Our Code of EthicsThe ethical basis and legal issues that must be addressed regarding most end-of-life decisions pertinent to hospice and palliative care have been established by Hospice of Southwest Oklahoma’s Chief Executive Officer, Board of Directors, and Patient Care Management Team. Accepting and dealing with issues surrounding terminal illness, impending death, and forgoing or withdrawing life-sustaining interventions are actions common in hospice care. Our ethical belief is that the decision making process involves consideration of customs, traditions, values and beliefs that may not have been previously explored by those affected by the disease, including the physician. Thus, at Hospice of Southwest Oklahoma ethical issues in caring for patients with terminal illnesses are always considered sensitive; many patients, family members, loved ones, and physicians are not comfortable addressing end-of-life issues because of the perceived ethical complexity. Our hospice care team works with the patient’s physician to participate in appropriate discussions and applications of quality end-of-life care and consequently in providing appropriate, ethical, and patient-centered palliative care. At Hospice of Southwest Oklahoma, we bridge all gaps that exist between required and available hospice care services to implement the highest standard of excellence with equity and equality to all our patients across all areas of palliative care. Hospice Patient Bill of Rights Pertaining To Ethics 1. Considerate and respectful care, in line with the integrity of individuals and the dignity of personhood. 2. Participate in decisions concerning his/her Hospice care. 3. Retain unique individuality and not be judged for decisions which may be contrary to the beliefs of others. 4. Not be denied appropriate care on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, handicap, marital status or inability to pay. 5. Voice grievances or recommend changes in policy or service without restraint, interference, coercion, discrimination of reprisal. 6. 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. 7. Associate, communicate, and meet privately with other individuals unless to do so would infringe on the rights of other individuals. 8. Open own mail, unless patient authorizes a designated individual to do so. 9. Participate in activities of social, religious or community group. 10. Not be physically or mentally abused or exploited. 11. Not be physically or chemically restrained unless the restraint: a) 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 b) is authorized in writing by a physician for a limited and specified period of time. 12. 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.) 13. Manage his/her personal finances or authorize in writing an individual to assume said responsibilities. 14. Understand that the patient’s clinical records are confidential and may not be released without the patient and/or legal guardian’s written permission. 15. Inspect the patient’s clinical records maintained by the Hospice program. 16. Receive reasonable and appropriate information concerning his/her diagnosis, prognosis, treatments, and conditions in a language that can be understood.
18. Participate with the Hospice team in planning and delivering care and medical treatment. 19. Decline Hospice services after having received reasonable information. 20. Refuse treatment after the possible consequences of refusing treatment are fully explained. 21. Receive care that is sensitive to feelings and responsive to physical and emotional needs. 22. Maintain a sense of hopefulness however changing its focus may be. 23. Receive services provided by qualified and trained Hospice team members. 24. Expect appropriate continuity of care including bereavement services. 25. Expect the following services if admitted to a hospital or nursing home (by approval of Chief Executive Officer or Patient Care Coordinator) that has a contract with Hospice program: a) Receive visitors in a private area. b) Share a room with a spouse when possible. c) Have unrestricted visiting privileges. d) Retain personal clothing and possessions as space permits for health and safety reasons. 26. Not be transferred or discharged unless: a) The patient’s medical need requires transfer. b) The patient’s health and safety, or the health and safety of another individual, requires transfer or discharge. 27. Not be required to perform services for an employee or volunteer providing services. Top | Home | Ways To Help | Volunteering | Our Hospice Team | Hospice Education | Privacy Statement |Life's Reflections | Career Opportunities | Contact Us | Application for Services | Special Events
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