PATIENT BILL OF RIGHTS

All Patients at the Pleasant Point Health Center are entitled to Respect and dignity - The right to health care that is considerate, respectful, and sensitive to his or her culture and beliefs.

• Privacy and Confidentiality - The right to privacy and confidentiality concerning case discussion, examination, treatment, medical records, and other information. The patient has the right to refuse the presence of health care students.

• Personal Safety - The right to expect reasonable safety insofar as the health center practices and environment are concerned.

• Identity - The right to know the name and qualifications of the person(s) who will be responsible for his or her treatment.

• Information - The right to receive (patient or appropriate family member) all information from the physician concerning health care. The right to formally request medical records information and receive copies of such information. The right to disagree with comments and document these comments in the record. However professional statements may not be removed from the record.

• Consent - The rights concerning Informed Consent (approval to have procedures and treatments performed). The physician must provide all information necessary for the patient to make a decision as to whether the procedure or treatment is acceptable, including an explanation of the risks that involved, whether or not any incapacity for normal living will result and if there are any alternative types of treatment. In bona fide emergency situations (life threatening or possibility of permanent loss of limb, eyesight, or other critical functions), the physician may need to provide information to the family of the patient. In such instances the physician would not be responsible for providing extensive information if it would further jeopardize the well being of the patient.

• Consultation - The patient, at their own expense, has the right to consult with private specialists. 

• Refusal of Treatment - The right to refuse treatment to the extent provided by the law. If care is refused, he or she must be informed of the risks incurred by doing so. If the patient is a minor and has a recognized guardian, the guardian and or family must be told of the risks incurred if treatment for the minor is refused. The patient is responsible for the deterioration of his or her condition when treatment is refused or the practitioner’s instructions are not followed.

• Transfer and Continuity of Care - The right when care is requested, to receive services provided by the health department. When services are not available at the health department, the patient and his or her family will be informed about the availability of specialized services at another center/clinic/hospital. The patient has the right to expect reasonable continuity of care for his or her illness or condition.

• Compliance with Instructions - The patient is responsible for following the treatment plan recommended by the physician, including the instructions of nurses and allied health personnel. The patient is responsible for keeping appointments, and when unable to do so, notifying the health center/clinic or hospital.

• Provision of Information - The patient has the responsibility to provide accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and other health related matters. The patient has the responsibility for reporting unexpected changes in his or her condition to the responsible physician.

• Right of Appeal - Any person who has been denied payment for Contract Health Services shall be notified in writing together with a statement of the reason for denial. The Quality Assurance Team may make a reconsideration of the denial if additional documentation is presented. If you have no additional information, or if your reconsideration is denied, you may appeal, in writing, to the Director of Indian Health Services-Nashville Area Office within 30-days of the denial letter.