred.

Grievance Procedure

If you have a concern or feel that your rights have not been respected, please let us know. Prompt attention will be given to your inquiry.

Please express your concerns about patient care, safety, services, or medical treatment personally, by telephone or in writing to:

SMDC Health System

Patient Relations Department

400 East Third Street, Duluth, MN 55805

218-786-3091, or:

• In Minnesota:

              Office of Health Facility Complaints

              85 East Seventh Place - Suite 300

              PO Box 64970

              St. Paul, MN 55164-0970

              1-800-369-7994

              Board of Medical Practice

              2829 University Avenue SE - Suite 500

              Minneapolis, MN 55414-3246

              1-612-617-2130

              1-800-657-3709

• In Wisconsin:

              Bureau of Quality Assurance

              PO Box 2969

              Madison, WI 53701-2969

              1-608-266-8481

              Wisconsin Medical Examining Board

              1400 East Washington

              PO Box 8935

              Madison, WI  53708-8935

              1-608-266-2811

Concerns regarding patient care and safety not addressed/resolved:

The Joint Commission on Healthcare Accreditation

Office of Quality Monitoring

1-800-944-6610

www.jointcommission.org

Patient Responsibilities

Rights alone do not guarantee the achievement of our objectives to provide quality care. Each patient has a responsibility to:

• Follow the treatment plan prescribed. It is your responsibility to advise the people treating you whether or not you think you can, or want to, follow a certain treatment plan;
• Report changes in your health to the people treating you;
• Be honest and direct with the people caring for you. Tell them exactly how you feel about the things that are happening to you;
• Understand your health problems and treatment plans to your satisfaction. Understanding your health problems is important to the success of the treatment plan. If you do not understand them, ask the doctor and other caregivers.

When you want to know, please ask. If you have something to say, please speak up.