Quincy Medical Center

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Patient's Bill of Rights

The entire staffs of all Steward Health Care System Hospitals are committed to ensuring that patients are aware of their rights, while providing patients with care that is of the highest quality. It is the policy of all Steward Health Care Hospitals to respect patient’s individuality and dignity. Patients have the right to make decisions regarding their own medical care, including the decision to refuse or discontinue treatment to the extent permitted by law. Under this policy, the rights and responsibilities of minor patients shall apply to their parents or guardians.

Hospitals of Steward Health Care System do not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities

In compliance with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 111 Section 70E, and in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Regulations of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued pursuant to these statutes at Title 45 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 80, 84, and 91 every patient of Steward Health Care System has access to their rights as a patient as summarized in the “ Your Rights as a Patient ” .This statement is provided to patients on admission, upon request, and is posted and available in the main lobby as well as other waiting areas around the hospital.

Patient Rights:

Hospitals of Steward Health Care System support the following rights for each patient:

The right of each patient to a reasonable response to his/her requests and needs for treatment or services within the hospital’s capacity, its stated mission and applicable laws and regulations.
The right of each patient to obtain a copy of any rules and regulations of the Hospital which apply to a person’s conduct as a patient.
The right of each patient to considerate and respectful care, including consideration of the psychosocial, spiritual and cultural values that influence the perception of illness.
The right of each patient to privacy during medical care, within the Hospital’s capacity to provide it, and to receive care in a safe setting, free from any form of abuse or harassment.
The right of the patient to receive the name and specialty of any individual responsible for care or the coordination of care upon request.
The right of each patient to obtain an explanation as to the relationship, if any, of the Hospital and its physicians to any other health care facility or educational institution insofar as the relationship relates to the patient’s care or treatment.
The right of each patient to refuse to be examined observed or treated by students or other Hospital staff without jeopardizing the patient’s access to medical care.
The right of each patient to receive prompt life saving treatment in an emergency without discrimination on account of economic status or source of payment and without delaying treatment for purposes of determining insurance information, unless such delay can be imposed without material risk to the patient’s health. This right extends to all patients, including persons accessing care through the Emergency Department.
The right of each patient to the confidentiality of his or her medical information. The patient or the patient’s legal representative will have access to the information contained within his or her medical record within the limits of the law.
The right of each patient to refuse removal of clothing.
The right of the patient suffering from breast cancer to receive complete information on the alternative treatments, which are medically viable.
The right of the patient to refuse to serve as a research subject, and to refuse any care or examination when the primary goal is educational or informational rather than therapeutic. No patient will participate as a research subject without his or her written consent.
The right of each patient to receive effective management of pain.
The right, if you are a maternity patient, if applicable, to receive information about the Hospital’s rate of cesarean sections and related statistics.
The right of each victim of sexual assault to be provided with medically and factually accurate written information prepared by the commissioner about emergency contraception.
The right of each female rape victim of childbearing age who presents at this hospital after a rape to be provided with medically and factually accurate written information prepared by the commissioner about emergency contraception.
The right of each female rape victim of childbearing age who presents to the emergency department after a rape will be offered emergency contraception.
The right of each female rape victim of childbearing age who presents to the emergency department after rape will receive initial emergency contraception upon request.
The right of each patient, or patient’s representative, in collaboration with his or her physician, to participate in the development and implementation of the care plan, and to make health care decisions to the extent permitted by law.
The right of each patient to obtain information necessary to enable the patient to make treatment decisions that reflects the patient’s wishes.
The right of each patient to know in advance who will perform each treatment or procedure and to request another physician or health care provider for treatment or consultation.
The right of the patient (or the patient-designated representative) to participate in the consideration of ethical issues that arise in the care of the patient.
The right of the patient to formulate advanced directives and to appoint a surrogate or health care agent (proxy) to make health care decisions in the event that the patient becomes unable to do so. The provision of care is not conditioned on the existence of an advance directive.
The right of the patient to accept or refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law and to be informed of the consequences of such refusal.
The right of each patient to request and receive from Patient Access Services any information the Hospital has available relative to financial assistance and eligibility for free hospital care.
The right for each patient to receive upon request an itemized bill or other statement of charges submitted to any third party by the Hospital, and to have a copy of the itemized bill or statement sent to your attending physician.
The right of all patients and their families requiring language interpretation or translation, those requiring large print/ Braille/audio video-tape, and those requiring assistance with listening devices or those with other special needs, to receive such services and materials in a timely manner at no additional cost to the patient.
The right of the patient to be informed of procedures available for resolving conflicts that may arise in the course of patient care. A patient advocate is available to meet with any patient who has a conflict, complaint or concern regarding any aspect of the care process.
The right of the patient to receive care and services offered by the Hospital regardless of race, color, national origin, disability, or age. See Nondiscrimination policy.
The right of every patient to enjoy equal visitation privileges consistent with the patient’s preferences.

Patient Responsibilities:

To provide, to the best of your knowledge, accurate and complete information about present symptoms, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and other matters relating to your health.
To report unexpected changes in your condition to those responsible for your care.
To understand your health care. If you are unclear about either your condition or medical treatment, please ask your physician or other staff memberto discuss them with you.
To follow the treatment plan recommended by the practitioner primarily responsible for your care.
To accept full responsibility foryour decision and your health care if you refuse treatment.
To pay your Hospital bill promptly and to supply us with necessary health insurance information.
To follow the Hospital’s rules and regulations affecting patient care and conduct, including the “smoking” policy.
To be considerate of the rights of other patients and the Hospital personnel by assisting in the control of the noise and the number of your visitorsand allowing your roommates and other patients privacy and quiet.
To respect the property of others and of the Hospital.
To respect the individuality of others including racial, ethnic and cultural differences.
To report your pain and to discuss with the doctors/nurses any concerns you may have about pain.
To take reasonable care of your own valuables and other possessions.

Health Care Proxy (agent)

The Health Care Proxy (agent) is a simple legal document that allows you to name someone you know and trust to make health care decisions for you if, for any reason and at any time, you become unable to make or communicate those decisions. For more information or assistance in completing the Health Care Proxy form, call the Hospital’s Patient Advocate.

Anatomical Donations

State and Federal regulation require all acute care hospitals to offer patients and families the opportunity for organ and tissue donation.

You have the right to be heard. In the event that a problem occurs which interferes with either your rights as a patient, or with the quality of care, you are encouraged to notify any of the following:

Mark O'Neill, CEO, 617-376-4012

Patient Advocate 617-376-5678

In addition, you have the right to discuss your concerns with any of the following agencies:
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
99 Chauncy Street, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 753-8000

Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine
200 Harvard Mill Square, Suite 330, Wakefield, MA 01880 (800) 377-0550

The Joint Commission
Office of Quality Monitoring
One Renaissance Blvd.
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
(800) 994-6610 or complaint@jointcommission.org

In addition, each Medicare beneficiary who is an inpatient will be provided a standardized notice, “An Important Message from Medicare” upon admission and in some cases within two days of discharge. This document should be reviewed, signed and dated by the Medicare beneficiary. As a Medicare recipient, you have the right to discuss any concerns around quality of care of services to the patient representative. Additionally, if you are not satisfied, you have the right to contact the Massachusetts Quality Improvement Organization:

MassPRO Hotline (800)-252-5533 TTY (800)-429-2370