Patient Rights & Responsibilities

• You are entitled to review and obtain a copy of your medical record upon request. For more information about your rights to medical information, you may call our Health Information Management Department at (906) 341-3209.
• Your personal and medical records will be treated confidentially. You may refuse their release to any person outside the hospital, except as required for treatment, payment, or hospital operations. You will have access to a Notice of Privacy Practices that describes the ways that we use, disclose, and safeguard patient information. You have the right to a paper copy of this notice. You may ask us to give you a paper copy of this notice at any time. Even if you have agreed to receive this notice electronically, you are still entitled to a paper copy of this notice. You may obtain a copy of this notice from our website www.scmh.org. A copy will not be issued unless you request one.
• You are entitled to privacy (as feasible) in treatment and in caring for personal needs with consideration, respect, dignity, and individuality.
• You are entitled to receive respectful and appropriate care, to receive (from the appropriate individual) information about your medical condition, proposed course of treatment, and prospects for recovery, in terms that you can understand. Risks, benefits, and alternatives, if any, will also be explained.
• You are entitled to refuse treatment to the extent provided by law and to be informed of any consequences of that refusal.
• You are entitled to receive an explanation of your bill and to receive, upon request, information relating to financial assistance available through the hospital. For more information or assistance, you may call Patient Financial Services at (906) 341-3230.
• You are entitled to know who is responsible for and who is providing your direct care.
• You are entitled to receive information concerning your continuing health needs and alternatives for meeting those needs, and to be involved in your discharge planning.
• You will not be subjected to mental or physical abuse or physical or chemical restraints except those restraints authorized in writing by a physician for a specified and limited time or as are necessitated by an emergency to protect you from injury to yourself or others.
• You have the right to have your physical pain managed and understand how this will be done, as well as to address any psychological, spiritual, or cultural concerns or needs you may have.
• You and/or your family have the right to participate in any discussion of ethical issues surrounding your care. The hospital has a process to address ethical concerns. Please notify your nurse to begin this process.
• You have the right to be informed of hospital policies and practices that relate to patient care, treatment, and the uses and disclosure of all their health care information. The patient has the right to be informed of all available resources for resolving any breach of confidentiality, disputes, or conflicts.
• You have the right to receive information regarding risks, benefits, and alternatives to give informed consent before any procedure is performed. If your physician feels that you should be transferred to another facility, you have the right to receive complete information and explanation concerning the need for, or alternatives to, such a transfer. The institution you are being transferred to must first have accepted you as a patient for transfer.
• You have the right to have an advanced directive. It is the right of all patients with an advanced medical directive to have their decisions followed. The hospital has a process in place to ensure implementation of such directives when appropriate. Ask to talk to a Social Worker for further assistance or call (906) 341-3238. A copy of the hospital’s policy on advanced medical directives is available upon request.

Right to Provide Patient Feedback

You have the right to provide feedback, positive or negative. We encourage you to raise questions or concerns about any aspect of your care or service by communicating with appropriate staff. The first step is to discuss your concerns with your doctor, nurse, or other caregiver. If you have concerns that are not resolved, please contact the Patient Safety Manager by writing or calling (906) 341-3200 ext. 3212. If you have complaints, they will be investigated in a timely manner. We will inform you of the outcome. If you continue to have concerns, you may contact the following agencies:

Patient Responsibilities

• You are responsible for following the hospital’s rules and regulations affecting patient care and conduct.
• You are responsible for providing a complete and accurate medical history.
• You are responsible for making it known whether you clearly understand the course of action in your care. We depend on you to ask questions when you do not understand information or instructions.
• You are responsible for following the recommendations and advice prescribed by your physician. If you believe you cannot follow through with your treatment, you are responsible for telling your physician.
• You are responsible for letting your physician or nurse know about any changes in your health. Advise your physician of any complications resulting from treatment or any new symptoms.
• You are responsible for being considerate of the rights of other patients and hospital personnel, and property.
• You are responsible for providing the hospital with accurate and timely information concerning your sources of payment and ability to meet financial obligations.
• You have the responsibility to provide prompt payment for services billed that are not covered by insurance, or to make proper arrangements regarding any outstanding balance. For more information or assistance, you may call Patient Financial Services at (906) 341-3230.
• You have the responsibility to make the proper hospital authorities aware in a timely manner of any problems encountered in your care and treatment.
• Your health depends not just on your hospital care but, in the long term, on the decisions you make in your daily life.
• You are responsible for recognizing the effect of lifestyle on your personal health.