Patient’s Bill of Rights

As a patient in a hospital in New York State, you have the right, consistent with law, to:

• Understand and use these rights. If, for any reason, you do not understand or need help, the hospital MUST provide assistance, including an interpreter.
• Receive treatment without discrimination in terms of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, source of payment, or age.
• Receive considerate and respectful care in a clean and safe environment free of unnecessary restraints.
• Receive emergency care if you need it.
• Be informed of the name and position of the doctor in charge of your care in the hospital.
• Know the names, positions and functions of any hospital staff involved in your care, and refuse their treatment, examination, or observation.
• A nonsmoking environment.
• Receive complete information about your diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
• Receive all the information you need to consent to any proposed procedure or treatment. This information shall include the possible risks and benefits of the procedure or treatment.
• Receive all the information you need to give informed consent for an order not to resuscitate. You also have the right to designate an individual to provide this consent if you are too ill. If you would like additional information, please request a copy of the pamphlet “Deciding About Health Care — A Guide for Patients and Families.”
• Refuse treatment and be told what effect this may have on your health.
• Refuse to take part in research. In deciding whether or not to participate, you have the right to a full explanation.
• Privacy while in the hospital and confidentiality of all information and records regarding your care.
• Participate in all decisions about your treatment and discharge from the hospital. The hospital must provide you with a written discharge plan and description of how to appeal your discharge.
• Identify a caregiver who will be included in your discharge planning and sharing of post-discharge care information or instruction.
• Review your medical record without charge. Obtain a copy of your medical record so the hospital can charge you a reasonable fee. You cannot be denied a copy solely because you cannot afford to pay.
• Receive an itemized bill and explanation of all charges.
• You can view a list of the hospital’s standard charges for items and services and the health plans it participates in.
• You can challenge an unexpected bill through the Independent Dispute Resolution process.
• Complain without fear of reprisals about the care and services you are receiving and to have the hospital respond to you. If you request it, provide a written response. If unsatisfied with the hospital’s response, you can complain to the New York State Health Department. The hospital must provide you with the State Health Department telephone number.
• Authorize those family members and other adults who will be given priority to visit consistent with your ability to receive visitors.
• Make known your wishes regarding anatomical gifts. You may document your wishes in your health care proxy or on a donor card, which is available from the hospital.

Public Health Law(PHL)2803 (1)(g)Patient’s Rights, 10NYCRR, 405.7,405.7(a)(1),405.7(c)