Patient Bill of Rights

• Be transferred to another facility only if the current hospital is unable to provide the level of appropriate medical care or if the transfer is requested by you or your next of kin or guardian.
• Receive from a physician in advance an explanation of the reasons for the transfer including alternatives, verification of acceptance from the receiving facility, and assurance that the move ill not worsen your medical condition.

• Be treated with courtesy, consideration and respect for your dignitiy and individuality.
• Know the names and functions of all physicians and other health care professionals directly caring for you.
• Expeditiously receive the services of a translator or interpreter, if needed, to communicate with the hospital staff.
• Be informed of the names, titles, and duties of other health care professionals and educational institutions that participate in your treatment. You have the right to refuse to allow their participation.
• Be advised in writing of the hospital’s rules regarding the conduct of patients and visitors.
• Receive a summary of your rights as a patient, including the name(s) and phone number(s) of the hospital staff to whom questions or complaints about possible violations of your rights may be directed. If at least 10% of the hospital’s service area speaks your native language, you can receive a copy of the summary in that language.

• Have prompt access to your medical records. If your physician feels that this access is detrimental to your health, your next of kin or guardian has a right to see your records.
• Obtain a copy of your medical records at a reasonable fee within 30 days after submitting a written request to the hospital.

• Receive a copy of the hospital payment rates, an itemized bill, if requested, and an explanation of the charges.
• Appeal any charges and receive an explanation of the appeals process.
• Obtain the hospital’s help in securing public assistance and private health care benefits to which you may be entitled.

• Be informed about any need for follow-up care and receive assistance in obtaining this care requred after your discharge from the hospital.
• Receive sufficient time before discharge to arrange for follow-up care after hospitalization.
• Be informed by the hospital about the discharge appeal process.

• Be provided with physical privacy during medical treatment and personal hygiene functions, unless you need assistance.
• Be assured confidentiality about your patient stay. Your medical and financial records shall not be released to anyone outside the hospital without your approval, unless you are transferred to another facility that requires the information, or release of the information is required and permitted by law.
• Have access to individual storage space for your private use and to safeguard your property if unable to assume that responsibility.

• Be free from physical and mental abuse.
• Be free from restraints unless authorized by a physician for a limited period of time to protect your safety or the safety of others.

• Receive treatment and medical services without discrimination based on race, age, religion, national origin, sex, sexual preference, handicap, diagnosis, ability to pay or source of payment.
• Exercise your constitutional, civil and legal rights.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding safety or quality of care at Saint Michael’s Medical Center, you can notify the following:

1. Patient Experience number: (973) 877-5295. (Also, questions or filing of grievances about patient’s rights can be made with an expected response in a reasonable time period.)
2. New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services Complaint Hotline number: (800) 792-9772.
3. The Joint Commission number: (800) 994-6610.

Complete copies of Patient Rights & Responsibilities are available in the Patient Information Guide for review by patients and their families or guardians.