Hospice Patients Bill of Rights

As citizens of the United States of America, a patient and family enjoy the following rights and relationships. Every patient and family has the right to:

1.  Consideration and respectful care, in line with integrity of individuals and the dignity of personhood.

2.  Respect of personal property.

3.  Not have hospice personnel enter further into family life and affairs than is required to give satisfactory care.

4.  Have opportunity to participate in decisions concerning his/her Hospice plan of care, be informed in advance of care that will be provided, the proposed frequency of care, and the title of the person supervising the care and the manner in which that person may be contacted.

5.  To be notified in writing of the care that is to be furnished and the types (disciplines) of caregivers who will furnish the care.

6.  Retain unique individuality and not be judged for decisions which may be contrary to the beliefs of others.

7.  Not be denied appropriate care on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, handicap, marital status, or inability to pay.

8.  Voice grievances or recommend changes in policy or service without restraint interference, coercion, discrimination or reprisal.

9.  File a complaint with the Oklahoma State Department of Health at 1000 NE 10^th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73117-1299 or by phone at (405) 271-5600.

10. Communicate in own native language with other individuals and family   members for the purpose of acquiring or providing any type of treatment, care, services, and/or reasonable information.

11. Associate, communicate, and meet privately with other individuals unless to do so would infringe on the rights of other individuals.

12. Open own mail, unless patient authorizes a designated individual to do so.

13. Participate in activities of social, religious or community group.

14. Not be physically or mentally abused or exploited.

15. Not be physically or chemically restrained unless the restraint:

1. is necessary in an emergency to protect the patient or others from injury after the patient harms or threatens to harm her/himself or another.

2.  is authorized, in writing, by a physician for a limited and specific period of time.

16. Receive a satisfactory explanation of the services and statement of   charges, regardless of source of payment or ability to pay for services and statement rendered. (Charges will be in writing if not covered by third party payers).

17. Receive information explaining the Medicare, Medicaid and insurance benefits which are no longer available to the patient while the patient receives hospice care, any applicable benefit periods, length of time of each benefit period, and the process of revoking and transferring from one hospice to another if the patient desires.

18. Receive advance notice of any changes in billing as soon as possible but no longer than 30 calendar days before the effective date of change.

19. Manage his/her personal finances or authorize in writing an individual to assume said responsibilities.

20. Understand that the patient’s clinical records are confidential and may not be released with out the patient and/or legal guardian’s written permission.

21. Inspect the patient’s clinical records maintained by Hospice program.

22. Receive reasonable and appropriate information concerning his/her diagnosis, prognosis, treatments and conditions in a language that can be understood.

23. Be informed of the Hospice’s drug policies and procedures, including the policies and procedures regarding the tracking and disposing of controlled substances.

24. Choose a personal attending physician.

25. Decline Hospice services after having received reasonable information.

26. Revoke hospice services at any time without fear of reprisal or discrimination.

27. Refuse treatment after possible consequences of refusal are fully explained.

28. Be informed and have distributed written information concerning policies regarding advance directives, including applicable State law. 

29. Have the right to change advance directives at anytime during care.

30. Receive care that is sensitive to feeling and responsive to physical and emotional needs.

31. Maintain a sense of hopefulness however changing its focus may be.

32. Receive services provided by qualified and trained Hospice team members.

33. Expect appropriate continuity of care including bereavement services.

34. Expect the following services if admitted to a hospital or nursing home ( by approval of Executive Director or Patient Care Director) that has a contract with Hospice program:

1. Receive visitors in a private area.

2. Share a room with a spouse, when possible.

3. Have unrestricted visiting privileges.

4. Retain personal clothing and possessions as space permits for health and safety reasons.

35. Not be transferred or discharged unless:

1. the patient has voluntarily consented to the discharge or transfer,

2. the patient is no longer medically eligible,

3. or the organization cannot provide care without compromising the ethical or professional integrity, or the safety, of its employees.

36. Be informed about factors that affect palliation and comfort.

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** HSWO is a nonprofit, United Way organization that promotes comprehensive hospice care services for the patient and their family. We continuously provide community and professional education to patients, professionals, and the families they serve in issues relating to care giving, terminal illness, spiritual comfort, loss and bereavement.

©2004 Hospice of Southwest Oklahoma