Patient's Bill of Rights for Hospitals

The Department of Health's Patients' Bill of Rights is a list of Rights for patients receiving medical care in hospitals in New York, which may be found at: http://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/patients/patient_rights/

Patients should expect to receive fair treatment and autonomy over their own medical decisions. Below are the Patients' Bill of Rights that links to additional information on the subject, related publications and/or contact information.

For details on Public Health Law, click link below, select "Laws" tab, then select PBH Public Health:

http://public.leginfo.state.ny.us/navigate.cgi

For NYCRR Title 10 Health Regulations, click:

https://regs.health.ny.gov/

Right #1

You have a right to understand and use these rights. If for any reason you do not understand or you need help, the hospital MUST provide assistance, including an interpreter.

Right #2

You have a right to receive treatment without discrimination as to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, source of payment, or age.

Right #3

You have a right to receive considerate and respectful care in a clean and safe environment free of unnecessary restraints.

Right #4

You have a right to receive emergency care if you need it.

Right #5

You have the right to be informed of the name and position of the doctor who will be in charge of your care in the hospital.

Right #6

You have a right to know the names, positions and functions of any hospital staff involved in your care and refuse their treatment, examination or observation.

Right #7

You have a right to identify a caregiver who will be included in your discharge planning and sharing of post-discharge care information or instruction.

Right #8

You have a right to receive complete information about your diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Right #9

You have a right to receive all the information that you need to give informed consent for any proposed procedure or treatment. This information shall include the possible risks and benefits of the procedure or treatment.

Right #10

You have a right to receive all the information you need to give informed consent for an order not to resuscitate. You also have the right to designate an individual to give this consent for you if you are too ill to do so.
If you would like additional information, please ask for a copy of the pamphlet "Deciding About Health Care – A Guide for Patients and Families."

Right #11

You have a right to refuse treatment and be told what effect this may have on your health.

Right #12

You have a right to refuse to take part in research. In deciding whether or not to participate, you have the right to a full explanation.

Right #13

You have a right to privacy while in the hospital and confidentiality of all information and records regarding your care.

Right #14

You have a right to participate in all decisions about your treatment and discharge from the hospital. The hospital must provide you with a written discharge plan and written description of how you can appeal your discharge.

Right #15

You have a right to review your medical record without charge and, obtain a copy of your medical record for which the hospital can charge a reasonable fee. You cannot be denied a copy solely because you cannot afford to pay.

Right #16

You have a right to receive an itemized bill and explanation of all charges.

Right #17

You have a right to view a list of the hospital's standard charges for items and services and the health plans the hospital participates with.

Right #18

You have a right to challenge an unexpected bill through the Independent Dispute Resolution process.

Right #19

You have a right to complain without fear of reprisals about the care and services you are receiving and to have the hospital respond to you and if you request it, a written response.

Right #20

You have a right to authorize those family members and other adults who will be given priority to visit consistent with your ability to receive visitors.

Right #21

You have a right to make known your wishes in regard to anatomical gifts. Persons sixteen years of age or older may document their consent to donate their organs, eyes and/or tissues, upon their death, by enrolling in the NYS Donate Life Registry or by documenting their authorization for organ and/or tissue donation in writing in a number of ways (such as a health care proxy, will, donor card, or other signed paper). The health care proxy is available from the hospital.

Revised February 2019