About the University of Maryland Medical Center

Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Patient Rights

Download Code of Conduct

Download Handbook

The Medical Center is committed to providing patients with the highest quality care. You have the right to:

considerate, respectful care that is sensitive to your religious and cultural traditions.
a reasonable response to requests for care. The hospital will evaluate, treat, or refer you. If you are transferred, we will tell you why and what other choices you have. You will not be transferred until another facility accepts you and your physician approves the transfer.
information from your doctor to decide about treatment and procedures, except in emergencies.
assessment and prompt treatment of pain and other symptoms.
know if your treatment is part of a research study.
refuse treatment as allowed by law. Your doctor will tell you the effects of refusing treatment.
continued care, within reason. Upon discharge, you will be given the name, location, phone number, and hours of a doctor or clinic for follow-up.
involvement in decisions related to your care. If you have a question about ethics, ask your nurse to call pager 3900.
make decisions about future care should you become unable to communicate. You may choose someone to make health care decisions for you and protect your rights, as allowed by law.
privacy. Your history, exams, and treatment are confidential. Observers must have your permission to be present.
review your medical records and have them explained, unless restricted by law.
know about professional and financial ties between institutions and people caring for you.
a safe and secure environment.
an explanation if we restrict your visitors, mail, or telephone calls.
an explanation of hospital rules.
an examination and explanation of your bill, regardless of how it is paid.
voice your concerns about the quality of your care with your doctor, nurse, other health care workers, or a patient advocate (410-328-8777).
access protective services. A social worker can help you get the services you need (410-328-6700).

Patient Responsibilities

To help us provide you with the safest care, your responsibilities are to:

provide correct information about your past and present health.
report any unexpected change in your condition and any apparent risks in your care.
tell staff if you do not understand your diagnosis, care, or treatment.
tell staff when you have pain or other symptoms as soon as they begin. Families are encouraged to speak up for the patient who is unable to do so.
ask questions when you do not understand explanations of the staff or what you are expected to do.
tell the staff if you cannot follow instructions, proposed treatment, or care plan. If your treatment cannot be changed and you decide not to follow the plan, you or your family are responsible for the outcome. You or your family are also responsible for understanding other treatment choices.
follow hospital rules and regulations. Hospital rules protect the rights and comfort of all patients.
show respect and consideration of other patients, staff, and hospital property. You are also responsible for your visitors’ behavior.
make arrangements for paying bills. Ask questions about your bill as soon as possible.
keep appointments, or call to cancel if you are unable to keep your appointment.

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This page was last updated on: March 28, 2007.

For patient inquiries, call 1-800-492-5538 or click here to make an appointment.