Patient Rights

Patients shall be provided care based on sound clinical decision-making according to their care needs. Patients will be given impartial access to treatment and have the right and responsibility to be informed and to participate in decisions involving their care and treatment.

Florida Law requires that your health care provider or health care facility recognize your rights while you are receiving medical care and that you respect the health care provider or health care facility’s right to expect certain behavior on the part of their patients. You may request a copy of the full text of this law from UF Health Central Florida’s Patient Relations department by calling 352.323.5410.

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO:

• Safe, considerate and respectful care with thoughtful attention to privacy and confidentiality of your health care information.
• Receive medical treatment and accommodations regardless of race, national origin, religion, culture, language, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and source of payment.
• Obtain current, relevant and understandable information from your health care team and feel unencumbered to ask questions regarding your care and treatment.
• Know the identity of the physicians, nurses and caregivers providing your medical services.
• Be provided information by your health care providers concerning your plan of care to include diagnosis, course of treatment, prognosis, risks, benefits and alternatives.
• Refuse recommended treatment or plan of care to the extent permitted by law.
• To consent or decline participation in medical treatment for the purposes of experimental research.
• Request to have the hospital’s treating physician consult with your primary care provider or specialist when developing your plan of care.
• Request a reasonable estimate of charges for medical care prior to treatment.
• Request a copy of an understandable and reasonably clear itemized bill and, if requested, an explanation of the charges.
• Upon request be given full information and necessary counseling on the availability of known financial resources for care.
• If Medicare eligible, know whether the health care provider or facility accepts the Medicare assignment rate.
• Express grievances regarding any violation of your rights, through the grievance procedure of the health care provider who served you or the UF Health Central Florida Patient Relations department, and to the appropriate state agency.
• Agency for Health Care Administration, 2727 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32308 // Phone: 888.419.3456
• The Joint Commission Office of Quality and Patient Safety, One Renaissance Boulevard, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181 // Fax: 630.792.5636 // jointcomission.org.

If the patient is incapacitated, incompetent or a minor, their rights can be exercised by a legally authorized person.

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR:

• Communicating previous medical history to include hospitalizations, medications or unexpected changes in your health.
• Cooperating with health care providers and asking questions to clarify your plan of care and what is expected of you.
• Following the recommended treatment plan and instructions provided.
• Keeping appointments or notifying the health care facility when you cannot keep a scheduled appointment.
• Prompt response to financial obligations related to the health care treatment received.
• Abiding by health care facility rules and regulations affecting your care and conduct. · Informing your health care providers or Patient Relations at 352.323.5410 regarding any concerns where you were not able to exercise your rights.