At NSMC we emphasize the importance of respecting patient rights to all members of our staff. Below are "patient bill of rights" posted in several languages. We also indicate the responsibilities that patients have, which enable us to provide the best care possible.
Patient rights in Spanish Patient rights in Portuguese Patient rights in Russian
As our patient you have the right:
- To expect that your pain and symptoms will be assessed and treated with the goal of minimizing your experience of pain and discomfort, to the extent clinically possible.
- To equitable, considerate, respectful care that includes consideration of your psychosocial, spiritual, cultural and personal values and beliefs.
- To know the identity and specialty of individuals involved in your care.
- To refuse to be observed, examined, or treated by students or by any other staff without jeopardizing your access to medical care.
- To prompt response to all reasonable requests.
- If you are suffering from any form of breast cancer, the right to complete information on all viable alternative treatments.
- To receive prompt, life-saving treatment without delay and to receive the most appropriate medical treatment and care available without regard to your economic status or the source of payment.
- To confidentiality of all records and communications concerning your medical history and treatment to the extent provided by law.
- To participate or have your designated representative participate in the consideration of ethical issues, which arise in your care.
- To receive medically and factually accurate information prepared by the commissioner of public health about emergency contraception if you are a female rape victim and of childbearing age, to be promptly offered emergency contraception; and to be provided with emergency contraception upon request.
- To receive competent interpreter services when seeking care at NSMC.
- To report safety concerns.
- To obtain a copy of any rules and regulations of NSMC, which apply to your conduct as a patient, such as the No Smoking Policy.
- To file a complaint or grievance both internally and externally. Internally, you may file a complaint by contacting the NSMC Customer Service Department at 978.354.2025. Externally, you may file a complaint with MA Department of Public Health, Division of Healthcare Quality, at 800.462.5540, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations at 800.994.6610, or to the Board of Registration in Medicine at 800.377.0550.
As a patient you are responsible for:
- Providing accurate and complete information about your present symptoms, past illnesses (including pain and response to treatment), hospitalizations, medications, and other matters relating to your health.
- Reporting unexpected changes in your condition to those responsible for your care.
- Telling us if you do not understand the proposed plan of care and what is expected of you.
- Following the treatment plan recommended by the practitioner primarily responsible for your care.
- Accepting responsibility for your actions if you refuse treatment or do not follow your practitioner’s instructions.
- Assuring the financial obligations of your health care are fulfilled as promptly as possible; to give the NSMC all necessary information we will need about the payment of your care.
- Following NSMC rules and regulations affecting patient care and conduct, including the No Smoking Policy.
- Being considerate of the rights of other patients and NSMC personnel by assisting with the control of noise and number of visitors.
- Respecting the property of others and of the NSMC.
- Asking questions if you do not understand instructions given to you at discharge about the treatment plan that you will use at home, including the medications that you will take and the activities that you can perform.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Division of Health Care Quality
99 Chauncy Street, 2nd floor
Boston, MA 02111
Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine
Patient Care Assessment Unit
200 Harvard Mill Square, Suite 330
Wakefield, MA 01880
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization
1 Renaissance Blvd.
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
