Patient's Bill of Rights

  1. The right to impartial access to medical care, treatment, and inpatient accommodations regardless of race, creed, sex, national origin, religion, or sources of payment for care.
  2. The right to considerate and respectful care.
  3. The right to personal and informational privacy. Patients may:
  • Refuse to see or talk with any persons not directly involved in their medical care.
  • Wear appropriate personal clothing and religious or other symbolic items that do not interfere with diagnostic procedures or treatment.
  • Request that a person of one’s own sex be present during an examination, treatment, or procedure performed by a health professional of the opposite sex.
  • Remain disrobed no longer than required to accomplish a specific medical purpose.
  • Insist that discussion or consultation of the patient’s medical care be conducted discreetly. Request transfer to another room if one is available.
  1. The right to reasonably informed participation in and consent to their health care program. Patients should receive a clear and concise explanation of their condition and proposed technical procedures. Except in emergency situations, patients will not be subjected to any procedure without their voluntary, competent, and understanding consent or that of a legally authorized representative.
  2. The right to obtain from the attending physician any current information regarding diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis that the patient can reasonably be expected to understand.
  3. The right to consult with a specialist.
  4. The right to refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law and to be informed of the medical consequences.
  5. The right to expect that all communications and records pertaining to a medical care program will be treated as confidential, with disclosure only to individuals on the written authorization of the patient or that of a legally authorized representative.
  6. The right to expect reasonable personal safety and security as far as the University Health Services (UHS) practices and environment are concerned.
  7. The right to know the identity and professional status and relationship of all individuals involved in the patient’s medical treatment and care.
  8. The right to know any relationship of UHS to any other health care or educational institution involved in the patient’s medical care program.
  9. The right to decide whether or not to be subject of or participate in any clinical training or research program.
  10. The right of access to persons outside UHS by means of visitors and by written and verbal communication. The patient also has the right to the services of an interpreter when a language barrier exists.
  11. The right of an explanation if there is need to be transferred to another facility.
  12. The right to be informed by the physician or a delegate of any health requirements following discharge.
  13. The right to request and receive detailed explanation of the total bill regardless of the source of payment, including timely notice prior to any termination of eligibility for reimbursement by third party payers for the cost of such care.
  14. The right to know UHS’s rules and regulations as they apply to patient conduct and patient complaint procedures.
  15. The right to expect that all services will be provided following Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration Standards, including the practice of universal precautions.