Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Your Partner in Care

As our valued patient, we respect your dignity and rights. An important part of our patient-centered philosophy is to ensure that when you are in our care, you understand your rights as a patient. Because your care is a collaborative effort between you, your physician, and hospital staff, there are also patient responsibilities which we expect you’ll follow to the best of your ability.

Patient Rights

 

  • You have the right to receive considerate, respectful, and compassionate care in a safe setting regardless of your age, gender, race, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disabilities, or ability to pay. 
     
  • You have the right to receive care in a safe environment free from all forms of abuse, neglect, or mistreatment.
     
  • You have the right to be told the names of your doctors, nurses, and all health care team members directing or providing you care. 
     
  • You have the right to have a family member or person of your choice, and your doctor notified promptly of your admission to the hospital.
     
  • You have the right to have someone remain with you for emotional support during your hospital stay unless your visitor’s presence compromises your or others’ rights, safety, or health. You have the right to deny visitation at any time. 
     
  • You have the right to be told by your doctor about your diagnosis and possible prognosis, the benefits and risks of treatment, and the expected outcome of treatment, including unexpected outcomes. You have the right to give written informed consent before any non-emergency procedure begins. 
     
  • You have the right to have your pain assessed and to be involved in decisions about treating your pain. 
     
  • You have the right to be free from restraints and seclusion in any form that is not medically required. 
     
  • You can expect full consideration of your privacy and confidentiality in care discussions, exams, and treatments. You may ask for an escort during any exam. 
     
  • You have the right to access protective and advocacy services in cases of abuse or neglect. The hospital will provide a list of these resources. 
     
  • You, your family, and friends with your permission have the right to participate in decisions about your care, your treatment, and services provided, including the right to refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law. If you leave the hospital against the advice of your doctor, the hospital and doctors will not be responsible for any medical consequences that may occur.  
     
  • You have the right to communicate that you can understand. The hospital will provide sign language and foreign language interpreters as needed at no cost. Information given will be appropriate to your age, understanding, and language. If you have a vision, speech, hearing, or other impairments, you will receive additional aids to ensure your care needs are met. 
     
  • You have the right to make an advance directive and appoint someone to make healthcare decisions for you if you are unable. If you do not have an advance directive, we can provide you with information and help you complete one. 
     
  • You have the right to be involved in your discharge plan. You can expect to be told in a timely manner of your discharge, transfer to another facility, or transfer to another level of care. Before your discharge, you can expect to receive information about follow-up care that you may need. 
     
  • You have the right to receive detailed information about your hospital and physician charges.  
     
  • You can expect that all communication and records about your care are confidential unless disclosure is permitted by law. You have the right to see or get a copy of your medical records. You may add information to your medical record by contacting the Medical Records Department. You have the right to request a list of people to whom your personal health information was disclosed. 
     
  • You have the right to spiritual services. Chaplains are available to help you directly or to contact your own clergy.  

You have the right to voice your concerns about the care you receive. If you have a problem or complaint, you may talk with your doctor, nurse manager, or a department manager. You may also contact the Patient Relations Department at 419-238-8623. If your concern is not resolved to your liking, you may also contact:

  • The Joint Commission’s Office of Quality Monitoring at 800.994.6610; email: complaint@jointcommission.org
     
  • The Ohio Department of Health at 800.342.0553; email: hccomplaints@odh.ohio.gov; mail: ODH, PCSU, 246 N. High St. Columbus, OH 43215
     
  • Ohio KePRO Beneficiary Helpline at 800.589.7337 to report concerns, disagreement with coverage decision, or to appeal a discharge decision for a Medicare beneficiary; mail: Ohio KePRO, Pock Run Center, Suite 100, 5700 Lombardo Center Drive, Seven Hills, OH 44131

 

Patient Responsibilities

 

  • You are expected to provide complete and accurate information, including your full name, address, telephone number, date of birth, Social Security number, insurance carrier, and employer when required.  
     
  • You should provide the hospital or your doctor with a copy of your advance directive if you have one.
     
  • You are expected to provide complete and accurate information about your health and medical history, including present condition, past illnesses, hospital stays, medicines, vitamins, herbal products, and any other matters that pertain to your health, including perceived safety risks.  
     
  • You are expected to ask questions when you do not understand information or instructions. If you believe you cannot follow through with your treatment plan, you are responsible for telling your doctor. You are responsible for outcomes if you do not follow the care, treatment, and service plan.
     
  • You are asked to please leave valuables at home and bring only necessary items for your hospital stay.  
     
  • You are expected to treat all hospital staff, other patients, and visitors with courtesy and respect; abide by all hospital rules and safety regulations, and be mindful of noise levels, privacy, and number of visitors.
     
  • You are expected to provide complete and accurate information about your health insurance coverage and to pay your bills in a timely manner.
     
  • You have the responsibility to keep appointments, be on time, and call your health care provider if you cannot keep your appointments.

 

Commitment to Quality

Your Patient Experience is Our Top Priority

Van Wert Health is committed to providing accurate and honest information about clinical processes and the patient experience. We believe that well-informed patients take a more active role in improving their health condition. 

Employees, patients, and visitors are encouraged to bring any concern or complaint to the manager at Van Wert Health. We will work to address and professionally resolve the issue.

If anyone has any unresolved patient safety or quality of care concerns, we encourage patients to contact the Director of Patient Relations at 419-238-8623 or info@vanwerthealth.org. We welcome direct contact and pride ourselves in responding to patient concerns. However, if the matter remains unresolved, we encourage patients to contact the Joint Commission on Accreditation at one of the following ways:

  • Web: Visit jointcommission.org and use the "Report a Patient Safety Event" link
  • Fax: 630-792-5636
  • Mail: Office of Quality and Patient Safety, One Renaissance Boulevard, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181