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 Thank you for choosing Rutherford Hospital for your healthcare needs. Please take a few minutes to read the information in this section. It offers you information that can make your stay more comfortable and safe.
If you have any questions, please contact your nurse and/or another member of the Healthcare Team for assistance. Our staff will make sure the appropriate person is available to answer your questions.
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PATIENT RIGHTS AND PATIENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Right to Care. As our patient, you have the right to quality medical care regardless of race, sex, national origin, diagnosis, disability, political affiliation, sexual preferences, veteran status, religion, age, ability to pay, or source of payment.
Reasonable Response. As our patient, you have the right to expect that within its capacity, Mission Statement, and applicable laws and regulations, the hospital will make a reasonable response to your request for services. The hospital shall provide evaluation, service and/or referrals as indicated by the urgency of your case.
Respect and Dignity. As our patient, you have the right to considerate and respectful care at all times and under all circumstances with recognition of your personal dignity. You have the right not to be awakened by hospital staff unless it is medically necessary, to be free from needless duplication of medical and nursing procedures, and to medical and nursing treatments that avoid unnecessary physical and mental discomfort.
Identity. As our patient, you have the right to know the identity and professional status of individuals providing services for you, and to know which physician or other practitioner is primarily responsible for your care.
Information. As our patient, you have the right to obtain from your physician information concerning your diagnosis, treatment and prognosis to the degree known. Such information should be communicated in terms that you can reasonably be expected to understand. When it is not medially advisable to give such information to you, the information should be made available to your legal next of kin or to the person you have trusted to make decisions for you when you are not able to make decisions yourself.
Consent. As our patient, you have the right to receive from you physician information necessary for you to give informed consent prior to the start of any procedure and/or treatment. Except in emergencies, such information for informed consent should include, but not necessarily be limited to the specific procedure and/or treatment, the medically significant risks involved and the probably duration of incapacitation. Where medically significant alternatives for care or treatment exist, or when you, the patient request information concerning medical alternatives, you have the right to such information.
Refusal of Treatment. As our patient, you have the right to refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law and to be informed of the medical consequences of this action. When refusal of treatment by you or your legally authorized representative prevents the provision of appropriate care in accordance with ethical and professional standards, the relationship with you, the patient, may be terminated upon reasonable notice.
Advance Directives. As our patient, you have the right to receive information concerning advance directives such as a living will and a healthcare power of attorney. These documents express your choices for treatment or designate someone to represent you in the event you are unable to communicate your wishes. The advance directive will be respected to the extent permitted by law. Ask your nurse or call the Patient Representative at 828-286-5505 for more information concerning advance directives.
Privacy and Confidentiality. As our patient, you have the right to personal and informational privacy, within the law, as shown by the right to:
a. Refuse to talk with or see anyone not officially connected
with the hospital, including visitors.
b. Have your medical record read only by individuals directly
involved in your treatment or the monitoring of its quality,
and by other individuals only on your written authorization or
that of your legally authorized representative.
c. Expect that all communication and other records pertaining
to your care be available only to those directly concerned
with your care unless you give specific permission for access
by another.
d. Be placed in protective privacy when considered necessary
for personal safety.
Transfer. As our patient, you have the right not to be transferred to another facility unless you or your legally authorized representative has received a complete explanation of the need for the transfer, the alternatives, risks and benefits of such a transfer and you or your legal representative have consented to the transfer.
 Continuity of Care. As our patient, you have the right to be informed by your doctor or his/her designee of your need for care following your discharge from the hospital.
Ethical Issues/Care at the End of Life. As our patient, you have the right to participate in the consideration of ethical issues that arise in your care. Your designated representative also has this right. Decisions about care at the end of life will be handled with respect and sensitivity. The hospital shall provide a mechanism to consider ethical issues utilizing an ethics committee. You can ask for an ethics consult by call the Patient Representative at 828-286-5505.
Cultural and Religious/Spiritual Beliefs. As our patient, you have the right to express spiritual beliefs and cultural practices, as long as they are not detrimental to your medical care and do not harm others. Your religious, spiritual and cultural beliefs and values will be honored to the best of our ability.
Pain Management. As our patient, you have the right to appropriate assessment and management of pain when admitted to the hospital and throughout your hospitalization. The hospital plans, supports and coordinates activities and resources to assure that every patients' pain is recognized and addressed appropriately.
Restraints. As our patient, you have the right to be free from chemical or physical restraint and seclusion except as authorized by a physician or in an emergency when necessary for medical treatment and/or to protect you or others from injury. If restraints are indicated, the least restrictive method will be used in accordance with Hospital policy.
Communication Support. As our patient, you have the right to effective communication including the use of a telephone device for the deaf (TDD), or foreign and sign language interpreters. If any form of communication is withheld, including visitors, mail or telephone calls, you or your legal representative will be involved in that decision.
Human Experimentation. As our patient, you have the right to be advised if the hospital proposes to engage in or perform human experimentation affecting your care or treatment. You have the right to refuse to participate in such research projects without fear of retribution.
Abuse. As our patient, you have the right to be free from abuse, or harassment and you have the right to access protective services.
Safety. As our patient, you have the right to expect safety in the Hospital environment and in the procedures performed at the Hospital. We continuously strive to identify and correct any safety issues.
Hospital Rules and Complaints. As our patient, you have the right to know what hospital rules and regulations apply to your conduct as a patient and the mechanism for the initiation, review and when possible, resolution of a complaint concerning the quality of care. You have the right to file a complaint about your care without fearing retribution. You can file a complaint by calling the Hospital Patient Representative at 828-286-5505 or contacting the North Carolina Division of Facility Services, by phone at 919-733-1610 or in writing at 2701Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-2701.
Hospital Charges/Billing Explanation. You have the right to request and receive an itemized and detailed explanation of your total hospital bill for services rendered in the hospital. As our patient, you also have the right to timely notice prior to termination of your eligibility for reimbursement by an insurer or third party payor regardless of the source of payment for your care.
Patient Responsibilities
Healthcare Decision Making. You have the responsibility to participate in your own healthcare decisions and to be as accurate and complete as possible when providing your medical history and treatment information to the physicians and clinical staff.
Advance Directive. You have the responsibility or your designated representative has the responsibility to assure that a current copy of your Advance Health Care Directive is provided to the Hospital if you should have one.
Treatment. You have the responsibility to follow your physician's advice regarding healthcare requirements. You also have the responsibility to ask questions of your physician or nurse if you have questions or concerns regarding treatment, medical information, medical words or instructions. You are responsible for notifying your physician or other healthcare provider if you feel the designated treatment plan cannot be followed.
Rules and Regulations. You, your family and friends have the responsibility to follow the Hospital's rules and regulations which include limiting visitors, controlling noise, following smoking regulations and refraining from using the telephone, television or lights in a way that will disturb others. The carrying of weapons is prohibited on hospital property. The use of alcohol or drugs not prescribed by a physician is not permitted.
 Hospital Personnel. You, your family and friends have the responsibility to behave considerately and appropriately with Hospital personnel. If you are intentionally disruptive, verbally or physically, you may be referred elsewhere for non-urgent care, once your treatment is completed.
Continued Care. You are responsible for keeping follow-up appointments and for participating actively in your continued care after you leave the hospital. You should know when and where to get further treatment. Please ask questions about this matter.
Insurance Information. You have the responsibility to cooperate with the Hospital by providing complete, timely insurance information and making payment arrangements on any balances.
Concerns/Complaints. You have the responsibility to advise your nurse, physician, and/or the patient representative of any dissatisfaction you may have regarding your care.
Rights and Responsibilities of Parents and Guardians of Pediatric Patients
Course of Treatment. Parents and guardians have the right and responsibility to participate in the treatment process. The treatment process includes planning the course of treatment, remaining informed of the progress of treatment, and physically participating in the delivery of certain types of care and treatment. Parents and guardians have the responsibility to ensure that their child follows the agreed upon course of treatment.
School/Activities. Each minor patient has the right to attend school, take part in recreational and outdoor activities, and receive help in letter-writing and making telephone calls, except when restricted for therapeutic reasons.
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