Patient Rights and Responsibilities

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AT ROCKFORD
PATIENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

We consider you a partner in your medical care. When you are well-informed, participate in
treatment decisions, and communicate openly with health professionals, you help make your
care as effective as possible. We encourage respect for the personal preferences and values
of each individual. Patients and caregivers have certain rights and responsibilities which
should be given consideration during each episode of care. They are as follows:

1. In recognition of your human dignity, you have the right to considerate and quality care that reflects your personal values and beliefs and is consistent with sound nursing and medical practices. You are responsible for being considerate of the needs of other patients and staff.
   
2. You have the right to expect your caregiver to make a reasonable response to your request for services. You have the responsibility to keep appointments or make appropriate notifications when this is not possible.
   
3. You have the right to every consideration concerning the privacy and confidentiality of your medical care and medical records. You have the responsibility to provide accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, sensitivities or allergies to drugs and agents, and other matters relating to your health.
   
4. You have the right to expect reasonable continuity of care and assistance in locating alternatives when medically indicated. You have the responsibility to report unexpected changes in your condition to the responsible practitioner.
   
5. You have the right to be informed of your condition and our explanation of your treatment program and to ask for clarification of the course of treatment if it is not understood. You are responsible to actively participate in the decisions regarding your treatment and cooperate in the agreed plan.
   
6. You have the right to be informed of alternative treatments and to choose among alternatives. You have the right to accept or refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law and to be informed of the medical consequences of your actions. You are responsible for your actions if you do not follow your caregiver’s recommendations.
   
7. You have the right to examine and receive an explanation of charges related to your care and be provided with information available regarding payment methods. You have the responsibility to provide information necessary for claim processing and to assure that the financial obligations of your health care are fulfilled as promptly as possible.
   
8. You have the right to be informed about the patient rights and responsibilities and the procedure for review and resolution of your complaints and concerns. You are responsible for adhering to the patient responsibilities as outlined.

The University of Illinois, the medical staff, and the employees wish to treat our patients with fairness and concern, recognizing their needs and wishes, and satisfying them to the fullest extent possible.


Patient Rights & Responsibilities 12/20/04