Patient Rights & Responsibilities

As a patient of DULANEY EYE INSTITUTE, you are assured of the following patient rights and responsibilities.

PATIENT’S RIGHTS

  1. Patients have the right to change providers if other qualified providers are available or leave the center even against the advice of physicians. Should a patient request a change in provider, a list of qualified physicians credentialed at the surgical center will be provided. Any appointment or procedure with the current provider will be canceled and rescheduled at a time convenient to the patient.
  2. Patients shall be able to exercise these rights without regard to sex or cultural, educational, or religious background or the source of payment for his/her care.
  3. Patients are treated with respect, consideration, and dignity. Patients will receive treatment free of all forms of abuse and harassment.
  4. Patients are provided appropriate privacy and care in a safe setting.
  5. Patient disclosures and records are treated confidentially, and except when required by law, patients are given the opportunity to approve or refuse their release. Patients have the right to review and copy their medical record and request that the facility changes their record if it is not accurate, relevant, or complete. The center will comply with the HIPAA health information privacy rule.
  6. Patients are provided with complete information regarding their diagnosis, evaluation, treatment options and prognosis. Patients are given the opportunity to participate in decisions regarding their health care, except when such participation is contraindicated for medical reasons.
  7. Patients have the right to leave the center even against the advice of physicians.
  8. Patients have the right to refuse to participate in experimental research.
  9. Patients have the right to effective pain management, which includes physical, social, psychological and spiritual pain management in their care.
  10. Information is readily available to patients and staff concerning:
    a. patient conduct and responsibilities;
    b. fees for services and payment policies;
    c. advanced directives, as required by state or federal law and regulations;
    d. provisions for after-hours and emergency care;
    e. and disclosure of ownership.
  11. Patients have the right to a fair, fast, and objective review of any complaint they may have. This includes complaints about waiting times, operating hours, the conduct of healthcare personnel, and the adequacy of the facility. The procedure for expressing suggestions and grievances will be explained to the patient.
    Complaints can also be reported to:

    Maryland Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene
    Spring Grove Center/Bland Bryant Building
    55 Wade Avenue
    Catonsville, Maryland 21228
    www.dhmh.maryland.gov/ohcqCMS at www.cms.hhs.gov/center/ombudsman.asp

    Robert Lacava Administrator
    office: 410-583-1000 |  fax: 410-5834718
    www.dulaneyeye.com  (contact us)

  12. Patients have the right to be fully informed about the treatment or procedure and the expected outcomes before it is performed.
  13. Patients have the right to exercise his or her rights without being subjected to discrimination or reprisal.

PATIENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

The patient has the responsibility to:

  1. Provide accurate and complete information concerning his/her present condition or complaints, past medical history, and other matters about his/her health, including but not limited to over the counter medications and dietary supplements, and any allergies or sensitivities.
  2. Discuss expectations regarding pain and pain management. Discuss pain relief options with your doctor and nurses. Ask for pain relief when pain first begins. Help the doctor and nurses assess your pain. Tell the doctor or nurse if your pain is not relieved and tell your doctor or nurse about any worries you have about taking pain medications.
  3. The patient is responsible for making it known whether he/she clearly comprehends the course of his/her medical treatment and what is expected of him/her.
  4. The patient is responsible for following the treatment plan established by his/her physician, including the instructions of nurses and other health professionals as they carry out the physician’s orders.
  5. The patient is responsible for keeping appointments and for notifying the facility or physician when he/she is unable to do so.
  6. The patient is responsible for his/her actions should he/she refuse treatment or not follow his/her physician’s orders.
  7. The patient is responsible for assuring that the financial obligations of his/her care are fulfilled as promptly as possible.
  8. The patient is responsible for following facility policies and procedures, including providing a responsible adult to transport him/her home following a surgical procedure and remaining with him/her for 24 hours.
  9. The patient is responsible for being considerate of the rights of other patients and facility personnel.
  10. The patient is responsible for being respectful of his/her personal property and that of other persons in the facility.