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Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Welcome to Oaklawn!

Whether you are a patient or visitor at Oaklawn, we are here to serve our number one priority – you.

Oaklawn is committed to providing care according to ethical and professional standards and doing so in a manner that exceeds your expectations as our patient.  Our mission is to provide personal, accessible, and high-quality care to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve.

The following statement of rights and responsibilities will help you understand what you can expect from us and, in turn, what we are counting on from you.  If at any time you or your advocate have questions, please ask!

Assuring Access to Care

You have the right to receive considerate, respectful, and medically necessary care in a safe setting and to not be discriminated against for any reason.  You have a right to receive care without abuse or harassment. You have the right to know the names and roles of everyone who cares for you.  You have the right to information about your diagnosis, treatment, and possible medical outcome in a language you understand.  You have the right to assistance with communication while receiving services at Oaklawn.  We encourage you to ask questions about procedures and treatments and their risks and benefits.  You are responsible for voicing these concerns or questions prior to consenting to your treatment plan. Except in emergency or life-threatening situations, you must sign a consent form for all major procedures; however, you have the right to change your mind and withdraw that permission at any time before the procedure.

If you are a Medicare beneficiary, you have the right to be informed if your stay is not covered and about your ability to appeal a premature discharge through the Important Message from Medicare Notice or the Medicare Outpatient Observation Notice.

Planning Your Care

You have the right to expect your doctor(s) to coordinate your care, with the help of the Oaklawn staff and other specialists as needed.  You have the right to be involved in planning and making informed decisions about your care, your discharge and any transfer or referral to another care provider.  You have the right to have your pain addressed. You have a responsibility to follow through with the agreed upon plan of care.

You have the right to include family or other representatives in making decisions regarding your care. If you wish for a representative or physician to be notified of your admission, Oaklawn staff will do this promptly when you make that request. You may have visitors you choose without discrimination. Occasionally, the organization will restrict visitors if the visitor becomes disruptive to care or if your medical condition, or theirs, could compromise others or yourself when the visitors are present.

You have the responsibility to provide a complete and accurate medical history and to report any changes in your condition or problems with your treatment. 

Refusing Treatment

You have the right to refuse any treatment or medications, as permitted by law.   Our staff will help you understand the possible medical and legal consequences of your refusal.  This information will also be documented in your medical record. You have the right to be free from restraint unless it becomes necessary to protect your safety or the safety of others. 

You are responsible for the consequences of your decisions including any resulting harm if you refuse treatment or choose to not follow the plan of care recommended by your physician. When your refusal compromises the physician’s ability to meet ethical and professional standards, the physician may choose to end the patient-physician relationship with you and will give you appropriate notice if that is going to happen.

Privacy and Confidentiality

You have the right to personal privacy and have your care discussed in a way to protect this right to the best of our ability.  Your medical records will be confidential and not disclosed without your permission except as is allowed or required by State and Federal law. You have a right to access your personal medical records within a timely manner.

You are responsible for being considerate of the rights of other patients and Oaklawn personnel and property. You are also responsible for your personal property brought into the organization. If you would like something secured during your stay, please notify Oaklawn staff.

Deciding Your Future

You have the right to have an Advance Directive or Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care.  This document expresses your wishes and choices about your future care and the name of an advocate who will make healthcare decisions for you if you are unable to do so.

If you have an Advance Directive, providing a copy to Oaklawn, your Advocate, your family and your physician will help assure your choices are followed.  If you do not have an Advance Directive, you are encouraged to discuss your wishes with your family and physician and to complete one. Patients unable to protect themselves have the right to have access to protective services, if appropriate.

Understanding Billing and Payment

You have the right to a full explanation of your Oaklawn bill and to information about financial assistance that may be available to assist you.  You are responsible for providing accurate and timely information about methods of payment for services provided and your ability to meet financial obligations.

Complaints, Questions or Concerns

You have the right to be informed of, and a responsibility to follow, Oaklawn policies and practices related to patient care, treatment, and responsibilities.  You have the right to be informed of available resources for resolving complaints, conflicts, and ethical issues. 

You are responsible for telling us when you are not satisfied with the care or services provided or when you have concerns related to ethics and your healthcare. If you need help understanding your rights and responsibilities, please ask your caregivers. If issues remain, please contact the Oaklawn nursing department during normal business hours (269-789-3908), or the house nursing supervisor during other times (269-789-3926). If your concern is not resolved, you will be referred to the Patient Advocate (269-789-8286) or the Privacy Officer (269-789-4399).

If your concern is not resolved through Oaklawn, you may file a complaint via:    

Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Bureau

Health Systems Complaint and Investigations Section

P.O. Box 30664

Lansing, MI  48909

(800) 882-6006

        –or–

DNV Healthcare USA Inc.

Attn: Hospital Complaints

4435 Aicholtz Road, Suite 900

Cincinnati, OH 45245

Phone: 866-496-9647

Email: hospitalcomplaint@dnv.com

        –or–

Livanta, LLC / BFCC-QIO Program

10820 Guilford Rd., Suite 202

Annapolis Junction, MD 20701-1105

(888) 524-9900

TTY (888) 985-8775

Oaklawn complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

ATENCIÓN:  si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística.

 Llame al 1-800-523-1786 (TTY: 711).

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1/25/2023