Important Information About Facility Operations Post-Hurricane Helene
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Patient’s Rights & Responsibilities

SGMC respects the rights of each patient, recognizes that each patient is an individual with unique healthcare needs, respects personal dignity, and provides considerate, respectful care focused on individual needs. SGMC supports your right to make decisions regarding your medical care, including the decision to discontinue treatment to the extent permitted by law.
SGMC will assist you in the exercise of your rights and will inform you of any responsibilities related to the exercise of those rights.

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO…

A. receive treatment regardless of disabilities, race, color, creed, gender, national origin, age, culture, language barriers, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or sources of payment.
B. with your permission, have family or a surrogate decision maker, as allowed by law, to be identified and to be involved in your care.
C. care that respects your psychosocial, spiritual, and personal values, beliefs, preference and cultural values.
D. be free from mental, physical, sexual, and verbal abuse, neglect and exploitation.
E. receive information regarding advance directives upon request and have them honored as allowed by law, regulations and SGMC policy.
F. access, request amendment to and receive an accounting of disclosures of your health information.
G. confidentiality of personal information.
H. a safe, secure, supportive environment which preserves dignity and contributes to a positive self-image.
I. know the names and professional status of your caregivers and to consult with a specialist when medically appropriate.
J. consent or to refuse to consent to photographic, video, electronic, or audio media recording made for purposes other than identification, diagnosis, or treatment and to consent or to refuse to consent to any medical or clinical research trials.
K. make informed decisions which includes the right to:

  1. receive information about your health status and to participate in your plan of care;
  2. receive information about any proposed procedures or treatments including any risks, expected or known possible outcomes, reasonable alternative treatment options and any unanticipated outcomes;
  3. request or to refuse treatment, as allowed by law; and
  4. include or to exclude family in care.

L. effective communication which includes communication assistance for your special needs, if any, and assistance in communication with family members or significant others outside of SGMC.
M. an itemized explanation of your bill.
N. be involved in resolving dilemmas about care, treatment and services and to freely voice complaints and to recommend changes without being subject to coercion, discrimination, reprisal, or unreasonable interruption of care, treatment, and services. You have the right to timely resolution of any complaints regarding your care.
O. pain management.
P. a list of protective and advocacy services when requested.
Q. full and equal visitation privileges, unless restricted for medically appropriate circumstances.
R. privacy while receiving care and treatment and during personal hygiene activities, such as toileting, bathing, and dressing.
S. have health care professionals not involved in treatment or examination excluded from the examination or treatment area.
T. retain and use personal clothing, unless doing so is medically or therapeutically contraindicated.
U. keep personal effects in your room, unless doing so interferes with the provision of care or infringes on the rights of others.
V. remain free from restraints or seclusion, except as clinically necessary.
W. have your wishes regarding organ donation documented and honored, within the limits of the law and capabilities of the facility.
X. have access to a telephone and space for private telephone conversations.
Y. have a family member or representative notified upon your admission.
Z. have your physician notified upon your admission.
AA. request and receive a written summary of per service charge rates.
BB. object to a premature discharge and appeal a discharge through the discharge appeals process.
CC. request a room transfer if another patient or visitor in that room is unreasonably disturbing.

YOU HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR…

A. providing information:

  1. providing caregivers with complete and accurate health information, including information about any perceived risks in your care and unexpected changes.
  2. letting your caregivers know whether you clearly understand the planned treatment and what is expected of you.

B. asking questions regarding your care, treatment, and services.
C. following instructions, including safety instructions, regarding care, treatment and services and for expressing concerns about your ability to follow your plan of care.
D. following your treatment plan and keeping appointments or canceling them in advance.
E. your actions if you refuse treatment or do not follow the health care provider’s instructions or SGMC’s policies.
F. making sure the financial obligations of your health care are fulfilled as soon as possible.
G. following SGMC’s rules and regulations affecting patient care and conduct, which prohibits smoking and offensive, threatening and/or abusive language or behavior.
H. being considerate and respectful of the rights and property of other patients, visitors, and SGMC staff.