Patient Rights and Responsibilities

A written copy of your patients rights is available upon request.

At Fairview Hospital we respect the personal values and unique needs of each patient. We believe our patients are partners in their medical care.
Our expectation is that an understanding of Patients' Rights will support mutual cooperation and greater satisfaction for our patients.

To help make your stay to be as comfortable and pleasant as possible, Fairview Hospital is pleased to present to following Patient Rights in writing in compliance with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter III, Section 70 as well as The Joint Commission.

Your Rights as a Patient

At Fairview Hospital, you and your family have the right to:

Respect, Privacy and Confidentiality
We recognize your right to considerate and restful care provided with dignity.
Respecting the right of patients means recognizing that each patient has unique health care needs based on their spiritual and cultural beliefs.
We will introduce ourselves to you and we will explain our role in your care.
We will take time to listen to you and communicate information to you about your care and treatment plans.
Your medical records will be reviewed only by those directly involved in your care as outlined in hospital policy.
We will honor your personal privacy and confidentiality.

Quality Health Care and Safety
You will receive impartial access to treatment or admission regardless of race, creed, ethnicity, language spoken, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, nationality, religion or source of payment.

You can expect to be treated by skilled, compassionate, caring doctors, nurses and hospital staff.
You and your family are encouraged to express concerns and be actively involved in your plan of care. 
You have the right to know about treatment choices and to take part in your healthcare.
We encourage patients and families to report their concerns about care or safety by contacting our Patient Advocate at 528-0790 ext. 9636.
You have the right to appropriate assessment and management of your pain or discomfort.

Information and Continuity of Care 
You have the right to information concerning your health from hospital staff who are caring for you.
We encourage you and your family to take part in discussions about your care with your doctor and other caregivers.
You have the right to have your condition and treatment plan explained in ways you can understand.
If your spoken language is not English, or if you are visually or hearing impaired, interpreter services will be available.
You have the right to receive information about and an explanation of your hospital bill.
Before you leave the hospital we will teach you how to care for yourself and community resources are available to help you and your family
You have the right to know the hospital's process for taking care of your concerns or complaints. You are encouraged to discuss your concerns or complaints with your nurse, doctor or you may call your Patient Advocate at 528-0790 ext. 9636.

Participate in Decisions
You have the right to an Advance Directive/Massachusetts Health Care Proxy.
You have the right to informed consent. We will explain the risks and benefits of your options in order to assist you in making the best choice.
We will work in partnership with you to make decisions about your care.
You can ask for a second opinion from another doctor.
If it is medically appropriate, you can ask to change hospitals.

Emotional Support For You and Your Family
The patient has the right to designate virtually anyone - a family emmber, a domestic partner, representative, friend or other individual to be present with the patient for emotional support.
When you are in the hospital you might feel worried, frightened or confused. You are encouraged to speak with a member of your Health Care Team who will listen to you and will respect your feelings.
We encourage liberal visiting privileges to the extent that benefits the patient and respects the needs and rights of other patients.
You can have your family with you as much as possible. When it is not possible, staff caring for you will explain the reason.
You and your family are expected to respect the rights of other patients, families and hospital personnel.
You have the right to request pastoral care.
Your care and comfort are important to us. To receive more information about Patient Rights or if you have any questions or concerns about your care, please speak with the Patient Advocate at 528-0790 ext. 9636.

Your Responsibilities as a Patient

At Fairview Hospital, you and your family have the responsibility to:

Provide Information
You may have important information about your health. We need to know about your symptoms, treatments, medicines and other health concerns.
You should tell us what you need.
It is important for you to tell us how you want to be a partner in your care.
You should tell us if you do not understand something about your care.
If you are not satisfied with your care, please tell us how we can improve.

Be Part of Your Care
You and members of the Health Care Team work together to plan your care.
You are responsible for doing things you agreed to do in your plan of care. If you cannot follow the plan, please tell us.

Meet Financial Obligations
You are responsible to have the most current insurance information available.
If you do not have insurance, please ask to meet with our Financial Counselor or Advocacy for Access representative who can assist you.
You are asked to pay any co-payments at the time of service. Additional billing will be sent to you and we request you fulfill these financial obligations as promptly as possible.