Patient Rights

Patients Have the Right:

To voice complaints about your care, and to have those complaints reviewed and, when possible, resolved. You have the right:

To reasonable access to the medical resources at Singing River Surgery Center, without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, or financial status.
To considerate, respectful, compassionate care that recognizes your personal values and beliefs.
To be informed about and to participate in decisions regarding your care, including the refusal of treatment.
To be involved in all aspects of care and to be allowed to participate in the care and to designate another person to act in your behalf.
To be informed about Advance Directives that would allow you to make your own healthcare decisions for the future and to have your chosen representative exercise these rights for you if you are not able to do so. However, regardless of any Advance Directive formulated by a patient, it is policy of Singing River Surgery Center to resuscitate and transfer patients to a nearby hospital. Any patient who presents an Advance Directive or who indicates a desire to prepare an Advance Directive will be informed of this policy, and as appropriate, provided available literature.
To refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law and to be informed of the medical consequences of your action.
To have clinical and educational information about your treatment in language and terms that you understand.
To change their provider if other qualified providers are available.
To speak directly and address concerns with a representative of the Center or directly to the Administrator. You also have the right to contact the Alabama Department of Public Health at 800-356-9596 or the Medicare Ombudsman at the Alabama State Health Insurance Assistance Program by telephone at 800-243-5463 or through the CMS website.
To have access to communicate with organizational leaders if an ethical, cultural, or spiritual dilemma presents itself.
To information about any research activities that involve your treatment, including benefits and risks, procedures involved, and alternative treatments.
To security, privacy, and confidentiality in all patient care areas as you undergo tests or treatment.
To know who is responsible for providing your immediate, direct care.
To information about the financial aspects of services and alternative choices.
To be supported in accessing protective services when requested.
To appropriate pain assessment and management of pain. While pain can be a common part of the patient experience, unrelieved pain can have adverse physical and psychological effects. All patients will be assessed for pain on admission and throughout their stay. Patients should not hesitate to ask for medication to ease pain when it first begins or increases.

Patients Have the Responsibility:

As a patient, you have the responsibility:

To give your doctor and Singing River Surgery Center staff complete and accurate information about your condition and care, including the reporting of unexpected changes in your condition to your physician and nurse.
To provide complete and accurate information to the best of his/her ability about his/her health, any medications taken, including over the counter products and dietary supplements, and any allergies or sensitivities.
To advise your nurse, physician, or other caregiver if you do not understand the treatment course or decisions about your care.
To follow the orders and instructions given by your doctor and instructions given by the staff for your care, including keeping follow-up appointments after discharge.
To report unexpected changes in your condition to your physician and nurse.
To show consideration for other patients by following all rules and instructions pertaining to smoking, visitors, noise, and general conduct.
To accept the financial obligations associated with your care.
To be considerate of staff members who are caring for you. A mutual spirit of respect and cooperation allows us to serve you best.
To provide a responsible adult to remain with the patient while in the facility and to transport him/her home.
To provide a responsible adult to remain with him/her for twenty-four (24) hours, if required by his/her provider.