What Are my Rights as a Patient?
Federal law requires
that all individuals receiving home care services be informed of their rights as
a patient.
As a home care patient you have the right to:
- be fully informed of all your rights and responsibilities by the home
care agency;
- appropriate and professional care in accordance with physician orders;
- receive a timely response from the agency to your request for service;
- receive information necessary to give informed consent prior to the
start of any treatment or procedure;
- be advised of any change in the plan of care, before the change is made;
- refuse treatment within the confines of the law and to be informed of
the consequences of your action;
- be informed of your rights to formulate advanced directives;
- have your health care provider comply with advance directives in
accordance with state law;
- be informed within reasonable time of anticipated termination of service
or plans for transfer to another agency;
- be fully informed of agency policies and charges for services, including
eligibility for third-party reimbursements;
- voice grievances and suggest changes in service or staff without fear of
restraint or discrimination;
- a fair hearing if you service has been denied, reduced, or terminated;
- information concerning the fair hearing procedure;
- be informed of what to do in the event of an emergency; and
- be advised of the telephone number and hours of operation of the state's
home health hot line, which receives questions and complaints about
Medicare-certified and state-licensed home care agencies.