Patient Rights

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The Ohio State University College of Optometry presents these patient’s rights with the expectation that observance of patient rights will contribute to more effective patient care and greater satisfaction for the patient, the doctor and the clinical organization. The following is a list of patient rights and responsibilities, in an abbreviated form. Patients are informed of their rights through the Patient Rights handouts, external websites and wall hangings located throughout care the clinic.

  1. The patient has the right to considerate and respectful care in a safe environment where they are treated with dignity and compassion. A patient has the right to receive the institution's highest quality care regardless of age, ancestry, disability, race, creed, religion, national origin, socio-economic status, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
  2. The patient has the right to obtain from the doctor information concerning the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in terms the patient can understand. In the rare case that it is not professionally advisable to give such information to the patient, the information should be made available to an appropriate and legally authorized person on behalf of the patient. A patient has the right to know, by name, the doctor responsible for coordinating the care.
  3. The patient has the right to receive from the doctor information necessary to give consent prior to referral for an additional care program and/or therapy. Except in cases of emergency, such information for consent should include, but not necessarily be limited to, the specific procedure and/or treatment, the health risks involved and the probable duration of treatment, and the significant alternatives for care and/or treatment. The patient also has the right to know the name of the person responsible for the procedures and/or treatment.
  4. The patient has the right to refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law and to be informed of the consequences of such an action.
  5. The patient has the right to every consideration of privacy concerning his/her own healthcare program. Case discussion, consultation, examination, and treatment are confidential and should be conducted discretely. Those not directly involved with the care must have the permission of the patient to be present.
  6. The patient has the right to expect that all communications and records pertaining to his/her care should be treated as confidential, except when those rights are formally waived or is required by law.
  7. Patients have the right to confidentiality with their medical records, and any discussions and decisions about your care. Patients have the right to see, request a review of, and request changes to your medical records as allowed by law and regulation. Patients have the right to expect that medical records will not be released to anyone without their consent, except when required by law or a third party payer contract.
  8. The patient has the right to expect that, within its capacity, the clinic must make reasonable response to the request of a patient for services. The clinic must provide evaluation, service, and/or referral as indicated by the urgency of the care. When necessary, a patient may be referred to another facility or provider of health services only after receiving complete information and an explanation concerning the need for and alternatives to such a referral. The providers or institution to which the patient is being referred should receive full information regarding the need for additional consultation and treatment upon the consent of the patient.
  9. The patient has the right to obtain information about any relationship of the clinic to other health care and education institutions as far as his/her care is concerned. The patient has the right to obtain information about the existence of any professional relationships among named individuals who are providing treatment.
  10. The patient has the right to be advised if the clinic proposes to engage in or perform human experimentation affecting his/her care or treatment. The patient has the right to refuse to participate in such research projects and to receive more traditional care, or be referred for such, if it is available.
  11. he patient has the right to expect continuity of care. The patient has the right to know, in advance, what appointment times and services are available and where. The patient has the right to expect that the clinic will provide a mechanism whereby the doctor or a delegate of the doctor will provide information concerning the patient's continuing health care requirements following treatment.
  12. The patient has the right to seek other opinions regarding his/her condition, prognosis, and course of therapy. The patient may choose to seek this opinion from within the resources of the clinic or may wish to have an opinion of a practitioner outside the clinic. If an opinion from outside the clinic is sought, the patient has the right to expect our full cooperation in providing any information we have obtained to the practitioner of choice, after a release of information has been signed.
  13. The patient has the right to ask for and to be informed of all professional fees, or an estimation of professional fees prior to the provision of services. The patient has the right to examine and receive an explanation of the bill regardless of the source of payment.
  14. The patient has the right to know that review procedures exist and has the right to be advised of how they may be initiated.
  15. Patients have the right to expect consideration of cultural values, beliefs, and preferences, including accommodating special religious, spiritual, and cultural practices/services, to the extent allowed by law.
  16. Patients have the right to be free and protected from abuse, neglect, inappropriate use of restraint and seclusion, humiliation, financial or other exploitation, and retaliation.
  17. Patients have the right to expect to be cared for in a safe and clean environment. Patients are encouraged to report concerns regarding care and safety.
  18. No catalogue of rights can guarantee for the patient the kind of treatment they have a right to expect. The clinic has many functions to perform, including the prevention and treatment of disease, the education of both health professionals and patients, and the conduct of clinical research. All of these activities must be conducted with an overriding concern for the patient, and above all, the recognition of their dignity as human beings. Success in achieving this recognition assures success in conjunction with the rights of the patient.

PATIENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Patients will be informed of their responsibilities related to their care, treatment, and services. Patients are expected to:

  1. Be considerate to all members of the healthcare team, fellow patients, and visitors. Be thoughtful about your language, behavior, and conduct. Abusive or disrespectful behavior such as threats, violence, disrespectful communication or harassment of other patients or of any clinic staff or faculty member will not be tolerated. Behavior that threatens the culture of safety could result in removal from the facility, dismissal from providers, a referral to security, and/or a referral to law enforcement.
  2. Understand that The Ohio State University College of Optometry is an equal opportunity employer that respects and supports an individual’s age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, race, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, veteran status or ability to pay. Staff and their work environment shall be free from all forms of discrimination and harassment. We reserve the right to assign a competent caregiver with skills that match the patient’s clinical needs. For care that is in process (e.g. during an encounter), requests for changes of a provider or other caregiver based on that provider’s race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity will not be honored, unless for extenuating circumstances that are not based on bias.
  3. Be respectful of facility property and the property of others.
  4. Understand there are rules that must be followed when receiving care and doctors and staff will help patients and visitors know the rules. Patients and visitors agree to follow the rules for their safety and for the safety of others.
  5. Out of respect for others, patients and visitors are not permitted to video/audio record or take photos of other patients or clinic staff without their permission.
  6. Give complete and accurate information about their current health, past conditions, medications, and any other matters pertinent to their health to the doctor and other members of the healthcare team.
  7. Follow the treatment plan and tell the doctor if you have any concerns, so changes can be made, if needed. If the patient chooses not to follow the care instructions, the patient will be responsible for the outcome.
  8. Keep appointments reliably and promptly or to notify the Optometry Services when unable to do so.
  9. Fulfill financial obligations for their care in a timely manner.
  10. Patients and their families are encouraged to ask questions if they do not understand the information about their treatment or what to do for their care.
  11. Patients must follow the Tobacco Free Environment policy. Smoking or the use of other tobacco products is prohibited anywhere on campus properties.
  12. The clinic supports and maintains a drug-free environment for the health and safety of the healthcare team, patients, and visitors. Use of illegal or street drugs, including marijuana (even if obtained/used for medical purposes), is prohibited anywhere on clinic property.
  13. Patients will pay bills in a timely manner. Financial counseling can be made available upon request