AHN Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Overview Statement

This policy applies to the AHN entities and individuals outlined in the policy applicability section below.

Allegheny Health Network (AHN) wants patients, and their family members (as defined by the patient) or guardians, to know their rights under federal and Pennsylvania state law as soon as possible during a hospital stay.  AHN is committed to honoring patient's rights and wants each patient to know that by playing an active role in their healthcare, they can help our caregivers better meet their needs and those of their family members. Additionally, we ask our patients and their families to share in specific responsibilities that will allow AHN to deliver high quality, compassionate care.

The following Patient Rights & Responsibilities have been established to provide support and structure to patients and their families.

1. To increase awareness of the AHN staff, physicians and patients of their shared rights and responsibilities.
2. To encourage a cooperative team effort between AHN staff and patients during a patient's care and treatment.
3. To support and adhere to the standards set forth by accrediting agencies.
4. To define how AHN will share patient rights and responsibilities with our patients and/or their family members.

Terms and Definitions

Patient rights – entitlements resulting in requirements, which AHN must fulfill.

Patient responsibilities – obligations of an individual while a patient of Allegheny Health Network.

HAP – Hospital & Health System Association of Pennsylvania.

Administration

1. The Statement of Patient Rights and Responsibilities applies to the entire patient population. When the patient is a minor or is incompetent, a parent or guardian or designated/legal representative will have both the right and responsibility to be involved in the patient's care and treatment. Patients will be informed of their rights and responsibilities at the earliest possible moment in the course of their treatment.
2. Copies of patient's right and responsibilities are displayed in the inpatient and outpatient registration areas of the hospitals and freestanding outpatient sites. All inpatients will receive a copy of their rights and responsibilities at the time of registration or admission. Patient rights and responsibility brochures will be visible and available to patients at each visit.
3. All AHN locations which are licensed as acute care will use The Statement of Patient Rights & Responsibilities approved by HAP. The HAP brochure may be purchased and directly used or the information in the brochure may be reproduced and used as long as HAP is credited in the document as follows: reprinted with the permission of the Hospital & Health System Association of Pennsylvania.
4. Ambulatory surgery facilities include patient rights and responsibilities statements in preadmission packages and additionally post patient rights and responsibilities statements throughout the facilities.
5. The Patient Representative will offer assistance to anyone having questions regarding The Statement of Patient Rights and Responsibilities.

Procedures:

Patient Rights

As a patient you have the right to receive care without discrimination due to age, sex, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, income, education, national origin, ancestry, marital status, culture, language, disability, gender identity, or who will pay your bill. As our patient, you have the right to safe, respectful, and dignified care at all times. You will receive services and care that are medically suggested and within the hospital's services, its stated mission, and required laws and regulations.

A. Communication: You have the right to:

1. Have a family member, as defined by the patient, or another person that you choose, or your doctor notified when