Rockbridge Area Hospice Patient Rights & Responsibilities 

PURPOSE
The patient has the right to be informed of his or her rights, and the hospice must protect and promote the exercise of these rights.

PROCEDURES

1. Notice of Rights and responsibilities.
   1. During the initial assessment visit in advance of furnishing care the hospice must provide the patient or representative with verbal (meaning spoken) and written notice of the patient's rights and responsibilities in a language and manner that the patient understands. The review shall be documented in the patient's record.
   2. RAH must comply with the requirements regarding advance directives. RAH must inform and distribute written information to the patient concerning its policies on advance directives and Durable Do Not Resuscitate Order information, including a description of applicable state law prior to the start of services.
   3. The hospice must obtain the patient's or representative's signature confirming that he or she has received a copy of the notice of rights and responsibilities.
2. Exercise of rights and respect for property and person:
   1. The patient has the right:

i) To exercise his or her rights as a patient of the hospice; ii) Treated with courtesy, consideration, and respect; iii) To have his or her property treated with respect; iv) Assured the right to privacy;
v) Assured confidential treatment of his or her medical and financial records as provided by law; vi) Free from mental and physical abuse and property exploitation;
vii) Assured the right to participate in the planning of his/her care, including appropriate assessment and management of pain and the right to refuse services; viii) Served by individuals who are properly trained and competent to perform their duties;
ix)       Assured the right to voice grievances and complaints related to RAH services without fear of reprisal;
 
x)         To voice grievances regarding treatment or care that is (or fails to be) furnished and the lack of respect for property by anyone who is furnishing services on behalf of hospice; xi) To not be subjected to discrimination or reprisal for exercising his or her rights; and xii) Advised, before care is initiated, of the extent to which payment for services may be expected from federal or state programs, and the extent to which payment may be required from the patient.

1. If a patient has been adjudged incompetent under state law by a court of proper jurisdiction, the rights of the patient are exercised by the person appointed pursuant to state law to act on the patient's behalf.
2. If a state court has not adjudged a patient incompetent, any legal representative designated by the patient in accordance with state law may exercise the patient's rights to the extent allowed by state law.
3. The hospice must:

​i)          Ensure that all alleged violations involving mistreatment, neglect, or verbal, mental, sexual, and physical abuse, including injuries of unknown source, and misappropriation of patient property by anyone furnishing services on behalf of the hospice, are reported immediately by hospice employees and contracted staff to the hospice administrator;
ii)        Immediately (within 24 hours) investigate alleged violations involving anyone furnishing services on behalf of the hospice and immediately take action to prevent further potential violations while the alleged violation is being verified. Investigations and/or documentation of all alleged violations must be conducted in accordance with established procedures;

iii)       Take appropriate corrective action in accordance with state law if the alleged violation is verified by the hospice administration or an outside body having jurisdiction, such as the State survey agency or local law enforcement; and
​iv)       Ensure that verified violations are reported to State and local bodies having jurisdiction (including to the State survey and certification agency) within five (5) working days of becoming aware of the violation.
v)        Give five (5) days oral and written notice when the hospice program determines to terminate services.
vi)       Advise orally and in writing of any changes in fees for services that are the patient's responsibility. RAH shall advise the patient of these changes as soon as possible but no later than 30 calendar days from the date RAH became aware of the change.

C) The patient has the right to the following:

1. Receive effective pain management and symptom control from the hospice for conditions related to the terminal illness;
2. Be involved in developing his or her hospice Plan of Care;
3. Refuse care or treatment;
4. Choose his or her attending physician;
5. Have a confidential clinical record. Access to or release of patient information and clinical records is permitted in accordance to HIPPA requirements;
6. Be free from mistreatment, neglect, or verbal, mental, sexual, and physical abuse, including injuries of unknown source, and misappropriation of patient property;
7. Receive information about services covered under the hospice benefit;
8. Receive information about the scope of services that the hospice will provide and specific limitations on those services. The type and frequency of service or services to be delivered, the purpose of the service or services, and the name of the individual supervising the service or services;
9. Any anticipated effects of treatment, as applicable;
10. A schedule of charges for services;
11. The method of billing and payment for services, including the services to be billed to third party payers, the extent to which payment may be expected from third party payers known to the hospice program, and services that may not be covered by third party payers;
12. The charges that the individual may have to pay;
13. The requirements of notice for cancellation or reduction in services by the hospice program and the patient;
14. The refund policies of RAH.

 
As a patient of this hospice. you have the responsibility:
To participate in developing and implementing your plan of care and revising it as necessary.
To provide the hospice team with complete and accurate information about your health status and symptoms.
To ask for pain relief, help your nurse assess your pain and report if your pain is not relieved.
To promptly report any changes in your condition, level of pain, or adverse reaction to medication or other treatments.
To assist hospice staff in providing and maintaining a safe environment in which care can be provided. 
To inform hospice staff of the existence of any Advance Directives and Do Not Resuscitate Order and any changes made to them.
To remain under a doctor's care while receiving hospice services.
To advise hospice staff of any problems or dissatisfaction with the care / services provided. 
To have a Power of Attorney and plan for caregivers in the home as determined necessary.