We at Harris Methodist Southlake Center for Diagnostics & Surgery believe that the protection and support of the basic human rights of freedom of expression, decision and action are important to the healing and well being of our patients. Therefore, we strive to treat patients with respect and with full recognition of human dignity. Decisions regarding health care treatment will not be based on race, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, or sources of payment. As a patient of Harris Methodist Southlake Center for Diagnostics & Surgery:
A. You have the right to a reasonable response to your request and need for treatment or
service, within the hospital’s capacity, its stated mission, and applicable laws and
regulations.
B. You have the right to be informed about which physicians, nurses and other health care
professionals are responsible for your care.
C. You have the right to the information necessary for you to make informed decisions, in
consultation with your physician, about your medical care including information about your
diagnosis, the proposed care and your prognosis in terms that you can understand before
the start of your care. You also have the right to take part in developing and carrying out
your plan of care.
D. You have the right to consent to refuse medical care, to the extent permitted by law, and to
be told of the risks of not having treatment and other treatments which may be available.
E. You have the right to reasonable access to care.
F. You have the right to care that is considerate and respectful of your personal values and
beliefs. The hospital strives to be considerate of the ethnic, cultural, psychosocial, and
spiritual needs of each patient and family. The hospital acknowledges that care of the dying
patient includes care with dignity and respect, management of pain, and consideration for
patient’s and family’s expression of grief.
G. You have the right to have your family take part in your care decisions with your
permission.
H. You have the right, to the extent permitted by law, to have your legal guardian, next of kin,
or a surrogate decision maker appointed to make medical decisions on your behalf in the
event you become unable to understand a proposed treatment or procedure, are unable to
express your wishes regarding your care, or you are a minor. The person appointed has the
right, to the extent permitted by law, to exercise your rights as a patient on your behalf.
I. You and your appointed representative have the right to take part in ethical questions that
arise during your care.
J. You have the right to communicate with family, friends, and others while you are a patient
in the hospital unless restrictions are needed for therapeutic effectiveness.
K. You and your legal representative have the right to access the information contained in
your medical record in a timely manner subject to state and federal law.
L. You may request an explanation of your hospital bill, even if you will not be paying for
your care.
M. You have the right to issue advance directives and to have doctors at the hospital and
hospital staff follow your directives in accordance with state and federal law.
N. You have the right to personal privacy and for your medical information to be kept
confidential within the limits of the law.
O. You have the right to receive care in a safe setting. You will be informed about results
of care including those that differ significantly from what was expected.
P. You have the right to be free from abuse or harassment.
Q. You have the right to be free from restraints that are not medically necessary; restraints
include physical restraints and medications.
R. You have the right to be free from seclusion and restraints for behavior management
except in emergencies as needed for your safety when less restrictive means may have
been ineffective.
S. You have the right to consent or refuse to take part in any human research or other
educational project affecting your care. You also have the right to be given information
about the expected benefits and risks of any research you choose to take part in and any
alternative treatment that might benefit you. Refusing to take part in the research or
project will in no way affect your care.
T. You have the right to have your pain assessed and managed properly and to receive
information about pain and pain relief measures.
U. You have the right to obtain information concerning the relationship of the hospital to other
health care facilities as they relate to your care.
V. You have the right to submit a complaint to the hospital regarding your care or regarding
any belief you have that you are being discharged too soon. Your care will not be affected
by submitting a complaint. The steps for doing so are at the end of this statement.
II. YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS A PATIENT
Your contribution to your health care is vital, and you can be involved in the health care process by fulfilling certain responsibilities. As a patient, it is your responsibility to:
A. Provide correct, complete information about your medical condition and any past or
current medical treatment.
B. Follow the treatment plan recommended by your physician and other health care
professionals. If your choose not to follow your treatment plan, you are responsible.
C. Discuss with your doctor and nurse what to expect regarding pain and pain management
relating to your illness, including:
1. Options for pain relief,
2. Potential limitations and side effects of treatment for pain, and
3. Any concerns you have about taking pain medicines. It is your responsibility to ask for pain relief when pain begins and to tell your doctor or nurse if your pain is not relieved.
D. Be considerate of other patients and hospital employees.
E. Follow hospital rules regarding the conduct of patients.
F. See that payment of charges for your health care services are paid as promptly as
possible. If a third party is paying these charges, you can assist the payment process by
providing complete and correct financial and insurance information.
III. PROBLEM RESOLUTION
A. Federal law gives every hospital patient the right to be informed of how to submit a
complaint to the hospital relating to his/her care or relating to the belief that he/she is
being discharged from the hospital prematurely. Each patient has the right to be informed
of how the complaint will be considered including the response and resolution process
developed by the hospital. The complaint resolution process is part of the hospital’s
confidential Quality Improvement Program.
B. An issue can be addressed most promptly by speaking with your nurse or another health
care professional involved in your care. However, if you feel an issue is not being
addressed appropriately, or if you need additional assistance, please contact our Quality
Coordinator, Privacy Officer or Chief Nursing Officer at 817-748-8700 if you feel that your
issue is not being resolved or being addressed by the hospital, you may also phone or write
the Texas Department of Health, Health Facility Compliance Division, 1100 West 49th
Street, Austin, Texas 78756 (1-888-973-0022) to ask questions or report a complaint.