should refer to the Patients Bill of Rights and
Responsibilities (an enclosure to BUMEDINST
6300.10) and the Accreditation Manual for Hospitals
published by the JCAHO.
PATIENTS RIGHTS
The following are the patients rights:
Medical Care and Dental CareA patient has
the right to quality care and treatment consistent
with available resources and generally accepted
standards. The patient has the right to refuse
treatment to the extent permitted by law and
government regulations. However, the patient
should be informed of the consequences of
refusal.
Respectful TreatmentA patient has the right
to considerate and respectful care, with
recognition of his personal dignity.
Privacy and ConfidentialityA patient,
within law and military regulations, is entitled to
privacy and confidentiality concerning medical
care.
IdentityA patient has the right to know, at all
times, the identity, professional status, and
professional credentials of healthcare personnel,
as well as the name of the healthcare provider
primarily responsible for his care.
Explanation of CareA patient has the right to
an explanation concerning his diagnosis,
treatment, procedures, and prognosis of illness
in terms the patient can understand.
Informed ConsentA patient has the right to
be advised in nonclinical terms of information
needed to make knowledgeable decisions on
consent or refusal of treatments.
Such
information should include significant
complications, risks, benefits, and alternative
treatments available.
Research ProjectsA patient has the right to
be advised if the facility proposes to engage in or
perform research associated with his care or
treatment. The patient has the right to refuse to
participate in any research projects.
Safe EnvironmentA patient has the right to
care and treatment in a safe environment.
Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) or Dental
Treatment Facility (DTF) Rules and
RegulationsA patient has the right to be
informed of the facilitys rules and regulations
that relate to patient or visitor conduct. The
patient is entitled to information for the
initiation, review, and resolution of patient
complaints.
PATIENTS RESPONSIBILITIES
The following are the patients responsibilities:
Providing InformationA patient has the
responsibility to provide, to the best of his
knowledge, accurate and complete information
about complaints, past illnesses, hospitaliz-
ations, medications, and other matters relating to
his personal health.
Respect and ConsiderationA patient has the
responsibility to be considerate of the rights of
other patients and MTF or DTF healthcare
personnel, and to assist in the control of noise,
smoking, and the number of visitors. The patient
is responsible for being respectful of the
property of other persons and of the facility.
Compliance with Medical CareA patient is
responsible for complying with the medical and
nursing treatment plan, including followup care
recommended by healthcare providers.
Medical RecordsA patient is responsible for
ensuring that medical records are promptly
returned to the medical facility for appropriate
filing and maintenance when those records are
transported by the patient for the purpose of
medical appointments or consultation, etc.
MTF and DTF Rules and RegulationsA
patient is responsible for following the MTF or
DTF rules and regulations affecting patient
care.
Reporting of Patient ComplaintsApatient is
responsible for helping the MTF or DTF
commander provide the best possible care to all
beneficiaries. The patients recommendations,
questions, or complaints should be reported to
the patient contact representative.
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