Patient and Family Rights

Children’s is dedicated to providing quality health care, respecting the rights of each patient and family and recognizing each patient’s personal dignity. We want you to know that you have the right:

• To receive the care you ask for and need, if we are able to provide it, or to have us tell you if it is necessary to transfer your child somewhere else to receive the care your child needs.
• To know and understand what your rights are at all times. A copy of the Notice of Privacy Practices describing your rights to privacy and confidentiality will be given to you. You have the right to have an interpreter, if needed.
• To take part in the development of your child’s plan of care and in carrying it out. We will provide you with advice and support. We respect your views as you and your child make treatment decisions.
• To make decisions about care after being fully informed about your child’s condition, and the risks and benefits of proposed treatments and other treatment options. You will be informed about expected and unexpected treatments and outcomes. You have the right to request or refuse treatment. You have the right to participate in resolving ethical questions about these care decisions. We offer the support of the Ethics Consultation Service at x3201, free of charge, if you would like any help making care decisions. We will offer investigational research treatments when appropriate.
• For patients 18 years of age and older and for minors permitted by law to consent on their own, you have the right to make medical treatment decisions for yourself. You have the right to plan for your future medical care by expressing preferences in advance directives. You have the right to have the hospital follow those directives.
• To have medical records and other information kept confidential. You have the right to review your child’s medical record with a staff member present. You have the right to add your comments to the record. You have the right to request a copy of the record. You may restrict disclosure of the record as allowed by Federal Law. You have the right to a record of the disclosures of the record to others.
• To receive information about pain relief and have us effectively assess and manage pain.
• To receive information and access to services such as guardianship, child and adult protective services and others (for persons unable to take care of themselves or who are victims of violence, abuse or neglect).
• To have a family member, other person and your doctor notified promptly if you are admitted to the hospital. You have the right to assign the role of patient representative to any person you want to receive your health information.
• To have the hospital respect your personal privacy, religious and cultural views.
• To receive care in a safe setting that is free of all forms of abuse or harassment.
• To be free of restraints or seclusion unless medically necessary or in any emergency to protect the safety of the patient or others.
• To talk to someone if you have any questions, concerns or problems and have us respond. Please talk to your doctor, nurse or another hospital employee first. If you are not satisfied or have additional concerns, please contact Customer Relations at x5056. If you are still not satisfied with the response from Customer Relations, you may file a formal complaint, called a grievance, and receive a written response from Children’s. To do this, contact Family Services at x3070.

Whether or not you make a complaint to the hospital, you may contact the DC Department of Health, Health Regulation Administration, 825 North Capitol Street, NE, Washington, DC, 20002, call 202-442-5833, or fax 202-442-9431.

Patient and Family Responsibilities

As a parent or legal guardian of a patient or as an adult patient, the following are your responsibilities:

• Give full information about your child’s or your condition, past illnesses and medicines. Work with the hospital staff for your child’s or your care. We need you to do your best to follow your doctor’s instructions. Please ask any questions that you have about your child’s or your care/condition.
• Tell us if you do not understand something about your child’s or your care.
• Let us know if you need an interpreter.
• Tell us about any risks you think there may be in your child’s or your care. Also tell us about any changes in your child’s or your condition.
• Follow the care service or treatment plan. Tell us if you have any concern about the plan of care. Help us to be sure that safe care is delivered to your child or you.
• Respect the rights of others. Follow the hospital’s rules about patient care and personal conduct.
• Show respect for the hospital’s staff and property.
• Give us complete information so the hospital can file insurance claims. Tell us if you need advice about how to pay your child’s or your hospital bill.