Your Rights As A Patient

In order to ensure compassionate and quality patient care, Joint Township District Memorial Hospital supports and recognizes our patient rights and respects their right to treatment and care. We are committed to treat our patients with the dignity, respect and consideration each person deserves. The hospital promotes the following patient "Bill of Rights" adopted by the American Hospital Association and the patient rights "Conditions of Participation" adopted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). Your rights and responsibilities as a patient include the following:

1. You have the right to access medical treatment and services regardless of sex, race, national origin, religion, physical or mental disability and source of payment.
2. You have the right to considerate and respectful care at all times and under all circumstances recognizing your personal values and beliefs and special needs.
3. You have the right to personal privacy and confidentiality and the right to a safe, clean and secure environment. This may include:
   • Refusing to talk or see anyone not involved in your care.
   • Wearing personal clothing or other items that do not interfere with your care or safety.
   • Allowing patients to keep personal possessions and provide space for personal belongings as appropriate to the setting or service provided.
   • You have the right to have information about your care in the way that you can understand; and to participate in all decisions involving your care. If you are not sure what you have been told, ask questions, which may involve your care, treatment, and services, or discharge/follow-up care.
   • You have the right to make informed decisions about your healthcare. You have the right to exercise your right to accept or refuse treatment, or if unable to speak for yourself your family or legally appointed representative may do so for you. You are entitled to know the risks, benefits, side effects, and potential problems that may occur, including unanticipated problems and reasonable alternatives of any treatment and/or procedure.
     • Your right to informed consent regarding care, treatment, or services.
     • Your right to a second opinion or request for transfer, at your request and expense, without jeopardizing your care, when medically appropriate and as permitted by law.
     • Your right to choose whether or not you want to be apart of clinical trials, research, or educational programs.
     • Your right to have an Advance Directive; including a Living Will for Healthcare, Healthcare Power of Attorney, Do Not Resuscitate (DNR), Organ & Tissue Donor, or Mental Health Declaration.
4. You have the right to refuse care or treatment, as permitted by law; and to be informed of the medical consequences of such refusal.
5. You have the right to an interpreter when you do not speak or understand English, or are deaf, at no cost to you.
6. You have the right to communicate with your family and visitors by means of verbal or written communication, unless specific reasons limit such due to interfering with your care. You have the right to pastoral care and other spiritual services.
7. You have the right to have your pain assessed, evaluated and treated.
8. You have the right to know the rules and policies of the hospital that affect your care and conduct. These including smoking, filming and recording, visitor, firearms and weapon, and safety policies.
9. You have the right to know an estimated cost for your treatment choices and payment options, in so far as they are known. For any questions regarding your billed services, or to receive an itemized bill you may visit our Patient Accounts Office or call Ext. 2132.
10. You have the right to express a complaint or file a formal grievance. You are entitled to information about Joint Township District Memorial Hospital’s mechanism for initiation, review and resolution of complaints.

A patient representative is on staff to ensure your comfort and care, and is available to answer questions or concerns regarding your care or service you receive during your visit/stay. We would like to help you get the issue resolved quickly and to your satisfaction, and encourage you to share your feedback with your nurse or any staff. If we were unable to resolve your concerns this way, and/or if you prefer you may contact the Patient Representative at 419-394-3335, Ext. 2102. The patient representative will talk with you about your concern or complaints, and serve as an advocate to help communicate with individuals, and address any problems. Although most concerns can be resolved through this process, at any time you wish to discuss your concerns with an outside agency you may contact the Ohio Department of Health @ 1-800-342-0553. If you have questions regarding Medicare coverage and your rights you may call 1-800-589-7337. For further reference, state agency addresses are:

Peer Review Organization
757 Brookside Plaza Dr.
P. O. Box 6174
Westerville OH 43081-6174

Ohio Department of Health
246 N. High Street
Columbus OH 43216-0118