Patient Bill of Rights & Responsibilities

FSHN-CERC encourages patients to speak openly with the health care team, take part in their treatment choices, and promote their own safety by being well-informed and involved in their care. Because we want our patients to think of themselves as partners in their care, we want them to know their rights as well as their responsibilities. We invite our patients and their families to join us as active members of their care team.

Patient Rights

Patient Responsibilities

You/Your child have/has the right to receive considerate, respectful and compassionate care in a safe setting regardless of age, gender, race, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or disabilities.
You/Your child have the right to receive care in a safe environment free from all forms of abuse, neglect, or mistreatment.
You/Your child have/has the right to be called by your proper name and to be in an environment that maintains dignity and adds to a positive self-image.

You/your child have/has the right to be told the names and specialty of your health care providers, nurses, and all other members of the health care team directing and/or providing your care.
You/Your child have/has the right to be told by your health care provider about your diagnosis and possible prognosis, the benefits and risks of treatment, the alternatives for care or treatment, and the expected outcome of treatment, including unexpected outcomes.
You/Your child have/has the right to request that the treating care providers communicate in terminology and language that you understand, or explained through an interpreter.
You/Your child have/has the right to give written informed consent before the start of any non-emergency procedure and/or treatment.
You have the right to refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law. You have the right to be informed of the medical consequences of refusing treatment.
You/Your child, your family and friends with your permission, have the right to participate in decisions about your care, your treatment, and services provided.
You/Your child have/has the right to request a second opinion by another physician or healthcare provider without comprising care within the organization.
You/Your child have/has the right to full consideration of your privacy and confidentiality in care discussions, exams, and treatments. Case discussion, consultation, examination and treatment are confidential and should be conducted discreetly, respecting your personal privacy. Those not directly involved in your care must have your permission to be present.
You/Your child 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/Your child have/has the right to agree or refuse to take part in medical research studies. You may withdraw from a study at any time without impacting your access to standard care.
You/Your child have/has the right to expect that FSHN- CERC will make a reasonable response to your request for services.
You/Your child have/has the right to expect reasonable continuity of care, including the right to know in advance what health care providers and appointment times are available.
You/Your child have/has the right to receive detailed information about FSHN-CERC charges, costs and payment options of the services provided.
You/Your child have/has the right to give or refuse consent for recordings, photographs, films, or other images to be produced or used for internal or external purposes other than identification, diagnosis, or treatment. You have the right to withdraw consent up until a reasonable time before the item is used.
You/Your child have/has the right to voice your concerns about the care/service you receive, without fear of impacting your access to standard care or service. If you have a problem or complaint, you may talk with your doctor, clinician, nurse, and/or Clinic Manager. You may also send your complaint to: [email protected]
Your child has the right to be treated as a growing child with special needs and interests.
You/Your child has the right to cry when you/they are afraid or in pain, and have the right to expect understanding of his/her feelings and tender loving care.
Your child has the right to expect that those taking care of him/her will write down what they can and cannot do and make plans to help them get better.

You are expected to provide complete and accurate information, including your full name, address, home telephone number, date of birth, insurance carrier and employer when it is required.
You should provide a copy of your advance directive for your child care if you have one.
You are expected to provide complete and accurate information about your or your child's health and medical history, including present condition, past illnesses, hospital stays, medicines, vitamins, herbal products, and any other matters that pertain to your or your child 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 or your child treatment plan, you are responsible for telling your, or your child's provider. You are responsible for outcomes if you do not follow the care, treatment, and service plan.
You are expected to actively participate in your or your child’s care plan, including pain management, and to keep your/your child health care providers informed of the effectiveness of your treatment.
You are expected to treat all staff, other patients, and visitors with courtesy and respect; abide by FSHN rules and regulations; and be mindful of noise levels, privacy, and conduct.
You have the responsibility to keep appointments, be on time, and call your health care provider if you cannot keep your appointments.
You are also expected to complete all required authorizations and release of medical information forms requested by FSHN-CERC and your insurance carrier, to pay any required co-payments at the time of service and to pay subsequent charges in a timely manner.
You should respect the priority given to emergency cases.
You are responsible of safeguarding your/your child's belongings while taking healthcare treatment.
You are responsible of observing safety rules including the no smoking policy, maintaining cleanliness of the clinic environment and following appropriat hand hygiene.