Bill of Rights

• Patients have the right to be treated with respect, consideration, and dignity.
• Patients have the right to receive treatment and care regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, sexual preference or source of payment.
• Patients have the right to be provided with appropriate privacy.
• Patients have the right, to the degree known, to have complete information concerning their diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, and prognosis.
• Patients are given the right to participate in decisions involving their health care, except when such participation is contraindicated for medical reasons.
• Patients have the right to refuse to participate in experimental research.
• Patients have the right to change practitioners.
• Patients have the right to make suggestions and express grievances; to receive a personal response to same, if so requested; and to have continued access to care without intimidation, threat, coercion, discrimination, and other retaliatory action.  No person will be asked to waive his or her rights, including the right to file a complaint regarding privacy with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, as a condition of treatment.
• Patients have the right to information on the following:  patient conduct and responsibilities; services available at the FWC; provisions for after-hours and emergency care; fees for services; payment policies; advance directives, as required by state or Federal law and regulations; provider credentialing; and accurate information regarding the competence and capabilities of the organization.
• Patients have the right under HIPAA Privacy Rules to the following:  to request limitations on their medical information; to confidential communications; to inspect and request a copy of their medical information; to request amendment for their medical information; to request accounting disclosures; and to a copy of the Notice of Privacy Practices.

Patient Responsibilities

• Patients have the responsibility to provide accurate and complete information about current and past illnesses, medications, and other matters pertaining to their health.
• Patients have the responsibility to follow the treatment plan recommended by their practitioner or express concerns regarding their ability to comply.
• Patients are responsible for their actions if they refuse treatment or do not follow the practitioner’s instructions.
• Patients have the responsibility to arrive as scheduled for appointments and to cancel in advance appointments they cannot keep.
• Patients have the responsibility to become informed of the scope of basic services offered, the costs, and the necessity for medical insurance and to actively seek clarification of any aspect of participation in FWC services and programs (including cost) that is not understood.