St. Joseph's Children's in Tampa, FL - Patient Rights & Responsibilities

As a patient at St. Joseph-s Children's Hospital, you have the right:

To be treated with courtesy and respect.
To have your privacy protected and to receive our Notice of Privacy Practices.
To have your questions answered promptly.
To know the name, role and qualifications of your caregiver .
To know what services are available, including translators.
To know what rules apply to you.
To have information about your diagnosis, choices, risks and benefits of treatment so you can assist in developing your plan of care, including the management of pain.
To refuse treatment except as otherwise provided by law.
To be given, on request, information and counseling on available financial resources.
To know, on request and before treatment, whether Medicare assignment is accepted.
To receive, on request and prior to treatment, a reasonable estimate of charges for medical care and, on request, an itemized bill with charges explained.
To receive medical treatment regardless of race, national origin, religion, physical handicaps, or sources of payment and to expect appropriate management of pain.
To receive treatment for any emergency medical condition that may get worse if not treated.
To know if medical treatment is for research and to either consent or refuse.
To have the right to make Advance Directives.
To be free from restraint and seclusion which are not medically necessary.
To the confidentiality of your medical record and the right to access information from it.
To have a family member or representative and your physician notified promptly of admission to the hospital.

As a patient at St. Joseph-s Children's Hospital, you are responsible:

To give your health care provider correct and complete information about your present medical condition, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, including over-the-counter drugs/herbal supplements, and other health matters.
To report changes in your condition and report perceived safety concerns in your care.
To tell your health care provider if you understand the plan of treatment and what is expected of you, including pain relief options and ask questions if you do not understand.
To follow the treatment plan recommended by your health care provider.
To keep appointments or notify the health care provider or facility if you cannot.
To accept responsibility for your actions if you refuse treatment or do not follow the health care provider-s instructions.
To meet your health care financial obligations promptly.
To follow rules and regulations on patient care.
To be considerate of the hospital-s personnel and property.

We recognize the special needs of the dying patient. In this special case, in addition to the rights mentioned before, you have the right to:

Expect care by staff members who are aware of and able to recognize the unique and individual needs of the dying patient.
Expect support provided for the social, emotional and spiritual needs of the patient and family, recognizing differences in individuals- values, beliefs and life philosophies.
Expect appropriate care for primary and secondary signs and symptoms that would respond to treatment, even though these symptoms may be unrelated to the “terminal” condition.
Expect appropriate support for the patient and the family in the grief process.

Physicians

Any physician and/or surgeon providing services to you including, but not limited to, radiologists, anesthesiologists, pathologists and emergency room physicians are independent contractors and are not employees of the health care facility.

Concerns

If you have a SAFETY CONCERN or COMPLAINT regarding our organization, please make us aware. Please contact your nurse or caregiver and give us the opportunity to resolve your concern.

If your concern is not addressed, you may contact the Quality and Patient Safety Department at (813) 870-4398 or via TTY/TTD at (813) 870-4003 and your call will be connected to the appropriate member of our managerial team.

The hospitals that make up St. Joseph's-Baptist Health Care are accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations. The Joint Commission's accreditation process focuses on systems critical to the safety and quality of care, treatment and services. If we cannot resolve your concerns, you are welcome to contact the Joint Commission's Office of Quality Monitoring by either calling 1-800-994-6610 or emailing complaint@jcaho.org.

You have the right to voice concerns about any violation of your rights, as stated in Florida law, using the complaint procedure of the provider or facility and to the appropriate state licensing agency.

You may register a grievance about the hospital, a physician or an HMO with the Agency for Health Care Administration, Consumer Assistance Unit hotline at 1-888-419-3456, or via TTY/TTD at 1-800-955-8771or write to: Agency for Health Care Administration, Consumer Assistance Unit, 2727 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, Fl 32308.

10 TIPS TO HELP US KEEP YOU SAFE

Research has shown that the best way to prevent medical errors is for patients and families to take an active part in their health care. You can play an important role by following these simple tips.

1. Make sure every health care team member who cares for you checks your name band.
2. Ask us any question you may have. Discuss your concerns. Ask a family member or friend to speak for you if you are not able to speak for yourself.
3. Let us help you out of bed until we know you are steady on your feet. We do not want you to fall.
4. Give us complete and correct information about your health history, personal habits (such as alcohol use or smoking) and diet.
5. Make sure we know what medicine you take. This includes what is ordered by a doctor and what you take on your own (such as aspirin or cold remedies). Include vitamins, herbs and diet supplements.
6. Ask what each medicine is for if it is new to you or if you don-t know what it is. Learn about the medicine-s side effects. Tell us if you think you are having a side effect.
7. Find out why a test or treatment is needed and how it may help you.
8. Ask your doctor about the results of your tests. Do not assume "No news is good news".
9. Feel free to ask health care members if they have washed their hands before they provide care to you. Good hand washing is the best way to prevent the spread of germs.
10. Be sure you know what to expect when you go home and know what to report to your doctor.