Patient and Family Rights
Family-centered care at Children’s National Medical Center means you and your child have rights and responsibilities. We listen and communicate with you about every stage of your child’s care, and support an honest, open dialog between you and all members of our team, including the doctors, nurses, and support staff. We aim to provide culturally sensitive care, respect your privacy, and educate you to make informed decisions about your child’s care.
As the parent of a patient, we ask that you communicate to all staff, visitors, and other families, in a respectful and courteous manner. For the benefit of your child’s care, inform the healthcare team about your child’s condition, past illnesses, and medicines, and follow the doctor’s instructions and treatment plan.
The full text of Children’s Patient and Family Rights and Responsibilities and the Notice of Privacy Practices can be requested from the Welcome Desk or found at
www.ChildrensNational.org/Visiting/PatientFamilyRights.
We Want to Hear from Parents and Patients
We value your feedback and appreciate comments about your experience with Children’s National Medical Center. During your stay, communicate with your child’s care team about any special concerns or requests. If a member in your child’s unit is unable to respond to questions or assist you, please ask to speak with a manager. Additional resources at the hospital:
- The Consumer Affairs/Ombudsman department has staff available to help you and listen to concerns. They can be reached at 202-476-5056 or 202-476-2062. If you are still unsatisfied with the response, you may file a verbal or written complaint with the department. You will receive a written response.
- Additionally, you may contact the District of Columbia Department of Health Licensing Regulation Administration at 899 North Capitol Street, NE, second floor, Washington, DC 20002. Phone the department at 202-442-5833, or send a fax to 202-442-9431.
- Or you may contact The Joint Commission, Office of Quality Monitoring at 1 Renaissance Blvd., Oak Brook Terrace, Illinois 60181. Call toll free at 1-800-994-6610, or send a fax to 630-792-5636.
Patient/Family Satisfaction Survey
Children’s National works with an independent company to learn about the care patients and families received at the hospital. After your child’s
discharge from the hospital, you may receive a written survey in the mail. The survey asks you questions about the quality of care, and how the care team treated you and your child during your child’s hospital stay.
If you receive a copy of the survey, please fill it out and mail it in with the stamped envelope provided. Your responses to this survey help us understand what we are doing right and how we can improve our patient and family care and services.
