SUMMARY OF THE NORTH CAROLINA
PATIENT'S BILL OF
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
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North Carolina Law requires that your health care provider or heath
care facility recognize your rights while you are receiving medical
care and that you respect the health care provider's or heath care
facility's right to expect certain behavior on the part of the
patients. You may request a copy of the full text of this law from
your health care provider or health care facility. A summary of your
rights and responsibilities follows.
A patient has the right to...
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safe, high quality, medical care, without discrimination, that is compassionate and respects personal dignity, values and beliefs while maintaining high professional standards that are continually maintained and reviewed.
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participate and make decisions about your care and pain management including refusing care to the extent permitted by law. If you are unable to make your own decisions, you may have the right to appoint a surrogate decision maker. Your care provider (doctor, nurse, etc.) will explain the medical consequences of refusing recommended treatment.
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have your illness, treatment, pain, alternatives, possible complications and outcomes be explained in a manner you can understand. You have the right to interpretation as needed. When it is not possible or medically advisable to give such information to the patient, the information shall be given on his/her behalf to the patient's designee.
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expect emergency procedures to be implemented without unnecessary delay.
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know the name and role of your care providers (doctor, nurse, etc.) at your request, you have the right to a second opinion.
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except for emergencies, the physician must obtain the necessary informed consent prior to the start of any procedures or treatment or both.
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request that a family member, friend and/or physician be notified that you are under the care of this facility.
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to be informed about transfers to another facility or organization and be provided complete explanation including alternatives to a transfer.
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receive information about continuing your health care at the end of your visit.
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know policies that affect your care and treatment.
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participate in or decline to participate in research. You may decline at any time without compromising your access to care, treatment and services.
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private and confidential treatments, communications and medical records to the extent permitted by law.
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to receive information concerning your advance directives, (living will, health care power of attorney, or mental health advance directives), and to have your advance directives respected to the extent permitted by law.
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access your medical records in a reasonable timeframe, to the extent permitted by law.
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be informed of charges and receive counseling on the availability of known financial resources for health care.
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be free from restraints that are not medically required or are used inappropriately.
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not to be awakened by hospital staff unless it is medically necessary.
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have your or your families compliments, concerns, and complaints addressed. Sharing your concerns and complaints will not compromise your access to care, treatment and services.
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be free from needless duplication of medical and nursing procedures.
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medical and nursing treatment that avoids unnecessary physical and mental discomfort.
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access of advocacy or protective service agencies and a right to be free from abuse.
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pastoral or spiritual services.
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be informed of his/her rights at the earliest possible time in the course of his/her hospitalization.
A patient is responsible for...
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providing to the healthcare provider, to the best of his or her knowledge, accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications and other matters relating to his or her health.
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asking the care provider when you do not understand medical words or instructions about your plan of care.
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following your plan of care. If you are unable/unwilling to follow the plan of care, you are responsible for telling your care provider. Your care provider will explain the medical consequences of not following the recommended treatment. Your are responsible for the outcomes of not following your plan of care.
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acting in a manner that is respectful of other patients, staff and the facility property.
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assuring that the financial obligations of his or her health care are fulfilled as promptly as possible.
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following health care facility rules and regulations affecting patient care and conduct.