What are a patient's rights and responsibilities?

A patient has the right to:

  • be treated with respect and dignity.
  • have a clear understanding of the hospice concept, hospice services and how to access these services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • be cared for by a team of professionals who will provide high quality comprehensive hospice services as needed and appropriate for the patient and his/her family.*
  • receive appropriate and compassionate care, regardless of diagnosis, race, age, gender, creed, disability, sexual orientation, educational status, place of residence, or the ability to pay for the services rendered.
  • be fully informed regarding health status in order to participate in the planning of care. The hospice professional team will assist the patient and family in identifying which services and treatments will best help meet goals.
  • be fully informed regarding the potential benefits and risks of all medical treatments or services suggested, and to accept or refuse those treatments and/or services as appropriate to personal wishes. The hospice professional team will provide information about the Patient Self-Determination Act and Advance Directives in order for the patient to make his/her wishes known to those providing caring.
  • have family and/or caregivers trained in effective ways of caring for the patient when self-care is no longer possible.
  • have his/her privacy respected, and the confidentiality of his/her health care information maintained in accordance with BHS' stated Privacy Policy.
  • voice grievances concerning patient care, treatments, and/or respect for person or privacy without being subject to discrimination or reprisal, and have any such complaints investigated by the hospice.
  • be informed of any fees or charges in advance of services for which the patient may be liable. Patients have a right to access any insurance entitlement program for which they may be eligible.
  • refuse service or withdraw from the program at any time.

A patient/family* member has the responsibility to:

  • remain under a doctor's care while receiving hospice services.
  • provide hospice with accurate and complete health information.
  • participate in developing the care plan and updating it as condition or needs change.
  • assist hospice staff in developing and maintaining a safe and mutually respectful environment in which care can be provided.
  • provide a primary caregiver or abide by a caregiving plan jointly developed with the hospice team.
  • inform Benton Hospice Service staff of changes in the patient's condition/status. And, if Benton Hospice Service is financially responsible for palliative or inpatient care, to inform Benton Hospice Service staff prior to initiating any medical procedures or admitting the patient to an inpatient facility.

It is the responsibility of Benton Hospice Service to:

  • provide high quality, ethical care which is respectful of the values and spiritual beliefs of the patient and family.
  • make services available twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week based on the needs of the patient and family.
  • train its hospice workers adequately for the level of service they provide.
  • offer bereavement services to the surviving family member(s) through the first year after the patient's death.
  • maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with Benton Hospice Service Privacy Policy.

*The word "family" is intended to represent the significant people in the patient's life although they may not be directly related.