Patient Rights

All patients have the right to considerate, respectful care at all times under all circumstances, with recognition of their personal dignity and autonomy. It is the policy of Pungo District Hospital not to discriminate against patients, employees, physicians, volunteers, visitors or any persons interacting with the hospital with regard to race, religion, creed, sex, age, national origin, disability, handicap, economic or religious background, or the source of payment for care. If you feel you have been discriminated against, contact our Administrator.

• A patient has the right to receive considerate and respectful care, being assured of personal privacy and confidentiality concerning your care.
• A patient has the right to receive care in a safe setting without any abuse or harassment.
• A patient has the right to be assured of confidentiality of your medical record as well as your ability to access information contained in your medical record.
• A patient has the right to receive sufficient information to give consent prior to treatment except in life threatening situations.
• A patient has the right to be informed concerning your diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis as well as the names of those responsible for your care.
• A patient has the right to refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law and/or obtain a second opinion regarding your treatment.
• A patient has the right to examine and receive explanations of your bill regardless of the source of payment.
• A patient has the right to express a complaint or concern to the appropriate personnel without fear of jeopardizing continuing services and expect appropriate action within a reasonable period. You have the right to know with whom you can file your complaint within the hospital or with an external agency.
• A patient has the right to be assured that their identity and admission will be kept confidential except by permission from the patient to notify others of their status.
• A patient has the right to full disclosure of policies and procedures concerning patient rights. A copy will be provided upon request.

Patient Responsibilities

• A patient has the responsibility to provide accurate and complete information concerning your complaints, past medical history, or other matters relating to your health.
• A patient has the responsibility to ask questions and seek any information you need to understand your illness and /or treatment.
• A patient has the responsibility to obtain and carefully consider all information you may need to give informed consent for a procedure or treatment.
• A patient has the responsibility to understand and to weight the potential consequences of your refusal.
• A patient has the responsibility to follow your physician’s instructions and recommendations as well as following Pungo District Hospital policies and procedures.
• A patient has the responsibility to assume that financial obligations of your care are fulfilled as promptly as possible.
• A patient has the responsibility to request assistance as needed with appropriate financial awareness and to assist third party payers in compiling a complete medical record by authorizing a release of necessary medical information to them.
• A patient has the responsibility to express opinions, concerns, or complaints in a constructive manner so Pungo District Hospital can improve services.
• A patient has the responsibility to be considerate of the rights of other patients and facility personnel.
• A patient has the responsibility to keep nursing informed of your comfort level and a need for pain relief measures.

Patient Privacy

Any individual who enters Pungo District Hospital for care has certain rights to privacy which are protected by the hospital. Individuals not affiliated with Pungo District Hospital and not involved in your care will not be allowed to question or observe you if it would be harmful to your condition or impede your treatment plan. All medical records and communications about your care and your hospital stay are treated as confidential.

Your written permission must be obtained before your medical record can be made available to anyone not directly concerned in your care. You can, however, access the information contained in your medical record within a reasonable time frame (usually within 48 hours).

Advanced Directives

Federal law requires that you be asked upon admission to the hospital if you have an advanced directive, such as a living will or a durable power of attorney. The law also specifies that the hospital provide you with written information about advanced directives. It is important to advise our staff or your physician if you have specific wishes as to what action you want taken in the event of a life threatening emergency (if you quit breathing or your heart stops beating, for example). In the event of such an emergency, our staff and your physician are obligated to make every attempt to revive you if you have not indicated any specific wishes. Should you have any questions about this practice, your specific wishes, or want to designate a person to make health care decisions for you, please ask your nurse or physician. If you or your family members have any questions about advanced directives after reading the material provided, please ask your nurse for more information.