AS A PATIENT YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO ACCESS QUALITY CARE
You have the right…
• To courteous, respectful, non-discriminatory treatment and care regardless of age, ethnicity, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, mental or physical disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
• To respectful care with recognition of your personal dignity.
THE RIGHT OF CONFIDENTIALITY, PRIVACY AND SECURITY
You have the right…
• To confidentiality in all communications and records related to your medical care.
• To be free from physical or mental abuse, neglect, and harassment.
• To access protective services.
THE RIGHT OF INFORMATION
You have the right…
• To know the name, position and function of those individuals providing your services.
• To complete, current and understandable information concerning your diagnosis, treatment, and any known prognosis in a manner that you can understand.
• To make advance directives, including a Living Will, and to appoint a person to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
• To receive an explanation on withdrawing or withholding life-sustaining treatments.
• To access people outside of the hospital or office by means of visitors and verbal and written communication.
• To have access to interpreter when English is not your primary language.
• To access of your medical records/bills and obtain copies in accordance with hospital policy.
THE RIGHT OF PARTICIPATION
You have the right…
• To participate in decisions concerning all aspects of your care and receive information needed to give informed consent to treatments and procedures.
• To have your family or designated surrogates participate in care decisions.
• To have pastoral care and other spiritual services if you so desire.
• To have your pain managed effectively during your stay.
• To have personal possessions brought to the hospital.
THE RIGHT OF INFORMED CONSENT
You have the right…
• To receive an explanation of your treatment plan and to ask for further clarification if the course of treatment is not understood.
• To accept or refuse medical care to the extent permitted by law and be informed of the consequences if refused.
• To an explanation of the need for a transfer to another facility, including risks, benefits, and alternatives.
• To be informed or any continuing health care requirements following discharge from the hospital.
COMPLAINTS OR GRIEVANCES
You have the right…
• To make a complaint regarding the quality of care you receive and receive a timely response to that complaint and participate in the health care professionals in the discussions and resolution of ethical issues surrounding your care.
• Initially, please contact the Department Leader affiliated with the area of concern
If you feel that your question was not answered or concern unresolved, please contact:
• Calais Community Hospital: Quality Management Department at 454-7521
• Down East Community Hospital: Quality Management Department at 255-3356 x 2264 or Hotline at 255-0264.
If not satisfied with the resolution of the complaint/grievance, you may appeal the decision directly to the Chief Executive Officer of Calais Community Hospital or Down East Community Hospital. Complaints/grievances may also be addressed at the Maine Office of Licensure and Certification at 1-800-383-2441 (207-287-9308)
Division of Licensing and Certification
Att: Complaint Intake
11 State House Station
41 Anthony Avenue
Augusta, ME 04633
AND SOME RESPONSIBILITES
You have the responsibility…
• To provide to best of your knowledge, accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalization, medications, and other matters relating to your unexpected changes in your condition.
• To follow the treatment plan recommended by the practitioner primarily responsible for your care; this may include other health care professionals.
• To accept responsibility for your action’s if you refuse treatment or fail to follow your practitioner’s instructions.
• To follow hospital rules and regulations affecting patient care and conduct including not smoking on hospital properties.