Standards for Privacy of Protected Health
Information
According to the federal law named the “Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act” (HIPAA), you have rights concerning the use of individually
identifiable health information. Only individuals with a legitimate “need to
know” may access, use or disclose patient information. Protected health
information may be released to other covered healthcare providers without
patient authorization if used for treatment, payment, healthcare operations, or
for public good purposes as permitted by state and federal laws. Disclosures of
protected health information for uses and disclosures outside treatment, payment
and healthcare operations require patient authorization.
While receiving care in the hospital, you may ask for your name to not be
included in the hospital directory, which means that people asking for you will
be told “I have no information about this patient.” If you want to receive
deliveries of cards and flowers, then you want your name included in the
hospital directory. If you include your name in the hospital directory, your
name will appear on a list for clergy members of your faith.
For a listing of
other HIPAA privacy rights, please refer to the Notice of Privacy Practices that
was given to you at registration time.
If You Have a Question or
Concern
The medical staff and the employees of Delnor seek to treat our patients with
fairness and concern, recognizing their needs and satisfying them to the fullest
extent possible. The Patient Advocate Department was established for you, the
patient. If you have any questions or problems that have not been answered to
your satisfaction or if you have a special need, call the patient advocate at
ext. 4303 or dial the operator and ask for a member of the patient advocate
staff.
Patient Rights and
Responsibilities
As a natural outgrowth of our organizational values
and mission, the board of directors, the medical staff and the employees of
Delnor jointly affirm and recognize the following rights and responsibilities of
patients:
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In recognition of their human dignity, all
patients have a right to courteous treatment and impartial access to quality
medical care.
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All patients have the right to be informed of
alternative treatments and to choose among the alternatives, including the
right to refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law, and to be informed
of the medical consequences of their actions.
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All patients are responsible for their own
actions if they refuse treatment or do not follow the physician’s
recommendations.
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All patients have the right to every
consideration of privacy concerning their medical care program. Patients are
responsible for being considerate of the privacy of other patients.
Telephones, televisions, radios and lights should be used in a manner
agreeable to others.
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All patients are assured confidential treatment
of their medical record by state and federal law. These statutes and
regulations control the release of information contained in your medical
record.
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All patients have the right to continuity of
care, transfer, and consultation with other medical specialties.
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All patients have the right to examine and
receive an explanation of their bill, regardless of the source of payment.
Patients have the responsibility to provide information necessary for claim
processing and to be prompt in payment of their bills.
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All patients have the right to know the rules
and regulations that apply to patient care and conduct and are responsible for
following those rules and regulations.
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All patients have a right to receive an
explanation of their treatment program and to ask for further clarification if
the course of treatment is not understood. Patients have the responsibility to
cooperate in their treatment program.