Patient Bill of Rights

You have the following rights. If someone is helping you make healthcare decisions, he or she may exercise these rights for you.

Quality of care – You have the right to:

• Quality care by skilled healthcare team and staff.
• Be treated for your pain.
• Treatment that is as comfortable as possible.
• Emergency procedures without unnecessary delays.
• Help decide the details of your plan of care.
• Ask for a second opinion, at your expense.

Safety – You have the right to:

• Safe care.
• Know when something goes wrong with your care.
• Have a family member or friend, as well as your doctor, notified promptly of your admission to the hospital.
• Be free from all forms of abuse and neglect.
• Be free from the use of restraints unless needed for safety.

Voice and choice –You have the right to:

• Get information in a manner you understand.
• Make informed decisions about your care.
• Refuse care.
• Make advance directives and have your medical wishes followed.
• Contact a person or agency to protect your rights.
• Have a support person with you for emotional support.
• Agree or refuse to allow pictures for purposes other than your care.
• Religious and other spiritual services that you choose.
• Complain without fear and have your complaints reviewed.

Privacy and access to medical information as described in Novant Health’s Notice of Privacy Practices.

Affordability – You have the right to:

• A detailed bill and an explanation of that bill.
• Information about resources to help pay for your healthcare.

Authentic personalized relationships – You have the right to:

• Know the names and jobs of the people who care for you.
• Be treated with respect and dignity.
• Treatment without discrimination.
• Respect for your culture, values, beliefs and preferences.
• Visitors of your choice. We will inform you of any restrictions.
• Personal privacy.

Easy for me – You have the right to:

• Sleep in the hospital without being awakened unless necessary.
• Know about rules that apply to your actions.
• Help in discharge planning from the hospital.

What is your role in your healthcare?

• Be an active partner in your healthcare.
• Ask questions.
• Keep appointments.
• Be respectful to other people and their property.
• Follow the facility’s rules.
• Follow your care instructions.
• Share as much health information with us as possible.
• Tell us about changes in your condition.
• Tell us when you are in pain.
• Give us a copy of your advance directive(s).
• Leave your valuables at home.
• Pay for your care.