Patient Rights & Responsibilities
At Methodist Hospital for Surgery, we are committed to respecting your rights and working together to ensure the best possible care. Understanding your rights and responsibilities helps create a partnership in your healthcare.
Our Commitment to You
Methodist Hospital for Surgery is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality medical care while respecting your individual needs, preferences, and values. This document outlines your rights as a patient and what we ask of you to ensure the best possible care.
These rights and responsibilities are based on guidelines from The Joint Commission, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and Texas state law. They apply to all patients regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, language, physical or mental disability, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.
Your Rights as a Patient
Quality Medical Care
You have the right to receive considerate, respectful, and compassionate care regardless of your age, gender, race, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disabilities.
Information & Communication
You have the right to receive information about your health status, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment in terms you can understand.
Informed Consent
You have the right to participate in decisions about your care and to give or withhold informed consent for procedures and treatments.
Privacy & Confidentiality
You have the right to privacy and confidentiality of your medical records and healthcare information in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
Pain Management
You have the right to appropriate assessment and management of pain with compassionate and effective treatment.
Advance Directives
You have the right to formulate advance directives and have hospital staff comply with these directives in accordance with law and policy.
Refuse Treatment
You have the right to refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law and to be informed of the medical consequences of your actions.
Access to Records
You have the right to access your medical records within a reasonable time frame and to request amendments if needed.
Additional Rights Include:
- Right to be free from restraints and seclusion
- Right to have a family member or representative notified
- Right to voice grievances without fear of retaliation
- Right to have an interpreter if needed
- Right to religious and spiritual services
- Right to be informed of hospital policies
Your Responsibilities as a Patient
Your active participation in your care helps us provide you with the best possible outcomes.
Provide Accurate Information
Provide complete and accurate information about your health, medications, allergies, and medical history.
Ask Questions
Ask questions when you don't understand information or instructions about your care.
Follow Treatment Plans
Follow the treatment plan recommended by your healthcare team or inform them if you cannot.
Respect Others
Be considerate of other patients, visitors, and hospital staff. Follow hospital rules and regulations.
Financial Obligations
Provide insurance information and work with us to meet your financial responsibilities for your care.
Keep Appointments
Keep scheduled appointments or notify us promptly if you need to cancel or reschedule.
Notice of Privacy Practices
Methodist Hospital for Surgery is committed to protecting your medical information. We are required by law to:
- Maintain the privacy of your protected health information
- Provide you with notice of our legal duties and privacy practices
- Follow the terms of our Notice of Privacy Practices
- Notify you if there is a breach of your unsecured health information
Patient Advocate
Our Patient Advocate is here to help address your concerns, answer questions about your rights, and ensure you receive the best possible care experience.
The Patient Advocate Can Help With:
- Understanding your rights
- Resolving concerns or complaints
- Communication with your care team
- Advance directive assistance
Reporting Concerns
If you have concerns about patient care or safety that have not been addressed, you may also contact:
The Joint Commission
Online: www.jointcommission.org
Phone: 1-800-994-6610
Texas Department of State Health Services
Phone: 1-888-973-0022
Email: hfc.complaints@dshs.texas.gov