Patient Rights & Responsibilities

We recognize every patient as a dignified person with unique needs.  This list of patient rights and responsibilities is published for the benefit of patients and their families and friends. 

Florida law protects your rights while you are receiving medical care.  It also requires you to respect the health care provider's right to expect certain patient behavior.  You may request a copy of the full text of the Florida Statute 381 from your health care provider or health care facility.

This list of patient rights, responsibilities and safety tips is published for the benefit of patients, their families and friends.

Patient Rights

As a patient, you have the following rights:

• To be treated with courtesy and respect
• To have your privacy protected
• To have your questions answered promptly
• To know your doctor and 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. This includes 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 medicaln 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 will get worse if not treated
• To know if medical treatment is for research and to either consent or refuse
• To make advance directives
• To be free from restraint and seclusion when not medically necessary
• To the confidentiality of your medical records and the right to access information from them
• To have a family member or representative and your physician notified promptly of admission to the hospital

We recognize the special needs of the dying patient. In this special case, in addition to the rights mentioned above, 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 family in the grief process.

Patient Responsibilitites

As a patient, you are responsible:

• To give your health care provider correct and complete information about your present medical condition, past illnesses, hospitalization, medications, including over-the-counter drugs/herbal supplements and other health matters
• To report changes in your condition and/or 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 to 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 keep your appointment
• 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 and conduct
• To be considerate of the hospital's personnel and property

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 hospital.

Concerns and Complaints 

Step 1:
Please tell your doctors or nurses about your concern or complaint. They will make every effort to correct the situation.

Step 2:
If your concern or complaint is not handled to your satisfaction, please tell the supervisor or nurse manager. When necessary, he or she will refer your concern to the appropriate hospital administrator.

Step 3:
If we should fall short of your expectations, we would appreciate hearing from you. We are committed to investigating all concerns. Please call Administration at (727) 825-1071.

Step 4:
If you are still not satisfied, you may register a complaint about the hospital, a physician, or an HMO with the Agency for Health Care Administration. To contact the agency, call or write:

Agency for Health Care Administration
Consumer Assistance Unit
2727 Mahan Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32308
1 (888) 419-3456